Summer is not officially here but with schools concluding and the temperatures rising, the time to enjoy the great outdoors is upon us. For several years, the staff at KAT Country has tried to bring the community an all-star list of acts to perform in the Central Valley to show their loyal listeners some appreciation.
KAT Country 103 presents the Listener Appreciation Concert on Saturday with the show returning to the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway in Turlock. The gates open at 12 and show time is at 2 p.m. with a stellar lineup of artists including Gloriana, Thompson Square, Waterloo Revival, Parmalee, Ruthie Collins, and Austin Webb.
The venue has changed this year after being at Weber Point in Stockton for the past five years. The concert has moved back to the Stanislaus County fairgrounds where it was in the past to accommodate the 15,000-plus guests that they are anticipating to attend.
This concert is free to Kat Country listeners as a thank you for their support throughout the year. To secure entrance into the show listeners had to visit a ticket stop which was held throughout the Valley.
Parmalee, which includes brothers Matt Thomas on lead vocals and Scott Thomas on drums and guitar, cousin Barry Knox on bass, and friend Josh McSwain on guitar, made their way to the West Coast at the end of May and will perform with the other artists at the LAC.
Landing a record deal with Stoney Creek Records was a highlight for the band and with their new single “Already Callin’ You Mine” hitting the Top 40 on U.S. Country Radio, things are going really well for them.
“Going overseas and playing for the troops was another highlight which was awesome,” said Matt Thomas. “It was really cool.”
They have toured with other artists like Jake Owen and Brad Paisley and have played at several festivals, fairs and clubs on their own.
“That is always a good time like all these festivals,” said Matt Thomas. “I like performing outdoors this time of year unless it is too hot, but the big outdoor festivals are fun, it is a big party.”
Matt Thomas explained that his dad was a big influence on their music that was like Bob Seger, Greg Allman, and Travis Tritt; however, they were also influenced by ‘60s soul, ‘70s rock and roll, metal, and even today’s pop music.
“Everybody works together and works hard,” added Matt Thomas regarding playing in the band with family. “You kind of know what each other’s moods are going to be and how to work around each other.”
Parmalee will be touring all summer and will continue to work on new music in the studio.
“We are out here just grinding it out on the road just trying to get everybody to hear us,” expressed Matt Thomas.
“Artists that play here are our friends for life,” stated Matt Thomas. “We are glad to share that friendship with our listeners.”
