Challenging the notion that country music only comes from the south, Enumclaw, Wash. based band Aces Up will perform its debut country album “Backyard Superstars” at the University of Idaho.
“You’re going to be able to dance,” said Shelby Owens, ASUI small concerts chair. “I think that’s rare to have a situation where you have live music that you can dance to in Moscow.”
Aces Up will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Student Union Building ballroom. Prior to the concert, a free country swing dancing clinic taught by UI dance instructor David Duarte, will take place at 6 p.m. in the ballroom.
Owens said student fees allocated to ASUI fund small concerts, so she tries to find bands that can relate to the needs on campus.
Aces Up has performed alongside country music artists The Band Perry, Gretchen Wilson, Jake Owen, Uncle Kracker, Jack Ingram, Steve Holy and Emerson Drive.
“This is definitely an experiment since we haven’t had a country western band in a long time,” Owens said. “Come and give me feedback on what I’m bringing to the university because I want to make students happy and spend their money wisely.”
Owens said although Aces Up isn’t a big name, students are lucky in the sense that all of the small bands that come to campus want to meet everybody.
“I couldn’t tell you how many times members of small bands stay after concerts to sell merchandise, take pictures with the audience and sign everything you hand them,” Owens said. “I think there are really good chances that if students come to Aces Up or any of my future events, they’ll get to meet the performers.”
Owens said she is trying to involve students in their environment and the benefits for students who get involved are great.
“The jobs in Vandal Entertainment are very important,” Owens said. “I think involvement is important for academic health, for mental health, for the retention rate of the university, and for students’ memories when they’re alumni,” Owens said.
Caroline Lincoln can be reached at [email protected]
Students with suggestions for small concerts or feedback can email [email protected].