Country Under The Stars’ Concert Slated For July 5

The HotWyred Band and STARZ Entertainment will perform at the annual "Country Under the Stars" Fourth of July weekend concert at West Tawakoni City Park on July 5.

The event is sponsored by the Lake Tawakoni Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber’s executive director, Cindy Johnson, said the HotWyred Band is led by local resident Ray Cannon. STARZ Entertainment is headed by local businessmen Wayne Morris and Bill Creed, Johnson added.

Cannon, a singer/songwriter, was born and raised in Dallas County and has performed for more than 28 years throughout the United States.

His biggest country influences are George Jones, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. His original songs have received local awards and nationwide recognition.

Two of his most highly acclaimed original recordings were "Support the Blue" premiering on Young Country 105.3 FM in 1992. It was written for fallen officers who place their life on the line.

"Stand Up America" premiered on July 4 of that year and was a song written about the protection of our national anthem.

Cannon joined with the HotWyred Band about seven years ago and they have entertained tens of thousands from private parties across Texas to performing as the house band at Trail Dust steakhouses. His daughter, Brandi, began performing with them within their first year.

The "Chamber Made" concession stand will open about 5 p.m. Johnson said the concert will begin at 7 p.m. and should last until about 11 p.m.

The chamber also plans to give away prizes, including a grand prize drawing for a new gas barbecue grill. Johnson said summertime game sets like ladder horseshoes and lawn darts will be given away.

"I think it will be a very fun night," Johnson said.

The event is free to the public, and those attending should bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating.

Johnson said a rainout date would be announced later if inclement weather forces a postponement.