Known as “Fayetteville’s Biggest Country Music Party,” WKML 95.7 is once again bringing foot-stomping, acoustic energy to the Crown Complex with their Stars and Guitars concert on Nov. 10. The Crown Complex is excited to host this high-demand event for the thirteenth time. What began years ago in the Crown Theatre and eventually outgrew the space, now takes place in the Crown Coliseum, with pre-sale tickets selling out in 20 minutes.
The concert features rising country music stars backed by fully acoustic sets—a refreshing change of pace in a world of processed audio. Previous years have seen now-Billboard-topping artists such as Morgan Wallen perform live long before ticket prices for his performances skyrocketed along with the artist’s fame.
“When these artists sign up for the show, they’re made fully aware that it is a completely acoustic set,” says Anna Deaton Ricuard, Marketing Manager at the Crown Complex. “I think it shows the integrity of the artists, knowing that they have what it takes to be a real country musician, and they have the vocals along with the great songs.”
She says the raw, acoustic performance is special because it’s something “you don’t get to see nowadays.” Despite the unfiltered and unscripted nature of the show, Ricuard says the talent does not disappoint.
“We see a ton of well-rounded artists come through here,” she explained. “Getting to hear the raw vocals and talent is really amazing.”
This year, artists John Morgan, Jackson Dean, Greylan James, Hudson Westbrook and Ashley Cooke, will take the stage, galvanizing audiences not only with vocal and instrumental skill, but personal connection.
“One of the things that is so unique about this concert is the stories they tell,” shared Gary Rogers, Director of Marketing at the Crown Complex. He said artists share personal anecdotes about themselves, and fellow artists leave audiences amused and with a greater understanding of what life is like behind the scenes.
“The backstage stories of how and where they come up, the stories of them growing and playing in the same bars in Nashville and things like that—it gives you an insight into country music that you don't get to see anywhere else.”
With pre-sale tickets selling out within 20 minutes, and the remaining nearly 4,000 tickets selling within a few hours, artists and attendees should expect a packed house. Ricuard says the event is a tradition for many in the community, noting that she saw familiar faces waiting in line for tickets before daybreak.
“It’s really awesome to see the community rally behind a show,” she shared.
She said the event is a personal favorite of hers. “I usually end up becoming a fan of an artist I’ve never even heard of before,” she gushed. “It’s awesome to see the trajectory of where they go after they hit the Stars and Guitars.”
Rogers added that there are still opportunities to win tickets through WKML 95.7 giveaways. “Big kudos to the WKML 95.7 team for all the hard work they put into this program!” he said.
Stars and Guitars will be held at the Crown Coliseum on Nov. 10.