It's finally here!! The big night is tonight at Schroeder Hall!! KIXS 108, tasteofcountry.com and Port Lavaca Auto Group welcome Brantley Gilbert. Thomas Rhett will be opening the show. We've been looking forward to this for a long time now. It's gonna be a great evening of fun and entertainment.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Brantley, Gilbert's manager, Ken Fulghum, described the band's music as "country with a rock spin."

Before forming his new band, Gilbert worked and traveled around playing with singer-songwriter Corey Smith, also from his hometown of Jefferson.

"(Corey's) my mentor and main inspiration," said Gilbert.

Gilbert followed Smith around for three years after Gilbert was in a bad car wreck. He said that after the accident, he decided to pursue a career as a musician instead of as a marriage counselor.

The car wreck impacted not only his life but also his music. Gilbert said that one aspect he wanted his audience to gain from his music and shows is that life can be very short and everyone should take advantage of every second.

"If you're gonna live, do something with it," he said. "Make it great."

Another important facet of his music is the culture of his hometown. He said everything about his songs is somehow linked to Jefferson.

Brantley is now engaged to a wonderful woman named Mara. All of his songs are for her. He's never wanted anyone else.

They're planning to get married in August way back in the sticks.

KIXS 108 wants to thank Port Lavaca Auto Group, BP Production Incorporated, TDECU, and Bedbutlers for making this possible. See ya' tonight!!

You can hear Brantley Gilbert every day on KIXS 108.

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