ST. GEORGE – As part of the Dixie Round Up Rodeo kickoff, country music sensation Eric Dodge will open for Chris LeDoux's Western Underground in a special tribute concert.
Six years ago on 9/11, Dodge opened for LeDoux and Western Underground after winning the Colgate Country Showdown.
"That was my first big show," Dodge said. "I didn't have a band, I was just singing to tracks. It was very nerve racking. There were a lot of people there. It was one of the biggest concerts to ever come to St. George."
Since then, Dodge has released four albums and his songs can be heard on KONY Country in St. George and Sirius Satellite Radio.
Dodge and his band have since opened for big stars like Carrie Underwood, Julianne Hough, Travis Tritt, Due West, Colin Raye and SheDaisy. However, he said he has a special place in his heart for LeDoux and always sings one of LeDoux's songs at his concerts.
"It's a special occasion for me," Dodge said. "Chris LeDoux is one of my greatest heroes. He was a true cowboy. Everything about him was real. If I could put on a show like him, that's when you've made it. It's nice to see Western Underground continuing the legacy they created with Chris LeDoux."
To celebrate his return to the Dixie Sunbowl, Dixie Press newspaper and Southern Utah Tickets are holding the "Biggest Eric Dodge Fan" contest. The winner will receive two tickets to the upcoming concert.
To enter, contestants must email Dixie Press Publisher Jen Watkins, [email protected], and explain why they are Eric Dodge's biggest fan. The winner will be announced on the Dixie Press Radio Show on Thursday, September 9, where Dodge will be co hosting the Dixie Press Show with Jen and Chanda. The winner will have 10 minutes to call the show and speak to Dodge once their name is announced, or another winner will be chosen.
Contestants can listen to the Dixie Press Radio Show with Jen and Chanda on Fox News 1450 KZNU or online at www.foxnews1450.com from 4:30 to 5 p.m.
The concert will be held Saturday, Septemer 11, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Although the show isn't scheduled to start until 8 p.m., Dodge and his band will begin performing at 7:30 p.m. Before the concert, a special flag skydiving ceremony will be held to honor the United States military and the heroes of 9/11.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.southernutahtickets.com, by phone at 435-669-6126 or at IFA Country Stores in St. George and Cedar City. Children 10 and under are free.
The Dixie Sunbowl will also host Firehouse on Friday, September 10. Tickets can be purchased at www.southernutahickets.com for $25. Children 10 and under are free.