HEMPSTEAD, Texas – The popularity of the Waller County Fair and Rodeo concert series has only continued to blossom over the years.
“We’ve been very lucky over the years to have people who are diligent in bringing in great concerts,” said Paul Shollar, president of the Waller County Fair Board. “We’ve had Cody Johnson here before he made a big name for himself, and we’ve had quite a few others. That’s something we take a lot of pride in here in Waller County.”
There are reasons behind it, and the trend of outstanding music being offered during the exposition continues with this year’s fair, set for Sept. 26-Oct. 5 at the Waller County Fairgrounds in Hempstead.
Originally from Lubbock, Texas, the Josh Abbot Band is in the Texas Country genre and has had two albums reach the top 10 on the country charts. It is highlighting the opening Saturday night of the series on Sept. 28. This year’s fair opens two days earlier than normal thanks to hosting the CPRA Finals Rodeo. Country artist Glen Templeton will perform after the rodeo at the CRC Hospitality Building on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27.
“We’ve got a lot going on that opening weekend, and I think having the Josh Abbott Band in town is an excellent way to showcase the start of our fair,” Shollar said.
The opening night of the PRCA rodeo on Thursday, Oct. 3, is a perfect fit for Western artist Chancey Williams, a former saddle bronc rider who has developed a big following with his style of music. He has competed in and performed his music during the coveted Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in his home state of Wyoming. He was recently inducted into the Frontier Days Hall of Fame on Sept. 6.
Josh Ward returns to Waller County to perform during the exposition. He last put on a show inside the fairgrounds in 2020, and the expectations for the Friday, Oct. 4, show are out of this world. Ward left his work in the oilfield to pursue a life in music, and it was the right move. He has staying power, but that was catapulted by 13 straight No. 1 songs on the Texas Country charts.
The final show of the fair on Saturday, Oct. 5, will feature Texas music legend Kevin Fowler and his opener, Trent Willmon, the latter of whom had three consecutive albums reach the top 50 on the country charts two decades ago. Now a producer and songwriter, Willmon has produced songs and albums for Cody Johnson and albums for Fowler, among several other credits; he’s also won a CMA award for his producing talents.
Fowler was raised in Amarillo, Texas, and began playing in rock bands in his home state, then transitioned into a solo act in the early 2000s. In addition to putting his talent on stage, Fowler also has had other artists find success with songs he has written. He’s known for an energetic show, which adds to the enthusiasm of the night.
“Kevin draws a party crowd, and there’s not a better party the first weekend in October than our fair and rodeo,” Shollar said. “The folks that come to our fair are excited to have a good time, and I think all of our concerts are going to provide that.”