International Festival of Country Music

A stellar line up of country music stars will convene in Belfast next February for the International Festival of Country Music at the Odyssey Arena.

Headlined by global country superstar Reba McEntire, the festival promises to bring the very best in country, roots and bluegrass music at the family friendly all-day event.

Reba’s headline appearance represents a rare European appearance, for the Oklahoma born singer who has garnered international respect and acclaim in a career that now spans over five decades. The recipient of two Grammy Awards, Reba has sold an incredible 55 million albums worldwide and enjoyed 63 U.S. top ten hits making her one of the biggest selling female artists of all time. Having last performed in Ireland 12 years ago, her appearance will give fans a rare opportunity to enjoy a true legend, live on the Belfast stage.

Reba will be joined by fourteen-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs, a country trailblazer who struck his first chords on a mandolin over 52 years ago. Ricky, who has collaborated with numerous artists including Bruce Hornsby, Emmylou Harris and Jack White, will be bringing his own inimitable take on bluegrass and roots music to the festival.

Feted country music band Lonestar, who first made their debut on the Billboard country music charts in 1995, are also featured on the bill. Lonestar have amassed ten number one singles in the U.S. country charts and fans will instantly recognize their song ‘Amazed’ which spent eight weeks at number 1 on the Billboard chart.

Joining the headliners will be critically acclaimed quartet Little Big Town, who are making their international debut at the festival concerts. As a band renowned for breaking new musical ground, Little Big Town have sold over 1.5 million records and garnered three Grammy nominations over the past twelve years.

In addition to the four headliners, the festival will host an impressive array of supporting acts including Ireland’s very own Sandy Kelly, her friend and frequent collaborator George Hamilton IV, and one of the UK and Irish Country scene’s brightest young stars: John McNicholl. BBC Radio Ulster’s Country aficionado, DJ Hugo Duncan will compere the festival.

The festival will also be playing at London’s Wembley Arena, Zurich and Germany.

Belfast Odyssey Arena Tickets will go on sale on Monday October 10th, 2011 and are priced at £70/£55/£44/£33.