Country Newcomer Matt Gary to Open for Frankie Ballard Nov. 14

The Taste of Country Christmas Tour kicks off Saturday night (Nov. 14) at Shooters with headliner Frankie Ballard and special guest opener Matt Gary.

Raised in Lenexa, Kansas, Gary spent his summers at the Lake of the Ozarks where he developed a passion for the water and boats. Learning how to drive a boat at the age 11 was very exciting until his mother made him wear a bike helmet. Soccer and his love of music pretty much ruled his youth growing up. Gary was the captain of his high school soccer team and he won two state championships.

But Gary still had a burning desire to follow his dream into the country music industry. Eventually, he landed on a list of CMA's "Who to Watch" and received the "Discovery Award" from country's leading critic Robert K. Oermann.

Gary is a graduate of the University of Tampa, where he received a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and a B.A. in Digital Art and Computer Animation.

Many folks including his brother have said Gary is a laid back, easy going kind of guy who lives by the truth. "He sometimes lacks a filter," says his brother.

Musical influences include Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney and fellow Midwesterner David Nail.

Check out this lyric video of "It's On You."

Tickets are just $15 online through midnight tonight (11/13) and then go up to $20 tomorrow. Tickets will be available Saturday online until 6PM and at the door if there are any left. Doors open at 7PM so get there early.