Nevada Wild Fest to turn Henderson Pavilion a little bit country

By Dylan Scott

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010 | 10:30 a.m.

The Nevada Wild Fest is bringing the twang of guitar strings and the atmosphere of a state fair to Henderson Pavilion this weekend.

Country music icons like Kenny Rogers, Montgomery Gentry, Glen Campbell and Lonestar are lined up to perform, as are a slew of up and coming bands in the country music scene. Food—fair staples like elephant ears, funnel cakes and french fries—rides and games will also populate the pavilion.

Proceeds will benefit the Lili Claire Foundation, which serves children with special needs.

Jason Michael Carroll, who has performed on Good Morning America and the CMA Music Festival, said his band hopes to inject its performances with an energy reminiscent of Garth Brooks and Aerosmith, two acts Carroll said he tries to emulate.

“I want them to feel like they got their money’s worth,” he said.

The state fair atmosphere appealed to his group, said Carroll, who plays on Saturday, and country music fans in Nevada are as passionate as they are anywhere else.

He expressed excitement at sharing the stage with a legend like Kenny Rogers, who he called “one of the forefathers” of the genre.

“He paved the way for where I’m at today,” he said.

Other major shows include Glen Campbell and Montgomery Gentry. Gates open at 11 a.m. every day. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. each night.

The festival, also sponsored by 102.7 FM, is offering a talent show for local performers itching to show their skills on-stage. To sign up, call 702-862-8141.

Concert tickets range from $25 to $45 and include $7 festival admission.

For more information and an events schedule, visit www.nevadawildfest.com or call 702- 267-4849.