Big & Rich, the duo famous for songs like “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),” will bring their high energy show to the intersection of Central Avenue and Ninth Street on Sept. 17.

Jim Reed, the president of Shellabration, said Big & Rich is the biggest country act ever to play in Fort Dodge for the Downtown Country Jam.

“This is a big and rich deal,” he said. “We’re doubling down and our bet is the greater Fort Dodge population will come out in force and back our play.”

The Tank Anthony Band will be the opening act.

Jake McVey, known for the songs “Never Give Up,” and “Y’all Girls.” will take the stage before Big & Rich in what concert promoters call the direct support role.

The Sept. 17 show will be the fifth Downtown Country Jam put on by Shellabration, which was organized 20 years ago to host concerts to raise money for the restoration of the Oleson Park Bandshell.

Shellabration started its 20th anniversary celebration by putting on a June 11 concert featuring Brett Michaels, Molly Hatchet and Lone Tree Revival. An estimated 5,600 people attended that show at Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex.

The Shellabration board wanted to continue the 20th anniversary with a major performer for Downtown Country Jam.

“Given the historical significance of 20 years staging shows, our board wanted to raise the bar and make this year’s Downtown Country Jam really big,” said Craig Schlienz, a member of the Shellabration board. “Between their high visibility name recognition and high energy live shows, Big&Rich fits that bill perfectly, both literally and figuratively.”

The Tank Anthony band will start the party at 5:30 p.m. McVey will take the stage at 6:45 p.m. Big & Rich will take the stage at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets go on sale Saturday.

Big & Rich

Big & Rich consists of Big Kenny and John Rich from the band Lonestar.

Their first album “Horse of a Different Color in 2004” yielded four Top 40 hits: “8th of November,” “Coming to Your City,” “Lost in this Moment” and “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy).”

Their subsequent hits include “Holy Water,” “Big Time,” “Never Mind Me,” “That’sWhy I Pray,” “Loving’ You,” “Run Away With You,” “Lovin’ Lately,” “California,” and “Stay Home.”

The duo also teamed up with Gretchen Wilson for “Fake ID.”

Reed said the duo has a supporting cast of the rapper Cowboy Troy and DJ Sinister who will be on stage in Fort Dodge also.

Tank Anthony Band

Schlienz said the Tank Anthony Band has developed quite a following in the area.

He said three Fort Dodge performers – Alex Trevino, Jeffrey Fosbender and Riley Bird – will join the band on stage. He said they are singers and guitarists.

Jake McVey

Schlienz described McVey as a “nice get for us.”

His hits include “Backseat,” “Never Give Up,” and “Y’all Girls.”

How to get tickets

Tickets will go on sale Saturday on www.ticketweb.com. Then on July 16, they will be available at Hy-Vee, 115 S. 29th St.

Tickets will cost $38 until Aug. 28. On Aug. 29, the price will go up to $49.

Any remaining tickets will be sold at the gate for $50.

Children ages 12 and younger will be admitted free if they are with an adult.