From the moment they formed in the mid-80s’s, Highway 101 presented a new approach to country music. The group’s blend of country roots and tradition with rock ‘n roll energy helped to catapult the country genre forward, tapping a whole new audience. The group’s recording of “The Bed You Made for Me” prompted Warner Brothers Records to offer a contract to Highway 101 in 1985. By 1986, the band was in Nashville working with renowned producer, Paul Worley, on their self-titled debut. Highway 101 brought a style that had never been heard before to the world of country music. It also yielded four top five hits, including the Number One singles, “Somewhere Tonight” and “Cry, Cry, Cry.” Their appearances on stage and TV brought national attention including a North American tour with Randy Travis and a debut television appearance with Hank Williams Jr. at the 1987 Country Music Association Awards.

Suddenly Highway 101 was in demand as country’s newest and most exciting group. Their level of success continued to climb with their second release, Highway 101-2, which realized four top 10 singles, including the number one hit “Do You Love Me, Just Say Yes.” By 1988, the group was recognized throughout the nation and won Vocal Group of the Year from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. Their sound continued breaking tradition and molds in country music. They were the first band to be fronted by a female singer. In 1989, they again took top vocal group status with both the ACM and the CMA.

“One of the reasons we have continued to be successful over the years is because we always strive to maintain the same musical integrity in our live shows as on our records,” says drummer Cactus Moser. “For that reason, we tend not to record things that cannot be reproduced live. Plus, we have always been an extremely entertaining group on stage.”

Highway 101 has continued producing and performing. In 1997, Highway 101 mixed the new with the old. Founding members Curtis Stone and Cactus Moser combined their talents with those of Chrislynn Lee, formerly with George Jones, and veteran guitarist Charlie White, who had performed with Pam Tillis, Vern Gosdin and Michelle Wright. Highway 101 has performed hundreds of concerts from casinos, festivals, conventions, clubs, town celebrations and fairs, with occasional trips abroad and shows no signs of slowing down. 2006 marked the return of Nikki Nelson. Cactus, Curtis and Justin have new fire and a new album in the works. Highway 101 just keeps on rollin’.

Tickets for Saturday’s 7:00 P.M. concert are $20.00 at the door. Visit www.musicliveshere.com or call 386-364-1683 for more information about this weekend’s concert, or other upcoming events. The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is located near Live Oak, between Interstates 75 and 10. From I-10, take exit 283 (old exit 40) and go north on US 129 4.5 miles. From I-75, take exit 451 (old exit 85) and proceed south 4.5 miles.