In the wake of the untimely passing of Country Legend and Jamboree Headliner Merle Haggard, Jamboree Management went to work trying to find a suitable replacement for Haggard, one that would not only honor his legacy but also help fill the void left by Haggard in the festival’s Saturday lineup. The Oregon Jamboree is pleased to announce that Merle’s sons Ben and Noel Haggard, along with his band The Strangers will join the Saturday lineup to pay tribute to their father and bandmate.
In an unexpected twist Stained front man, Aaron Lewis, will also join the Jamboree lineup as he steps in to cover the Saturday headlining void. Although Lewis may come from a supremely popular rock band he is no stranger to country music; he plans on releasing his second country album this year on the heels of his radio hit “Country Boy”.
“We were at a loss when we found out Merle had passed. He was a Legend and I personally, along with so many others, was looking forward to seeing him at the Jamboree,” stated Jamboree Festival Director Robert Shamek. “You can’t ‘replace’ Merle but we knew we had to honor him, as well as make sure the Saturday night spot was filled. I’ll be perfectly honest, it was extremely difficult to find an artist that could add a show this late in the summer and it took more time than we thought. However, having Merle’s sons Ben and Noel step in was the perfect solution and adding such talent as Aaron Lewis will really round out the lineup.”
“I’m very excited about Aaron,” stated Teresa Stas, Marketing Manager “I have seen several of his shows and he is amazing to listen too. He also is very aware of the position he is in having to step in for Merle. He has so much respect for him and what he did for country music.”
Aaron Lewis, Ben & Noel Haggard with The Strangers will join previously announced artists, Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith, Randy Houser, Chase Bryant, Old Dominion, Josh Gracin, Home Free and more. For a full lineup please visit us at Oregonjamboree.com.
Tickets and camping for the 24th Annual Oregon Jamboree July 29- July 31, 2016 in Sweet Home, Oregon are currently on-sale at OregonJamboree.com or by calling the box office at 888-613-6812 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm.
