Derek Wash, a board member with the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo and coordinator for the show, said ticket sales from the event will go to help pay for entertainment during next year's rodeo.

“We hear people in Big Spring saying they want big-name artists and entertainment, and that's exactly what we're hoping to secure with this dance,” said Wash. “It will be the first annual fall dance, and the money we raise will be used to help bring bigger and better name artists to the rodeo dances.

“Artists like Aaron Watson and Kevin Fowler don't come cheap. Some of them get as much as $20,000 for playing a 90-minute show. So if we want to bring in artists of that caliber, we're going to have to find a way to pay for it, and the board is totally non-profit. This gives the community a chance to come together and show their support. We can't accomplish what we're trying to do without the community behind us.”

Wash said the show, which will get under way at 8 p.m. at the Howard County Fairbarn, will open with some local talent.

“Guy Will Zant and his band will open up the show. They're local boys and a really good band,” said Wash. “After that, Hwy 55 will take the stage. We were really lucky to be able to get them in the lineup, and they are really looking forward to playing in Big Spring. And, of course, there's the headliner Casey Donahew. That guy is such an amazing artist. It's good Texas country, and I'm sure everyone will have a lot of fun.”

Although he’s nominated for a Gruene with Envy Texas music award as New Artist of the Year, Casey Donahew’s actually got six years, three albums and a legion of fans behind him, according to the artists publicists. Donahew began performing in Fort Worth at the Thirsty Armadillo and R Bar.

Returning home from Texas A&M, the guy who proudly hails from Johnson County made the rounds in the area’s smaller club circuit in 2002 and 2003. In 2008 the band released their third album, titled “Live, Raw, Real in the Ville.” The first single released off this album, “Crazy” — which was co-written by Casey and his wife Melinda — went all the way to the top and hit No. 1 on the Texas Music Chart in June of 2008. The song also came in at No. 17 on Texas Music Chart’s top 30 songs of the year.

Wash said Donahew and crew are expected to play until well after midnight.

“We'll have a drink barn ready,” said Wash with a laugh. “Tickets for the dance are $20 each. There's also a VIP package, which includes eight tickets to the show and a special table, right up front. That's $250, and that's exactly what I'll be getting for myself. There's no way I'm gonna stand around for four-and-a-half hours.”

According to Wash, area residents that would like to see bigger acts perform at the rodeo in coming years will get the chance to show their support.

“People like to complain about it, but here's their chance to do something about it,” said Wash. “It's going to be a fantastic time, and the money we raise will give us the chance to bring bigger and better acts to Big Spring for the rodeo. But none of that can happen if the community doesn't come out and show their support.”

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it