Western Music Artist to Perform at SHSU

"In a western sky filled with bright stars, Dan Roberts shines with the brightest. Dan is sure to shine long after other stars have burned out." --R.W. Hampton, world-renown cowboy entertainer

Roberts, recently named Entertainer of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists and former Western male Vocalist of the Year, will take to the stage one night only in a scholarship benefit concert.

"It is a real pleasure to have Roberts in concert," said Richard Ward, dean of the College of Criminal Justice. "His performance will not only be good for the College of Criminal Justice, but the audience is sure to love him."

Roberts has had tremendous success with his music. His first CD release, "There's a Little Cowboy in All of Us," introduced him to western fans. He followed it with "Cowhand.com," which has further solidified his place as one of the top western singer/songwriters.

"I try to find a little different way to say things, or look for something that hasn't been written about, that folks might find entertaining," said Roberts.

Roberts has been writing music for 18 years. During that time he had cuts by Chris LeDoux ("The Fever"), Moe Brandy ("No Regrets") and Garth Brooks ("The Old Stuff" and "The Beaches of Cheyenne"). "Cheyenne" climbed to No. 1 on the Country Music Charts. He also toured with Brooks as part of his opening act in 260 shows in 60 cities, playing before more than three million people.

A resident of Aledo, Texas, this singer/songwriter draws on past experiences as inspiration for his music. His music reflects the lifestyle he embraced as a cowhand working on ranches and riding the rodeo circuit as an amateur bronc and bull rider.

His music is also seasoned with humor. "Cowhand.com" chronicles the adventures of a cowboy who hires onto a ranch run by computers, not experienced cowboys. Roberts takes the misadventures of this technologically-challenged cowboy who longs for the "old days" and turns them into a knee-slapping song.

"I love the traditions of cowboy western music, but I'm trying to forge my own style," said Roberts. "It's definitely cowboy music you can dance to. The audience usually starts with a toe tap, but my favorite part is when the music pulls them to the dance floor."

While there may not be room for dancing in the CJ auditorium, there's always room for a good time. If past success is any indication, those attending will not be disappointed with Roberts' Oct. 22 performance.

Tickets are $12-lower section and $9-upper section and may be purchased through the CJ Office by calling 936.294.1635.

Only 400 tickets will be sold and are going quick, according to Ward. It is best to buy them in advance, as they may not be available at the door.

Find out more information about Dan Roberts at www.cowhand.com.

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SHSU Media Contact: Audrey Wick
October 17, 2001
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