ST. GEORGE — Get ready for a dazzling patriotic tribute, a world-class concert experience and Southern Utah’s largest fireworks display as the 99.9 KONY Country 4th of July Celebration returns to St. George. An estimated 20,000 people will gather at Greater Zion Stadium to celebrate America’s independence with a night of thrilling live entertainment.

For the first time ever, this year’s concert lineup features not one, not two, but three phenomenal artists. Headlining Southern Utah’s biggest summer bash is Craig Morgan, a country star who scored the No. 1 song of 2005 with his chart-topping hit “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”

“We’re always trying to give Southern Utah what they want,” said Amy Chesley, morning show co-host at 99.9 KONY Country. “People always want the old ’90s-style country, and Craig Morgan is a classic country artist.” 

Mixing old-school grit with a modern pulse, Morgan has notched 17 entries on Billboard’s country charts, including seven top 10 singles. He’s currently touring nationwide and his latest EP, “Enlisted,” features guest appearances from Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll and more.

However, the Tennessee-born hitmaker behind “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester,” “Almost Home” and “Little Bit of Life” is much more than a singer and songwriter. He’s also a faithful Christian, a devoted family man and a distinguished veteran who re-enlisted in the Army Reserve while on stage at the Grand Ole Opry last year.

Sharing his full story for the very first time, Morgan’s memoir “God, Family, Country” reveals not only the roots of his music career but also much of the behind-the-scenes action fans never saw. The book chronicles his time as an elite military operator, teaming up with the CIA and more to parachute into the Central American jungle, bust up human trafficking rings in Thailand and even run a cover operation in Iraq. Duty to country has been a constant throughout the journey of this rare artist who lives the values he sings about.

“Craig Morgan is what I would consider an American hero,” Canyon Media general manager Ben Lindquist said. “He’s a patriot who truly loves this country, and he’s a great entertainer.”

As gates open at 5:30 p.m., DJ Eric Rhodes will get the party started by spinning an energetic blend of hits past and present. With 1.4 million followers on TikTok and nearly 1 million on Instagram, the Idaho-based Rhodes is a bona fide social media sensation. His skillful fusion of diverse music genres is sure to captivate the crowd, solidifying his status as one of the hottest DJs in the industry. 

The live music will continue with Ashley McBryde, a Grammy, CMA and ACM award-winning singer-songwriter. The Arkansas native earned platinum certification with the hit “One Night Standards,” while her collaboration with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” went to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay in 2022. She’s currently performing across North America and Europe on her headlining The Devil I Know Tour.

“We’re trying to create more of a festival-style experience with all these fantastic artists,” said Marty Lane, morning show co-host at 99.9 KONY Country. “We want to keep the energy going so everyone’s having a good time from start to finish.”

Audiences will also be treated to a patriotic program from United We Pledge that features the unfolding of one of the world’s largest American flags, plus many other surprises sure to make the night unforgettable. After darkness falls, the stadium will come alight with a fireworks display accompanied by music and narration.

Tickets for the 99.9 KONY Country 4th of July Celebration are now available to purchase online or by calling the Utah Tech ticket office at 435-652-7800. Tickets start at $25 for general admission, which grants access to the field and seating on the east side of Greater Zion Stadium.

Reserved seating on the west side costs $38, or $40 for a seatback that offers additional comfort. All ticket prices include taxes and fees. Plus, listen to 99.9 KONY Country and Canyon Media’s other radio stations in the coming weeks for chances to win tickets.

 Event details

• What: 99.9 KONY Country 4th of July Celebration.
• When: Thursday, July 4, from 5:30-10:30 p.m.
• Where: Greater Zion Stadium at Utah Tech University, 500 S. 700 East, St. George.
• Tickets: General admission, $25; reserved, $38; reserved with seatback, $40.
• Resources: Website.

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