Country singer Knight added to NIBROC music roster

The entertainment schedule for NIBROC 2008 is now complete as organizers announced this week the final country music performer and gospel acts who will perform during the annual Corbin festival.
Up-and-coming country star Chris Knight, a native of Slaughters, Kentucky, will grace the main stage Friday, Aug 18 as an opening act for southern rock legends Blackfoot.
Knight is a 1984 graduate of Western Kentucky University and draws inspiration for his music from the small mining town of 200 people where he still lives with his wife and children.
“He’s got a lot of songs he’s written for other artists and he’s had some hits of his own,” said Bruce Carpenter, Executive Director of the Corbin Chamber of Commerce – the principal organizer of the event.
“He’s got a huge draw in this region, especially. Chris Knight is a great addition to our Friday night lineup.”
Knight released his debut album in 1998 which included singles “It Ain’t Easy Being Me,” “Framed,” and “Love and a .45.” In 2001, he returned with A Pretty Good Guy, “taking listeners on a stripped down journey through a far darker side of survival.”
In 2003, he released The Jealous King, a critically acclaimed album that set the stage for his newest album – Enough Rope.
Carpenter also announced the artists who will perform for the festival’s annual gospel music night, which will be held this year at Central Baptist Church on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Local gospel trio The Disney’s will open for another all male trio … Greater Vision.
“Since organizing in 1990, Greater Vision has been delighting audiences with their rich vocal blend and their effective ability to communicate the message of the gospel. Over the years, Greater Vision has established a firm place at the pinnacle of Christian music, and has become the most awarded trio in the history of Gospel music,” the group’s website reads.
Gerald Wolfe, the group’s founder and emcee, sings the lead. Prolific songwriter, Rodney Griffin, handles the baritone part for the trio, while Jason Waldroup, the group’s youngest member, provides the exceptional tenor part.
The group performs about 200 shows per year and has a solid following.
Carpenter said the decision to move the gospel music performances inside was made to make people more comfortable. Some people who might have wanted to come to the shows in the past may have decided to pass on them due to oppressive heat.
“I’ve had a lot of positive response from everyone on it,” Carpenter said. “I think the heat has been a factor in recent years. This will make it a lot easier for some people, but it keeps the event downtown so it is right next to the vendors and other parts of the festival.”
NIBROC will kick off Saturday, Aug. 9 with the Miss NIBROC Pageant, to be held in the Corbin High School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
The festival officially opens Wednesday, Aug. 13 with a carnival, downtown vendors, events and musical entertainment. Wednesday’s gospel concert is followed by rock greats The Outlaws Thursday night on the main stage.
Chris Knight will open for headliners Blackfoot on Friday.
Carpenter said he is expecting one of the largest crowds ever for rock-n’-roll legends .38 Special Saturday night. Caught Red Handed will open for the group.
All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m.