Sammy Kershaw to Headline Hope Watermelon Festival Aug. 8

The Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope Foundation to bring Sammy Kershaw to the 39th annual Hope Watermelon Festival with special guest Buddy Jewell on Saturday, August 8 at 8:30 p.m. Buddy Jewell, “Nashville Star” winner and Gold record artist, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. and headliner Sammy Kershaw hits the stage at 8:30 p.m. Kershaw will perform his number one hit “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” along with several of his top 10 hits. Throughout his 20 plus years in country music Kershaw has had over 25 singles that have been in the top 40 on the country music charts.

Jewell’s self-titled album on Columbia Records soared to No 1 on the Billboard Top Country Album charts. The album was certified gold and garnered two back-to-back Top 5 hits with “Sweet Southern Comfort” and “Help Pour Out the Rain." Both tunes have 1 million certified radio plays.

For the first time, this year’s festival concert will also include a Friday night concert featuring the Beatles' Tribute Band, Liverpool Legends. The band will perform on Legion Field at 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 7. Liverpool Legends Beatles Tribute band are four musicians and actors who were hand-picked by Louise Harrison – sister of the late George Harrison.

“Liverpool Legends Beatles Tribute Band present the very best portrayal of The Beatles that I have ever seen,” she says. Headlining their own production in Branson since 2006, Liverpool Legends have been voted Best New Show, Best Band, and Best Overall Show.

Tickets go on sale Friday, June 12, with a one-day, early bird, discounted ticket sale. Early bird tickets will be sold at the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Early Bird tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 4-10.

After this one-day sale, advanced tickets for Saturday night will be $12 for adults; day of show tickets will be $20. Children’s tickets will be $6 day on the day of the show.

A Friday and Saturday Concert Combination General Admission Ticket or the “FAST” ticket may be bought for $15.

Here's Sammy Kershaw's "Love of My Life."

Lots of people have said Sammy sounds a lot like Country Legend George Jones. I have to agree. Here's a video of Sammy doing a tribute song about the possum.

Mark your calendars and stop by the chamber to get your concert tickets. For more information about the concert, contact the UACCH Foundation at 870-722-8516 or visit their website.