AN EVENING WITH SAMMY KERSHAW Set for the Harris Center, 1/25

Since his debut on the music scene in the early 90's, 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. His Harris Center for the Arts appearance will feature songs from his most recent album, Do You Know Me? A Tribute to George Jones.

Sammy Kershaw's plan for country music is re-claiming its roots and recapturing the spirit that made it great "Man, for someone like me who had George Jones' music imprinted in my DNA before birth, the last few years have been rough as a fan of country music," noted Kershaw candidly in a recent national interview. "Country music is not a formula...it's a music with its own soul...and I'm all about saving that soul!" Kershaw's current album "Honkytonk Boots" promises to be a much-anticipated first step in that plan of salvation.

AN EVENING WITH SAMMY KERSHAW will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 7 pm. Tickets are priced at $35-$45; Premium Seats $55. Tickets are available online at www.harriscenter.net or from the Harris Center Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time. Parking is included in the price of the ticket. Harris Center is located on the west side of Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom, CA, facing East Bidwell Street.

Sammy Kershaw's newest album is a labor of love. This past July, Do You Know Me? A Tribute to George Jones, was released. The singer honors his musical hero with his own renditions of some of Jones' biggest hits, including "White Lightning," "The Race Is On" and "He Stopped Loving Her Today.

The project also includes two new songs, "The Route That I Took" and "Do You Know Me," as well as a new take on the classic George Jones and Tammy Wynette duet, "Near You, that features Jones' daughter, Georgette Jones.

The album is a fitting tribute to Jones, who passed away on April 26, 2013 at the age of 81. Kershaw is not only one of the few true country singers with a voice capable of doing justice to Jones' catalog, he was also a personal friend to the legendary singer for more than four decades, and he imbues his delivery of these songs with a genuine emotion and subtle nuance that takes what could have been half-baked in the wrong hands and makes it truly special. Sammy's vibe about his latest studio venture has all the earmarks of a proud father talking about his new arrival "In music, everything is timing. I knew when we were in the studio working on the new album that we had something radio and fans are ready for...the feel of the album is a return to the kind of country music I, and a lot of other people, have missed." These are powerful words from a man who has picked, written, and sung a lot of hits.

Often referred to as the "heir apparent" to the legendary 'voice' himself -- George Jones -- Sammy Kershaw helped make the '90's 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. The oldest of four children, the tragic loss of his father matured him even faster than the clubs and honky tonks he was performing in at 12 years old. He speaks openly today of years spent battling substance abuse and addictions. "It's not a period of my life I'm proud of but I do talk about it to encourage kids not to follow in my footsteps," Kershaw recently noted. Helping others is a subject close to the heart that beats within what might often appear to be a tough, macho exterior. Sammy Kershaw is, in fact, a softie when the subject turns to kids. If proof were needed it stands in his hometown of Kaplan, Louisiana. There Sammy has established the Sammy Kershaw Foundation. Its outreach has extended through donations so far of more than 2 million dollars in aid to children and child related charities. With projects that extend from granting wishes through "Make A Wish Foundation" to establishing camps for crippled children, the foundation exists to fulfill Sammy's simple goal of improving the lives of children. In the course of breaking into the ranks of stardom in country music, Sammy Kershaw has made contributions to more than just the charts. His platinum albums were propelled into the records books by hits such as "She Don't Know She's Beautiful," "I Can't Reach Her Anymore," "National Working Woman's Holiday," "Love Of My Life," "Cadillac Style," "Don't Go Near The Water," "Haunted Heart,"...and many other milestones.

The Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College is a $50 million facility built with a combination of state, regional, local and private funds. Harris Center has three intimate theaters, an art gallery, a recording studio, elegant teaching spaces, plenty of safe parking and all the other amenities of a state-of-the-art performing arts venue. The Harris Center presents touring artists from around the world; partners with the best regional arts organizations, and supports productions by FLC students and faculty.

The Harris Center for the Arts (formerly Three Stages) is named to honor Brice Harris, Chancellor Emeritus of the Los Rios Community College District, for his many contributions to the capital region, including the vision and leadership he provided in opening this regional arts center.

DETAILS:

What: AN EVENING WITH SAMMY KERSHAW

When: Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 7 pm

Where: Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College, 10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630

Prices: $35-$45, Premium Seats $55

Tickets are available online at www.HarrisCenter.net or from Harris Center Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time.