Corey Kent with Ashley Cooke

The Sioux Empire Fair is excited to welcome Corey Kent with special guest Ashley Cooke to the Billion Automotive Main Stage at the Sioux Empire Fair on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

A native of Bixby, Oklahoma, Corey Kent has been poised for a career in music from the beginning. A fan of anyone bold enough to walk their own path, Kent grew up on the music of independent-thinking stars like Randy Rogers Band, Turnpike Troubadours, and even Willie Nelson – unconventional Texas/Oklahoma legends who toured hard, took creative chances and weathered all storms.

In 2020, Corey released his From the West LP which garnered 3.5+ million aggregate streams and set the stage for his next chapter. His song “Gold” and fan favorite “Ain’t My Day” has nearly 15 million streams combined.

In December of 2021, Corey released his sophomore album, ’21, to an overwhelmingly positive reception and landed on multiple playlists across streaming platforms with his single “There’s Always Next Year.” On March 4, 2022, Corey released his smash hit single “Wild As Her” and shortly after signed his deal with Sony Music Nashville and their RCA Nashville Imprint.

2023 comes around & Kent marked his debut album for Sony Music Nashville. The Blacktop title nods to the key themes of this rising star’s life … and to the long journey that lies ahead. After 15 years of paying dues, he now boasts a Platinum-certified hit, “Wild as Her,” over 450 million career streams, a massive social following and next-big-thing accolades from across the industry – plus a heartfelt fusion of country honesty, raw Red Dirt power and live-performance passion. The 10-track album features writing credits from Kent himself as well as Morgan Wallen, Ryan Hurd, Kelly Archer, Lydia Vaughan and more with production from Jay Joyce and Chris Farren and is an actual representation of various pieces of Kent’s life and the next evolution of his sound.

Corey Kent finds himself musically at the intersection of rock infused country, heartland values, and red dirt grit. Still in his 20’s, he built the foundation of a fanbase, has been developing his show for 15 years, and is now positioned as one of country music’s next breakout artists nationwide. Drawing inspiration from The Eagles, Keith Richards, Turnpike Troubadours and more, Kent strives to build an undeniable stage presence as his bandana-wearing, Rock ‘N’ Roll spirit comes to life on the stage.

With Big Loud / Back Blocks Music Country artist Ashley Cooke, it’s best to know what you’re getting into – because this emerging star is the definition of more than meets the eye. A graceful exterior matched by a casual-cool nature. Skillfully crafted lyrics and a knack for unforgettable performance. Effortless vocal beauty and a bold sense of internal grit, freely mixing it up with the boys while she rallies the girls. And most important, a passion for capturing the magic between heartbeats, each moment as unique as she is. Still early in her journey, being herself has already served Cooke well. It has led to over 270M global streams with chart climbing hits like “Never Til Now” with Brett Young, Ryman and Grand Ole Opry debuts, national TV appearances on ABC’s The Bachelorette and NBC’s TODAY, tours with Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell, Brett Young and more.

Hailing from Parkland, Fla. and moved by emotional hit makers like Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Ed Sheeran and more, Cooke embraces the energy of pop and depth of Country, writing her first song by age 11. Cooke moved to Nashville at 18 and attended the prestigious Belmont University – but unlike so many others, she did not study music. After entering the schools revered Country Showcase on a whim and winning, Cooke decided to pursue music for a year. When the pandemic had other plans, Cooke went to TikTok where she built a thriving fanbase, writing and sharing Country music on her own terms.

And now, the next chapter begins with her debut album shot in the dark. Unfolding as if they were ripped from pages of her personal journal, Cooke’s sun-kissed blend of two-lane pop Country is on full display in the collection’s 24 tracks, inspired by true tales of love, heartbreak and all the moments in between. Fully capturing the essence of a daring twenty-something growing up, chasing her dreams and taking risks, Cooke infuses heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies and raw relatability as she invites listeners to come along for the ride. The striking debut has already garnered Cooke praise from Billboard who named her the July 2023 Rookie of the Month, with additional praise pouring in from People, American Songwriter, The Tennessean and more. Cooke went on to be named MusicRow’s 2023 Discovery Artist of the Year and Next Big Thing and iHeartCountry’s On The Verge artist as her hit single “your place” spins in the Top 20 on Country radio stations nationwide.

Corey Kent with special guest Ashley Cooke is FREE with paid fair admission on the Billion Automotive Main Stage! Fair admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 - 12, and free for children ages 5 and under. PIT Passes are $25 in advance per person, per event, and will be on sale June 3, online only, atwww.siouxempirefair.com.