PRESS RELEASE
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Governor-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that all the musical entertainment at her upcoming inaugural events will showcase the best of Arkansas.
Featured Arkansas entertainers across the celebration will include Justin Moore, Joe Nichols, Collin Raye, Zach Williams, Capitol Offense featuring former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Drumline, Philander Smith College Choir, Ouachita Baptist University Singers, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and the 106th Army National Guard Concert & Jazz Bands.
“I am honored that some of Arkansas’ premiere entertainers are going to help showcase the music and culture of our state,” Sanders said. “From country to rock and roll, Arkansas has provided the world with some of the best entertainers the United States has to offer, and it’s going to be exciting to showcase several of them at my inauguration.”
Sanders announced in November that the occasion will commence on Saturday, January 7 with Freedom Fest in the afternoon followed by Bourbon & Cigars with the First Gentleman that evening. Tuesday, January 10 will begin with a Prayer & Worship Service before the state’s new First Family proceeds to the Capitol where the Governor-elect will take the oath of office and deliver her inaugural address. The celebration and day will conclude with the Governor’s Inaugural Ball at the Statehouse Convention Center. All the events will reflect the inaugural theme—A New Generation—and beautifully showcase Arkansas and its wonderful people, food, music, and culture.
About the performers:
Justin Moore
Justin Moore is a multi-PLATINUM hitmaker who has built a loyal following over the past decade with his traditional country sound and captivating live shows.
Climbing the country radio charts with his current single, “With a Woman You Love,” the emotional tune follows in the footsteps of his 10th No. 1 hit, “We Didn’t Have Much,” which is featured on his eight-track collection of tunes, ‘Straight Outta The Country.'
The Arkansas native’s extensive fanbase helped boost his fifth studio album, LATE NIGHTS AND LONGNECKS, to the top of the charts upon its release. Lead track “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” and follow-up “Why We Drink” both peaked at No. 1 on both Mediabase and Billboard. Moore’s previous project, KINDA DON’T CARE, earned the singer his third consecutive No. 1 album debut and features his chart-topping singles “You Look Like I Need A Drink” and “Somebody Else Will.” It served as a follow up to his second No. 1 album release, the GOLD-certified OFF THE BEATEN PATH.
Over his 10+ year career, Moore’s No. 1 hits have also included “Point at You,” “Lettin’ The Night Roll” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Small Town USA” and “Till My Last Day” as well as seven Top 10 hits and PLATINUM-certified albums JUSTIN MOORE and OUTLAWS LIKE ME.
The Valory Music Co. recording artist has earned multiple ACM, ACA, and ACC Awards nominations as well as an ACM Award win. He has shared the stage with Hank Williams Jr., Brad Paisley, and Miranda Lambert, routinely traversed coast-to-coast on headline runs and hit the road this spring to headline his ‘Country On It Tour.’
Adding to his already impressive career, Moore has also been busy hosting his Justin Moore Podcast sponsored by Bobcat with tour manager JR and interviewing guests such as Oscar award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey; Country stars Tracy Lawrence, Jon Pardi, Brantley Gilbert; wrestling champion Diamond Dallas Page, and ESPN’s Marty Smith.
He also recently took on a new role as co-host on 103.7 The Buzz's morning drive-time sports talk show, "Morning Mayhem" where he spends his weekday mornings dishing out his never-ending sports knowledge on-air. For tour dates and more, visit JustinMooreMusic.com.
Joe Nichols
Joe Nichols has been a mainstay of country music for two decades, bridging the gap between the genre's old-school roots and contemporary era. He's a 21st century traditionalist — an artist who's both timely and timeless, racking up a half-dozen Number 1 singles and ten Top 10 hits with a sound that honors his heroes. From his first radio smash, 2002's "The Impossible," to 2021's Home Run," Nichols has proudly done things his own way, blurring the boundaries between country music's past and present along the way.
It's an approach that has earned Nichols multi-platinum success, three Grammy nominations, a CMA award, an ACM trophy, and — perhaps most importantly — the support of his idols.
For Nichols — an Arkansas native who grew up listening to icons like George Strait, Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Buck Owens — keeping things country has been a lifelong mission.
He made his major-label debut with 2002's Man With A Memory, a platinum-selling album rooted in southern storytelling and honky-tonk hooks, then continued blending the worlds of neo-traditionalist country and modern twang with follow-up records like Real Things, Crickets, and It Never Gets Old. Between duetting with Dolly Parton on "If I Were a Carpenter," serving as Garth Brooks' hand- picked opening act, and numerous other career milestones, Nichols also kept things lighthearted, showcasing his easy-going humor with "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" and a slow, shuffling cover of Six Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back."
