Continuing a string of artist announcements that started with the Oregon Jamboree’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” series in December, the festival added Ian Munsick to its lineup on New Year’s Day.
“He’s definitely an up-and-coming artist,” festival Director Robert Shamek said. “We saw him in Nashville the last time we were there.”
Munsick, native of Sheridan, Wyo., whose dad Dave “The Songteller” Munsick is also a musician, has been described as “a progressive artist with an old soul,” has incorporated elements from a variety of musical genres in producing hits such as “Long Haul,” “Weakness” and “Horses Are Faster.”
“He’s got a really interesting sound, a completely unique artist,” Shamek said. “I thought he’d be a good fit for the Jamboree.”
He said organizers have aimed for a lineup featuring “different styles” this year.
“This year, we’re throwing in some classic country. We’ve got a little bit of red dirt country, mixed with all kinds of alternative country.”
The schedule includes Colt Ford, who has mixed rap and country, along with Whitey Morgan, “who’s a little more old-school, almost underground,” Shamek said.
He added that organizers are also making sure there will be a good representation of female artists.
“We have Miranda Lambert, Danielle Bradbery and Kylie Frey, who are all three phenomenal artists for sure. And we have several more we’re going to be announcing, who will be more regional stars.
“We’re kind of trying to throw a little bit of everything in there, just to make the draw more enticing for everybody.”
Back this year will be the kickoff party on Thursday evening, July 28, which is open to the public on 18th Avenue, outside the Jamboree grounds. Performers will be announced in February, if all goes according to plan, he said.
Travis Denning, one of the stars in this year’s Main Stage lineup, made his first appearance at the Jamboree at a kickoff party, Shamek noted.
“He did really well. People really loved him, so we decided we should bring him back.”
Ticket sales are “great, phenomenal,” Shamek said. “We hit our benchmark at the end of the year. I think it’s going to be a good year. We’re absolutely going to have a much bigger crowd than last year.”