KIIM-FM continues its Independence Day tradition with the 2011 Freedom Festival on Saturday.
The daylong country music concert stars neo-traditionalist Tracy Lawrence, who has become a regular on Tucson stages over the past several years, and Steve Holy, who was here in November for the station's last big country concert.
It's also a chance to glimpse a couple of newcomers who loosely fit the ideal of independence:
• Do-it-yourself hometowners: Opening act Neil Russell & Southern Drawl from Tucson are self-produced, self-recorded and self-motivated. In 2009, this DIY approach earned frontman Russell a nomination for Best Independent Artist from the Internet Radio Magazine. The band has a raw, unpolished sound that is a refreshing contrast to Nashville's sheen. For sound bites, visit theneilrussell.com
• Independent voice: Sunny Sweeney is signed to the Nashville upstart label Republic Records, where she has quickly established herself as an independent voice. While some artists would gravitate to the sure-bet pop side, Sweeney has remained true to her neo-traditional passions with twangy songs that drip with crying fiddles and acoustic guitars. Her new single, "Staying's Worse Than Leaving," and her Top 10 hit "From a Table Away" have left fine first impressions. This is her second Tucson show; she played the KIIM Country Music Festival last November.
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• The real deal: Hulking Jackson, Tenn., native Ash Bowers has the country bona fides to stand before an audience and sing about being raised on the Bible and the belt and believing that your handshake is more valuable than a piece of paper. His new single, the inspiring "I Still Believe in That," is catching on with radio and has proved popular with those seeking comfort after last spring's devastating storms in the South.
• The promoter: Fledgling Tucson concert promoter Chris Click and his Clickjab Entertainment make their festival debut. This is the biggest show he has handled since he started promoting concerts, mostly in smaller Tucson clubs and venues, two years ago.
On Sept. 10 Click, who used to work in his dad Jim Click's auto empire, goes big time when he brings in dynamic country duo Big & Rich and redneck woman Gretchen Wilson. The stop is part of Big & Rich's quasi-reunion; although the pair never called it quits, they have been pursuing solo projects for the past couple of years.
If you go
• What: KIIM-FM Freedom Festival, featuring Tracy Lawrence, Steve Holy, Sunny Sweeney, Ash Bowers, and Neil Russell & Southern Drawl.
• When: Gates open at 3 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: Kino Sports Complex Soccer Fields, 2500 E. Ajo Way.
• Tickets: $20 to $75 until Friday at www.clickjab.com; $30-$75 at the gate.
• Et cetera: Fireworks courtesy of the U.S. Army will be shot off at 10:15 p.m.
