(5-13-23) Confederate Railroad first rolled onto the national country music scene in the early 90s with its unique style and sound. Headed by founder and frontman Danny Shirley, the former backup band for both David Allan Coe and Johnny Paycheck got their big break by signing with Atlantic Records. The first single from their debut album (โConfederate Railroadโ) was โShe Took It Like A Manโ. It went to No. 26, a preview of what was to come. โThe next two singles, โJesus and Mamaโ and โQueen of Memphisโ went to the top of the charts. Three more huge hits followed, โTrashy Womenโ, โWhen You Leave That Way You Can Never Go Backโ, and โShe Never Criedโ. โTrashyโ would lead to a Grammy nomination and become their signature song. That album with six hits and nearly three million sales brought Confederate the Academy of Country Musicโs Best New Group Award in 1993 as well as numerous nominations from the Country Music Association and the British Country Music Foundation.
The second album, โNotoriousโ, produced one of the groupโs most popular songs โDaddy Never Was the Cadillac Kindโ which became a No. One video as well. โElvis and Andyโ and โSummer in Dixieโ would further establish the Railroad as one of the most versatile acts in the business. This album would sell more than one million. Their overall totals are 18 charted hits and five million albums sold. From rowdy country to raw emotion, a Confederate Railroad concert today covers a wide range of feelings. Young people will be there rocking to โTrashy Womenโ, while their parents and even grandparents will likely be singing along to โJesus and Mamaโ. The band plays 100 or so dates each year. Whatever the venue, they are right at homeโฆbe it a fair, a club, or a biker show. Shirley, the lead singer and vocalist, and his mates, Mark Dufresne on drums, Mo Thaxton on bass and vocals, Rusty Hendrix on lead guitar and Joey Recker on keyboards and vocals are obviously having fun right along with their appreciative audience. At the end of each show, the band stays around until every fan who wants an autograph, or to pose with the group for a picture or just say โhelloโ is taken care of.
The Van Wert County Agricultural Society is honored to offer this concert as FREE to all Veterans (with form of veterans identification). Van Wert County Veterans can secure their free ticket by visiting the Fair office at 1055 S. Washington St, Van Wert, OH 45891 by May 31st with appropriate veteran identification to secure their choice seating.
Starting June 1, 2023, ticket sales and availability will be open to outside community veterans and the general public. Veterans tickets are free. Tickets are $10 each for general admission or $15.00 each for track seating. Our track seating ticket holders are advised to bring their own lawn chair to fully enjoy the concert. Tickets can be bought online or in person by visiting the Van Wert County Fair office at 1055 S. Washington Street, Van Wert, OH 45891.
