National and local artists to perform in Ocala
Ocala’s Bull Bash & Country Music Festival is set for June 20, with Gary Allan and Noah Hunton.
Gary Allan [Photo courtesy garyallan.com]
Hey Ocala, are you ready to have some double fun at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion? That’s what is on the schedule for Ocala’s Bull Bash & Country Music Festival set for June 20.
The Saturday lineup includes bull riding and rousing country music from multi-platinum artist Gary Allan, along with a performance from hometown singer/songwriter Noah Hunton.
The Tampa Bay Rodeo production also will celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
“The Bull Bash kicks off with a salute to the brave men and women of the military who safeguard our freedom. The best bull riders in the region compete for the title and cash prizes in this single-event competition. Known for his raucous live performances, Gary Allan takes the stage after the bull riding competition concludes with his signature blend of smoldering vocals and rebellious lyrics,” the news release noted.
Allan, who was born in California, brought his signature sound to Nashville in the mid-1990s. Several albums later, he continues to break boundaries in music, and his stage performances showcase his talents as a writer, singer and guitarist.
Fans will be sure to sing along with favorites such as “Waste of a Whiskey Drink,” “Ruthless,” “Pretty Damn Close” and “Unfiltered.”
“When I think ‘country music,’ I think of a smoky bar with a glass of whiskey and somebody playing heartbreak songs,” Allan states on his website, then adds that he remains “influenced by the ‘80s and ‘90s. It’s what I love. I want my albums to take you on a full journey.”
Ocala’s Noah Hunton also has been making some noise in Nashville, including being nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year for Modern Country in The Josie Music Awards. He often tours the state to perform at festivals and locally at private events and area clubs.
“Ever since elementary school, I was always doing music,” he recalled in a 2023 feature article in the “Ocala Gazette’s” former sister publication, “Ocala Style” magazine (ocalastyle.com/living-a-legacy). “I did maybe one year of basketball in middle school, but other than that, it’s always been music 24/7.”
Hunton’s roots come out in his lyrics, such as in “Hometown,” in which he sings about performing on Broadway Street in downtown Ocala. He also has penned such tunes as “Huntn’ For A Good Time,” “Guitar With a Million Miles On It,” “Rodeo,” “God’s Country” and “Shotgun Ridin’.”
The June 20 event will include a mechanical bull for those who want to take a shot at what it feels like to straddle something slightly akin to what they will see on the floor of the arena, where professional riders will pit their talents against some truly ornery critters.
There also will be retail vendors, along with food and beverages for purchase.
Organizers urge getting tickets in advance as their events tend to sell out.
The Southeastern Livestock Pavilion is located at 2232 Jacksonville Road, Ocala. The parking lot will open at 3:30 p.m., with the arena gates to open at 4:30 p.m. on festival day. Hunton will take the stage at 5:15 p.m., followed by the Bull Bash at 7 p.m. and Allan performing at approximately 8:40 p.m.
To learn more and get tickets, go to tamparodeo.com
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