Brad Paisley bound for Dodge Arena

Brad Paisley is a country boy, through and through.

The Grammy award-winning artist is often praised for his skills with a guitar and writing clever and poignant lyrics, alike. Paisley barreled his way onto the scene in 1999 with his debut album Who Needs Pictures. Two songs from that album became number one hits. After quickly establishing himself in the industry, Paisley managed to rack up a total of 12 number one hits in less than 10 years and five albums. The country star has been nominated countless times and last year nabbed the Top Male Vocalist title at the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards.

Paisley's latest album, 5^th Gear, include examples of Paisley's ability to inject humor and wit into his songwriting. "Online", which won Top Video from ACMA, is about an average guy who becomes a more glamorous version of himself on MySpace.

Paisley's next release is Play, an album of guitar-driven songs featuring collaborations between Paisley and other artists such as B.B. King, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner and Buck Owens, due out Nov. 4.

The Paisley Party Tour, sponsored by Hershey's, including Jewel and Chuck Hicks, will make a stop at Dodge Arena in Hidalgo on Oct. 16.

http://www.bradpaisley.com

http://www.myspace.com/bradpaisley

Brad Paisley Facts

• Born Oct. 28, 1972
• Currently nominated for four CMA Awards - Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist, Video ("Waitin' on a Woman") and Song ("Letter to Me")
• Married actress Kimberly Williams
• Became a dad on Feb. 22, 2007 to a son named William Huckleberry Paisley.
• Inducted in to the legendary Grande Ole Opry on Feb. 17, 2001
• Featured on the cover of the Dec. 2007 issue of Guitar Player magazine
• Chosen as one of People magazine's "100 Most Beautiful People in the World" in May, 2007
• Wrote his first song at the age of 12

Amy Nichol Smith covers features and entertainment for Festiva. She can be reached at (956) 683-4420.