Chesnutt to headline Independence Day celebration

The show will be headlined by honky tonk legend Mark Chesnutt, who exploded on the national country music scene in the early 90s, earning 14 No. 1 hits, 23 top ten singles, four platinum albums and five gold records.

Chesnutt’s show will lead directly into the fireworks provided by The Terry Law Firm.

“The Terry Law Firm is so excited about the Independence Day celebration this year,” said Brack Terry, who added he’s excited to see a country music legend taking the stage. “In an effort to put on something really special for the community, we have literally been working on the fireworks since last fall and have increased our fireworks budget once again. Thanks to help of Eddie Turner and the Rescue Squad we think this will be one of the best fireworks shows yet.”

Chesnutt’s singles were some the decade’s most memorable; from the fun tempo “Bubba Shot The Jukebox” to the emotional ballad “I’ll Think Of Something.”

He is easily identified for his string of hits including “Brother Jukebox,” “Blame It On Texas,” “Old Flames Have New Names,” “Old Country,” “It Sure Is Monday,” “Almost Goodbye,” “I Just Wanted You To Know,” “Going Through The Big D,” “It’s A Little Too Late,” “Gonna Get A Life,” and one of his biggest, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing;” a song that held its position at the top of the charts for four consecutive weeks.

Chesnutt has remained active and touring with a devoted following of fans.

“It’s the music and the fans that have kept me around this long,” he said.

According to his website, Chesnutt got his start in the honky-tonks of Beaumont, Texas, learning from his father, Bob Chesnutt, a singer, record collector and major fan of classic country music.

Playing alongside his dad, he embraced his father’s influence one set at a time and to begin making a name for himself.

In 1989, he was signed to MCA Nashville and his list of accolades tells the rest of his story.

With the release of his first single“ Too Cold At Home,” Mark established himself as one of country’s most authentic and talented vocalists. He won the CMA Horizon Award attracting the attention of country legend [and his greatest mentor] George Jones who introduced him as “A boy from Beaumont, Texas who is the real deal.”

That recognition and initial success opened the door to offer Mark his chance of a lifetime, to do what he loved most—sing country music for country fans; this time, on a national level.

School of Rock Knoxville will be the opening act. School of Rock is a revolutionary music education program.

With lessons from expert instructors, students learn to play their instruments using the music from local legend Dolly Parton and other renowned artists.

As part of the curriculum, students regularly take the stage to perform live at great local venues like the Tennessee and Bijou Theaters and this at the Citizen Tribune/Jefferson Federal Amphitheatre in Cherokee Park.

The event – which will take place on Monday, July 3 – will feature food and business vendors as well adding to the festive atmosphere.

The show is free to the public while the Hamblen County Rescue Squad handles parking. Donations to the squad are welcome.

The show will not be livestreamed this year, so if you want to hear School of Rock, a country legend and see some massive fireworks, you’ll have to be in Cherokee Park.