Country music legends Aaron Tippin and Sammy Kershaw will co-headline the musical entertainment during the 41st annual Swiss Wine Festival (SWF). The entertainers will perform individually and then together on Fri., Aug. 24, from 7:00-10:00pm on the festival’s Big Stage. The SWF spans four days—Thurs., Aug. 23-Sun., Aug. 26, 2012 at Paul Ogle Riverfront Park in Vevay, IN.
Known in the music industry as the “Hillbilly Hercules,” Tippin will kick-off Fri. evening’s performance from 7:00-8:15pm. Apart from writing, recording, and wowing crowds with his live appearances, he is also a pilot, farmer, winemaker, outdoorsman, avid bodybuilder, and devoted family man.
Fresh from unveiling He Believes, an exclusive album for Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, Tippin’s concern that country music turned its back on its highway heroes prompted the release of In Overdrive. This second collection features trucker classics such as East Bound and Down, Drivin’ My Life Away, and many more.
Tippin has produced mega hits such as You’ve Got To Stand For Something, Working Man’s PhD., and Kiss This, a “cheeky” No. 1 song he co-wrote with his wife and partner-in-everything, Thea. Five of his albums are certified “gold,” with a sixth CD—Read Between the Lines— established at the “platinum” level.
Sammy Kershaw will perform from 8:45-10:00pm. Debuting on the music scene in the early 90s, Kershaw has remained one of the most consistent power hitters in country music both with a chain of major hit records and sell-out touring schedules.
Often referred to as the heir apparent to the legendary voice of George Jones, Kershaw helped make the ‘90s a shining decade for country music. It’s a comparison not lost on Sammy, who grew up in the Cajun country of Louisiana on a diet of crawfish and country music. Kershaw’s plan for country music is re-claiming its roots and recapturing the spirit that made it great—the recording studio.
Along with his music, helping others is a subject close to Kershaw’s heart. The oldest of four children, his father’s tragic death forced him to mature even faster than the clubs and honky-tonks he was performing in at age 12. Kershaw speaks openly today of years spent battling substance abuse and addictions, and encourages youths “not to follow in my footsteps.”
Kershaw’s tough, macho exterior is deceiving. He’s considered a “softie,” especially when the subject turns to kids and improving their lives. Establishing the Sammy Kershaw Foundation in his hometown of Kaplan, more than two million dollars in aid has helped organizations such as the Make a Wish Foundation and those that establish camps for crippled children.
Kershaw’s contributions to the country music industry has also propelled him into the record books with “platinum” albums that contained hits such as, She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful, Working Woman’s Holiday, Cadillac Style, Don’t Go Near The Water, and many other milestones.
The Tippin/Kershaw performances are included in the $4 SWF admission charge. A $3 parking fee is additional if needed. An autograph session with both entertainers will take place afterwards. Guests should bring lawn chairs.
For more information, contact Switzerland County Tourism (SCT) at 812-427-3237 or the SWF office at 812-427-9463. Information can be found on the switzcotourism.com or swisswinefestival.org websites, or by e-mailing visitsc@vevayin.com, or the SWF office at info@swisswinefestival.org. Updates will be posted on the Switzerland County Tourism and Swiss Wine Festival Facebook Pages and @SwitzCoTourism on Twitter.
Contact Information
- Paul Ogle Riverfront Park
- 100 Ferry Street, Vevay, IN 47043
- 812-427-3237
Event Time
- Thursday, August 23, 2012
- 8:00 PM
Price
- $4 Swiss Wine Festival Admission, $3 Parking