At the core of his sound, though, remained a serious commitment to a bigger goal: making genuine country music that nodded to his influences while still breaking new ground.
Collin Raye
Born Floyd Elliot Wray on August 22, 1960, in De Queen, Arkansas, country artist Collin Raye was one of the true hit makers of the 90s. Collin still continues to crank out soulful, heartfelt material with the honesty and richness that is signature to his vocals alone. With 24 top ten records, 16 #1 hits, and having been a 10-time male vocalist of the year nominee (5 CMA and 5 ACM), this truly electrifying performer of his era remains one of the great voices of our time.
Collin Raye is nothing if not passionate. His soulful delivery has set country standards in such searing ballads as “Love, Me,” “In This Life,” “Not That Different” and “If I Were You”. Always an energizing showman, he has also blazed through such vivid rockers as “My Kind of Girl,” “That’s My Story,” “I Can Still Feel You” and “I Want You Bad.”
Collin shot to fame with “Love, Me” in 1991. Listeners were so moved by this golden and pure voice that this song set the cornerstone for a career built on meaningful and emotional songs that have often been used for weddings, anniversaries, memorial services and funerals.
When “Little Rock”, an anthem for those struggling with addiction recovery, hit the chart in 1994, its video led to over 100,000 phone calls to Alcoholics Anonymous from folks seeking help in their addictions. “Not That Different” was a song that pleaded for tolerance. “In This Life” became a wedding favorite, and “I Think About You” won awards for its song and video which exposed the exploitation of women and children.
Collin Raye has consistently used his stardom to advance social causes. Among the organizations he has supported are Boys Town, First Steps, Al-Anon, Special Olympics, Country Cares About AIDS, Catholic Relief Services, Parade of Pennies, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, The Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence, The Emily Harrison Foundation, Childhelp USA, Silent Witness National Initiative, Easter Seals, The Life and Hope Network, and Make a Difference Day.
It came as no surprise when in 2001 at the Country Radio Seminar, Clint Black presented Collin Raye with the organization’s Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition of Collin’s issue-oriented music and his tireless charity work.
The man who has topped the charts with such great songs as “On the Verge,” “One Boy, One Girl,” “What the Heart Wants,” “Every Second”, “That Was a River”, “Anyone Else”, and “If I Were You” continues to touch hearts across the globe in both traditional and new ways.
Collin Raye’s new outreach is very personal. In 2010, after the loss of his precious 10-year-old grandchild, Haley, Collin and his daughter Britanny (Haley’s mother) established The Haley Bell Blessed Chair Foundation to honor her memory. The Foundation supports and assists families of the cognitively and physically disabled with a primary emphasis on supplying wheelchairs and other necessary medical equipment to elevate the quality of life for the disabled family member in need. Collin wrote a very special song for Haley called, “She’s With Me”, which carries a powerful message for families of special needs children.
Additionally, in 2011 Collin released his first inspirational album, His Love Remains, which quickly shot to #1 on Amazon for inspirational and religious music. In 2013, Collin released his latest album, “Still on the Line”, which is a tribute album to his longtime friend and country music legend, Glen Campbell, who continues to battle Alzheimer’s Disease. The album, featuring Ricky Skaggs and Billy Dean, includes classic Glen Campbell hits. Collin continues to perform his traditional country music across America and abroad and has added Christian and Catholic concerts to his tour schedule as well.
His autobiography, A Voice Undefeated, was released April 2014. He currently resides in Nashville, Tenn., with his daughter, Britanny and granddaughter, Mattie.
In 2018, Collin celebrated his 25th anniversary as a recording artist by releasing Collin Raye - 25 Years, 25 Hits, a retrospective compilation of his biggest songs, all re-recorded with a fresh new take.
Zach Williams
Music is meant to feel “lived-in,” not unlike a favorite old jacket or a first car. At least that’s what multi-platinum two-time GRAMMY Award-winning Arkansas-born and Nashville-based maverick Zach Williams would say. Through a fusion of southern rock spirit and country soul, Zach creates music with an exterior which is worn down in the best way, but all heart underneath rough guitar riffs and gravelly vocals.
You’ll not only hear his journey in the music, but you’ll also see it in his unfiltered storytelling—how he went from a tiny town to international stardom, selling out shows, toppling charts, and collaborating with the likes of Dolly Parton. Along the way, he battled addiction, anxiety, and insecurity, coming out on the other side with a whole lot to say.
