Top country star to play in Eufaula

By Leilani Roberts Ott
Phoenix Staff Writer

July 02, 2009 04:37 pm

— The little town of Eufaula is bringing in some big country stars to get the Fourth of July holiday weekend started off with a bang. They are calling it “Chaos at the Cove.”
Country superstar Dierks Bentley recently hit the No. 1 spot on the charts with “Sideways” from his album, “Feel That Fire.” Another performer in the show is Jamey Johnson, whose hit, “In Color,” has won him several awards.
Concert promoter Chuck Thomson of Oklahoma City said most of the tickets bought online are from people living out of state. He is expecting between 6,000 and 8,000 people. The amphitheater has a capacity of 15,000, he said. The largest crowd to date was about 11,000 in May for Cross Canadian Ragweed.
Thomson, owner of Levelland Productions, said his company rented the facility for the first Cross Canadian Ragweed concert three years ago. The company purchased the outdoor theater last year before the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert.
Thomson, who has owned the business since 2003, said Eufaula Mayor Dean Smith came to him in Oklahoma City about buying the amphitheater.
“The city has been very proactive as far as understanding infrastructure,” Smith said.
The city acquired railroad right of way, which gives more space for parking, and added a special event center parking lot with gravel and security lights.
Smith, who has been mayor about six years, said he’s excited about the big concerts coming to Eufaula.
“Isn’t that wonderful,” he said.
Smith said the parking lot is also used for bass fishing tournaments at Lake Eufuala. New improvements this year include opening a road on the north end allowing B Street to go north and south.
Smith said you’ll find him front and center at today’s concert.
“I really enjoy this type of music,” he said. “I’m excited about being there. It’s good, hot summer weather.”
The outdoor venue is like going to a football game — bring a blanket or chair but leave the umbrella at home.
Smith said he’s trying to promote the town and hopes everyone enjoys a good concert and comes back Saturday night for fireworks over the lake to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Reach Leilani Roberts Ott at 684-2908 or lott@muskogeephoenix.com.

If you go
WHAT: Chaos at the Cove featuring Dierks Bentley, Jamey Johnson, Kevin Fowler, and Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers.
WHEN: 4 p.m. today. Gates open at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Eufaula Cove Amphitheater, 399 Lakeshore Drive, Eufaula.
TICKETS: $23 plus tax and fees, general admission; and $68 plus tax and fees, VIP, and available at Eufaula Food Market or at ProTixonline.com.

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