Entertainment announced for Deal inaugural events

Gov.-elect Nathan Deal’s Inaugural Committee announced the entertainment line-up for the Inaugural Celebration at Philips Arena and a separate concert to honor volunteers in a Day of Service.

Leesburg native Luke Bryan, named best new artist of 2010 by the Academy of Country Music, will be headlining the Celebration.

Bryan’s second album, “Doin’ My Thing,” has been certified gold and produced his first number one country hit, “Rain is a Good Thing.” A singer-songwriter, Bryan also wrote Billy Currington’s 2007 number one hit “Good Directions” and was also honored by the Academy of Country Music as top new solo artist for 2010.

“We are so pleased to have Georgia’s own Luke Bryan performing at the Inaugural Celebration,” Tricia Pridemore, co-chair of the Inaugural Committee, said in a news release. “Luke is a rising star in country music and is making Georgia proud.”

Bryan will perform at the Monday, Jan. 10 celebration at Philips Arena in Atlanta.

On Saturday night, Jan. 8, country music artist Mark Wills, who grew up in Blue Ridge, will be the featured performer at a concert for volunteers who participate in “With a Servant’s Heart,” the statewide day of service which will begin the inaugural weekend.

Wills was honored in 1998 as the top new male vocalist by the Academy of Country Music. That same year, his album, “Wish You Were Here,” was certified platinum and the title song reached number one on the country charts.

The Kinchafoonee Cowboys, a Georgia band with roots in the Albany area, will also participate in the Day of Service concert at Buckhead Theater in Atlanta.