Zach grew up in Bono, AR—a small suburb of barely 2,000 people outside of Jonesboro. His old man led worship in church, and Zach accompanied his parents to music practice as a young kid. One day, he recalled a family friend opening a guitar case and effectively changing his life. Dad kept a guitar in the house with a myriad of music charts.
Throughout high school, Zach spent countless hours listening to the likes of Pantera, Rage Against The Machine, Guns N’ Roses, and Soundgarden. He often mimicked Axl Rose and Chris Cornelli in his car by himself.
During college, he attended his first blues festival, which proved transformative. Blown away by Luther Allison and Keb’ Mo, he picked up a guitar for the first time. Developing an infatuation with the blues, he immersed himself in stalwarts a la Robert Johnson in addition to The Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule, The Allman Brothers Band, and Bob Seger.
After grinding on the regional scene as Zach Williams & The Reformation, he kickstarted a solo career with his debut LP Chainbreaker in 2016. The record earned a platinum certification, picked up a GRAMMY Award and yielded platinum singles “Chainbreaker” and “Fear Is A Liar” as well as gold “Old Church Choir.”
After a whirlwind tour cycle, he returned with Rescue Story. The platinum single “There Was Jesus” [feat. Dolly Parton] scored Zach his second GRAMMY Award. In this time, Zach tallied nearly 1 billion streams and counting. Ultimately, Zach traveled A Hundred Highways to get to his most definitive body of work to date.
Capitol Offense
Governor Huckabee’s band, “Capitol Offense”, was formed in July 1996 by the governor and members of his executive staff who enjoyed classic rock and were talented musicians. They drew their name from the fact that all of them worked in the Arkansas State Capitol building, and because according to Huckabee, “In the course of our playing, we offended just about everybody.” The band has performed beneath the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, Disneyland in Los Angeles, CA, Disney World in Orlando, FL, the Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, Iowa, House of Blues in New Orleans and throughout the country on the presidential campaign trail in New Hampshire, Iowa, Washington, D.C. as well as inaugural events for President George W. Bush. The band has also received national television and news coverage. Members from nationally known groups such as Alabama, Billy Joel, Doobie Brothers, Boston, etc. have also shared the stage with Capitol Offense.
Capitol Offense plays a mix of classic rock, Motown, country, and blues. Current band members are Aaron Black, vocals, Marynell Branch-Brusenhan, keyboards, Gordon Caffey, lead guitar & vocals, Rick Calhoun, guitar & vocals, Alan Edison, drums, Teri Cox-Meadows, vocals, Steve Pyle, vocals, and Mike Huckabee on bass. Sitting in for the Freedom-Fest event is Mike Mitchell on trumpet & vocals.
Governor Mike Huckabee is a former candidate for President of the United States and former host of his own FOX television show. His current show, Huckabee, runs weekly on TBN Television Network and is described as America’s favorite “front porch” talk show, coming to you from TBN’s famed Trinity Music City in Nashville, Tennessee. He also appears frequently on FOX News, has written several best-selling books, and is in high demand as a nationally known public speaker. Mike Huckabee was one of the longest serving Governors of Arkansas (1996-2007), is a Hope, Arkansas, native, and the father of Governor-elect Sanders.
UAPB Drumline
There’s no doubt that the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Marching Band known as “The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4)” has crafted a well-earned reputation for knowing how to thrill audiences and mesmerize fans. M4 is consistently ranked among the top 10 Black College Marching Bands in the nation.
Founded in 1946 by Miss Alma L. Brown, the band is now under the direction of John Graham. Previous directors include Harold S. Strong 1952-1981, Odie E. Burris 1981-1989, Dr. Joseph L. Miller 1989-1991, and Kelvin Washington 1991- 1994. T
The Marching Band is comprised of students from all over the country, including 250 instrumentalist, Dance Line “The Golden Girls”, Flag Line “24 Karat Golden Silks”, and Drum Majors “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”.
The Golden Lion Marching Band is noted for its soulful symphonic sound combined with intricate drill maneuvers and precision choreography. M4 has performed in many major stadiums in the country including: The American Airlines Center, Edward Jones Dome, Georgia Dome, LP Field, Mercedes Benz Superdome, Reliant Stadium and Soldier Field.
Notable performances during the history of the UAPB Marching Band include National Football League (NFL) halftime performances for the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and St. Louis Rams. National Basketball Association (NBA) halftime performances for the Dallas Mavericks. The UAPB Marching Band has performed in parades all over the nation, in Little Rock, Montgomery, Nashville, New Orleans, Tampa-St. Petersburg, St. Louis, and in the 56th Presidential Inaugural Parade for the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama in Washington, D.C.
