Gardiner announces Saddle Up headliners
This year’s Saddle Up for St. Jude may still be five months away, but this year’s headlining artists are no longer a mystery.
Dr. Jimmy Gardiner announced via social media on Super Bowl Sunday which three acts will close out each night of the 29th annual event from July 17-19.
In a video promoting the event, Gardiner asks family members “where’s the strawberry wine?” before announcing country music icon Deana Carter will play Thursday night. Her song “Strawberry Wine” hit No. 1 on the Billboard country list and won single of the year at the 1997 Country Music Association Awards. The album “Did I Shave My Legs for This?” went 5x platinum.
Friday night will feature the return of T. Graham Brown, who has charted more than 20 singles, with “Hell and High Water,” Don’t Go to Strangers” and “Darlene reaching No. 1. on Billboard.
The main headliner Saturday night, July 19, will be Easton Corbin, who has had two No. 1 hits with “A Little More Country than That” and “Roll with It.” As of 2001 he has sold over 500,000 albums and 5 million singles.
“It is going to be great, folks,” Gardiner said. “Our 29th annual Saddle Up for St. Jude trail ride. You don’t want to miss it. Last year, we set the bar really high with $405,000 for St. Jude.
“This year, with our $400,000 goal, we are going to go over $4 million total for St. Jude Hospital. If it’s your first time, 10th time, 15th time, we need you to come out. Let people know about it.”
Gardiner Farms is located at 85 Underwood Road, Tuscumbia. Saddle Up has been held at the venue since 1996.
Tickets are $60 for all three days, $20 for Thursday or Friday only and $40 for Saturday only. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or from any Singing River Dentistry location.
On top of the concerts, the event offers concessions, over 3,000 acres of riding trails and a live auction on Saturday afternoon.
“Bring your lawn chairs, a great appetite and get your heart right for St. Jude, because we are going to ask you to give,” Gardiner said. “It’s great fun. Anybody can write a check, but we can come together as a community, raise money for a great cause and also have a ball. It’s great fellowship, fun and food.”
