For LOVE of COUNTRY

Dedicated George Strait fans put their loyalty on display as Fresno gears up for the country music singer's appearance at the Save Mart Center

By Ashley Lowe

Fanatics would do almost anything to get their hands on front-row tickets and backstage passes to see their favorite performer.

George Strait tickets and backstage passes for Thursday’s concert at the Save Mart Center are no different, especially in a place where country is the dominant musical preference.

Kiss Country radio 93.7 FM discovered this when they decided to sponsor a contest in which one lucky winner would receive two front row tickets and backstage passes to the concert, and get to meet Strait.

“ We asked listeners to e-mail and tell us what they would do for front row tickets and backstage passes to see George Strait,” said John Garabo, DJ and host of the Garabo in the Morning show on Kiss Country. “It was crazy, the things that people were willing to do.”

The top three finalists, voted on by the listeners, will perform their stunts the morning of the show and the winner will be chosen.

“ One woman said she would cover herself in honey and feathers, then drink nacho cheese out of a dirty bowling shoe,” Garabo said. “Another woman said she would wear a bikini and let people write messages to George on her body in permanent marker, and then go to the concert like that. We call her the human card.”

Strait’s appearance in Fresno is going to be a colossal event, not only because it is the first time in eight years he will perform in Fresno, but also because he doesn’t tour as often as most artists.

“ He’s very much into the cowboy lifestyle, and he enjoys spending time with his family,” Garabo said. “He’s at a point in his career where he doesn’t need to tour and can still sell CDs.”

Strait’s fans are the main reason he has remained popular for so long. But among his many fans in Fresno, not all will get a chance to see him live in concert

“ I wanted to see him in concert but I have to work,” said nursing major Kelly Coelho. “I like his music. One of my favorite songs is ‘I Can Still Make Cheyenne.’”

Not only are local country music lovers taking part in the event, but the Fresno business community is also getting in on the action.

“ The concert is such a big deal that even local businesses are in on it,” Garabo said. “Various restaurants are offering George Strait deals and even offering limo rides and bussing from the restaurant to the concert.”

Strait has had 50 No. 1 one hits and has sold more than 60 million records.

He debuted in 1981 and still continues today to be one of the most popular country music singers around.

“ George Strait is one of the top tier country artists,” Garabo said. “He is a very classy guy who maintains dedicated to the traditional country sound. The Fresno audience can expect an entertaining night.”