Clayton Center presents Travis Tritt, Lyndsey Highlander in solo, acoustic concert
From driving rock ‘n’ roll and sweet country ballads, to the chunk of funk, Grammy-winning artist
Travis Tritt’s 2007 release of “The Storm” has practically become his signature set every time he picks up
his guitar.
Tritt has been putting the “drive” in country music for over the last 10 years, and now Tritt will play
his way to the Clayton Center’s Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre stage for a live acoustic concert Sat., Feb.
2 at 8 p.m.
Through his seasoned career, Tritt has received two Grammy Awards, both for Best Country
Collaboration with Vocals in 1992 for “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’,” a duet with Marty Stuart, and again
in 1998 for “Same Old Train.” He also received four awards from the Country Music Association, and has
been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1992.
In 1989, Tritt released his first album, “Country Club,” followed by several platinum albums and chart-
topping singles throughout the 1990s.
Though the Nashville music industry was reluctant to endorse Tritt due to his unconcealed rock-and-
roll leanings and gutsy, outlaw image, the musician continued to persevere with ongoing success, with
hits like “Can I Trust You With My Heart” and “Here’s a Quarter.”
As delighted as the Clayton Center Box office was to book the singer, director of marketing Cheri
Compton said that it was difficult to pin down the busy artist.
“It took us three times to finally have an affirmative date set with Tritt,” Compton said. “It was Tritt
that was pushing the date for different reasons, but eventually we pinpointed a date before his birthday
Feb. 8.”
His visit to the Clayton Center is sandwiched between a Charlotte, N.C., concert and Stuart, Fla.,
concert in the middle of his 2012-2013 tour.
The concert will consist of a hearty collection of Tritt’s famed repertoire, including select singles from
“The Storm.”
Joining Tritt onstage is country music newcomer, Lyndsey Highlander. Sad, sultry and simplistic,
Highlander has a sound that blends Patsy Cline’s soul with the spunk of Bonnie Raitt’s rock ‘n’ roll. As a
live performer, Highlander has been known to mingle with the audience, firing up the crowd and melting
their hearts with verses as impressive as her colossal bridges.
Along with Highlander and three to four band members accompanying him, the setting of the solo
acoustic concert provides a more intimate atmosphere for Tritt, as well as those attending the concert.
“In a small acoustic concert such as this, Tritt will have more time to sit, enjoy himself and interact
with his audience than in his larger concerts,” Compton said.
Several Maryville College students plan to see Tritt in concert, including junior Mallory Kirkland.
“I grew up listening to Travis Tritt,” Kirkland said. “I love his music. He is pure country at its greatest.”
A meet and greet with Tritt and Highlander will be available following the concert. Tickets are $35-
$45 for adults, $30-$40 for seniors and $28 for student discount. The first 100 MC students present with
school ID will gain admittance for $5.00.