Featured at the 6th and 12th Honda Invitational Battle of the Bands, the UAPB “Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4)” has been seen and heard by millions of fans.
Graham, a Little Rock native at the helm since 1994, is assisted by Darryl Evans and Harold Fooster. Jenise “Sandy” Todd manages the band office. Jennifer Pighee and Whitney Lee are the directors of the Golden Girls and Golden Silks respectively.
Other UAPB Bands are the Jazz Ensemble, Wind Symphony, and Black and Gold Concert Bands.
Philander Smith College Choir
The earliest records documenting the exact beginning of the Philander Smith College “Collegiate” Choir are not known. However, available information suggests that around 1890, Miss Nellie A. James, a Methodist missionary, organized a small group of students born to ex-slaves. Since then, the choir has grown from a quartet to an octet, to an ensemble and to its current-day full chorus of up to 60 members.
In its 132-year history, the “Collegiate” Choir has crossed the continental United States multiple times and performed at some of the nation’s best-known venues on behalf of Philander Smith College: The U. S. Capitol, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Madison Square Garden, Capital Center (MD) The Crystal Cathedral, Music Hall (OH), Yale, Hampton, and Tuskegee universities.
Locally, the choir has appeared at the Arkansas State Capital, The Old State House, Little Rock City Hall, UALR, The Robinson Center and the William Jefferson Clinton Library.
Additional performances of note include the Inauguration of Governor David Pryor and the 52nd Inauguration of the President of the United States William Jefferson Clinton.
The “Collegiate” Choir is under the direction of Dr. Stephen L. Hayes and accompanied by Mrs. Laleata M. Westbrook.
Ouachita Baptist University Singers
The vocal ensemble from Ouachita Baptist University features Amaya Hardin, Brandon Holloway, Dayja James and Michael Pasman, all Arkansas natives. Ouachita, the alma mater of Governor-elect Sanders, has served in Arkadelphia for more than 135 years as a Christ-centered learning community. It is ranked among the best national liberal arts universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report and among the top 20 Christian colleges in the nation by Niche.com.
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Society, Inc. exists to connect, enrich, inspire, and advance Arkansas through the power of music.
Incorporated in 1966, the ASO now performs more than 60 concerts per season, which includes the Masterworks and Pops Concerts. In addition, the orchestra has a Chamber Series, River Rhapsodies, at the Clinton Presidential Center, ASO, I.N.C.: Intimate Neighborhood Concerts, and a busy schedule of statewide touring and educational performances in numerous venues, along with collaborations with Ballet Arkansas and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre.
Integral to the ASO's activities are its resident string quartets, the Rockefeller and Quapaw Quartet, The ASO Brass Quintet, the ASO Big Band, and the E. Lee Ronnel Music Academy, providing education programs over 40,000 children each year including the ASO String Academy and the Arkansas Symphony Youth Ensembles, comprised of two full orchestras and a string-only ensemble.
Distinguished guest artists including Itzhak Perlman, Yo Yo Ma, Mignon Dunn, Marilyn Horn, Andre Watts, Maureen McGovern, Bernadette Peters, Maya Angelou, and Doc Severinsen, among others, have appeared in concert with the orchestra in Arkansas.
Comprised of the state's most sought-after professional musicians, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is heard by more than 165,000 Arkansans each year, and consistently plays to high critical praise.
The 106th Army National Guard Concert & Jazz Bands
The 106th Army Band history traces back from the Spanish-American War, through the Mexican Border War, and World War I. In 1920, the band was reorganized as a National Guard unit as part of the 5th Arkansas Regiment. The unit was stationed in Marianna, Ark., during that period. The band later moved to Conway and eventually North Little Rock. On October 25, 1927, the band was federally recognized to be part of the Arkansas National Guard, officially designated “Band, Service Company, 153rd Infantry” at North Little Rock. The band was inducted into federal service on December 23, 1940 and stationed in North Little Rock. During World War II, the band was deployed to the Aleutian Islands to help defend against invasion of Alaska. Since then, the 106th Army Band has supported a music mission in Arkansas with frequent performances for both military and public audiences. The band has served as back-fill for regular Army Banks across the nation and in Panama. The 106th Army Band also marched in the Inauguration Parade for President William Jefferson Clinton in 1993. The unit’s 37 members, from four states, serve in various capacities in the concern band, jazz band, ceremonial/marching band, rock band, two brass quintets, and other small ensembles.