Alan Jackson, Jonas Brothers set to headline Borderfest 2008

HIDALGO — One of the biggest names in country music and a trio of platinum-selling brothers are set to headline next year’s Borderfest, officials announced Monday.

Grammy award-winning singer Alan Jackson is set to kick the party off on Thursday, Feb. 28, for the 31st annual festival at Dodge Arena.

The following day, overnight sensations The Jonas Brothers are slated to take the stage at 7 p.m.

Tickets for both shows are scheduled to go on sale Saturday — the Jonas Brothers at 10 a.m. and Jackson at noon.

Officials expect two sold-out shows.

Jackson’s concert comes five years after his inaugural performance at Dodge Arena, according to Hidalgo Mayor John D. Franz. That 2002 show sold out in approximately three hours.

“I can’t think of too many country acts that could compare to Alan Jackson,” he said. “We’re excited to have these two great acts at Borderfest. Plus, the Jonas Brothers are hot right now.”

The annual festival is the first weekend in March and pays tribute to a different country each year.

This year, Borderfest presents a salute to China, incorporating food, artisans and traditional entertainment from the Asian country. Past tributes include to Mardi Gras and Ireland. Previous headlining entertainment includes RBD, Ciara and Brad Paisley.

Jackson, who was recently nominated for the 50th annual Grammy Awards in the Best Country Male Performance Category, was also among the stars chosen to perform for President Bush and the first lady at the annual "Christmas in Washington" concert slated to air Wednesday night.

The country crooner, who has sold more than 40 million albums and scored more than 30 No. 1 singles, is gearing up for his brand-new album, Good Times, slated to hit the shelves Feb. 5.

The Jonas Brothers, made up of Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, are currently the opening act on the sold-out “Best of Both Worlds Tour” featuring Hannah Montana, a.k.a Miley Cyrus. The 54-date tour wraps in January.

Though the brothers have been on the road and in the studio most of their childhood, it wasn’t until their debut album It’s About Time that the young New Jersey natives burst to success.

Now, two years later their self-titled second album, Jonas Brothers released this summer, reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart in its first week. The hit-single “SOS” continues to dominate the radio waves and music charts.

The brothers have appeared on Disney’s Hannah Montana and the Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical 2.

Visit the Dodge Arena box office or call (956) 668-7740 for ticket information.

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Miriam Ramirez covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4468.