LAS VEGAS – The bright lights of Las Vegas are about to get a taste of the Panhandle.

The Wooden Nickel Band will entertain hundreds during the Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala on Monday, Nov. 29, at the South Point Hotel & Casino’s Grand Ballroom. The event, which kicks off the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association convention and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, will benefit the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

“It’s a pretty big honor for us to be part of this experience,” said Ken Stonecipher, the lead singer and guitarist. “I think the people in Vegas will be pleasantly surprised with the Panhandle’s flavor of entertainment that we’ll be sharing.”

The band – made up of Stonecipher and Lanny Wilson from Guymon; Max Carlson and Bill Lewis from Liberal, Kan.; Alan Hodges from Turpin; and Marvin Wilson from Dalhart, Texas – will entertain a crowd that will feature world champion cowboys and rodeo dignitaries.

In fact, eight-time world champion Larry Mahan, who owns six all-around gold buckles, will be presented with the Legend of ProRodeo Award during the third annual gala. He follows in the footsteps of Clem McSpadden, Jim Shoulders, Harry Vold and Jake Barnes.

“This is truly a cowboy deal, and that makes it pretty special,” Stonecipher said. “We’ve had the opportunity to play before thousands of people in this area, but this is a pretty big deal for us. One thing is for sure, and the folks around here will tell you, we’ll have a lot of fun.”