Kenny Chesney is bringing his massive Trip Around the Sun Tour to Grand Forks this summer on July 21st. The country superstar always brings along talented up-and-coming artists to open his shows and get the party started. So who will be joining Kenny Chesney on stage in Grand Forks as his opening acts?
Old Dominion
The hitmaking country group Old Dominion will be opening the show in Grand Forks. Old Dominion consists of Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Geoff Sprung and Brad Tursi. The band formed in Nashville and has released several popular country songs like “Break Up with Him,” “Song for Another Time,” and “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart.” Their catchy melodies and clever lyrics have made Old Dominion one of the hottest up-and-coming acts in country music.
Old Dominion released their self-titled debut album in 2015 and it featured the platinum single “Break Up with Him.” Their sophomore album Happy Endings was released in 2017 and reached #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. It included the chart-topping single “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart.” In 2019, the band released their third studio album Old Dominion which contained their latest hit song “One Man Band.” They have won numerous accolades including Band of the Year at the ACM Awards and Group of the Year at the CMA Awards.
Kenny Chesney hand-picked Old Dominion to open his stadium shows and join him on the road. Their music complements his upbeat, summery songs perfectly. The band has a great live show full of energy that will get the crowd pumped up for Chesney. Old Dominion is sure to play their catchy hits as well as preview new music they have been working on in the studio. Kenny Chesney fans will be on their feet singing and dancing along to Old Dominion’s opening set.
Old Dominion Songs Likely to Be Played
| Song Title | Album |
|---|---|
| Break Up with Him | Meat and Candy (2015) |
| Snapback | Old Dominion (2019) |
| No Such Thing as a Broken Heart | Happy Endings (2017) |
| Hotel Key | Happy Endings (2017) |
| One Man Band | Old Dominion (2019) |
Dan + Shay
Joining Old Dominion on the opening bill is the hit country duo Dan + Shay. Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney first teamed up in Nashville in 2012 and have steadily risen to become one of today’s most popular country acts. Their smooth vocal harmonies layered over pop-influenced country songs have led to an impressive string of hits like “19 You + Me,” “From the Ground Up,” and “Speechless.”
Dan + Shay have released three acclaimed albums so far. Their first album Where It All Began came out in 2014 and reached #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. It featured their first big hit “19 You + Me” which peaked at #1 on the Country Airplay chart. Their sophomore effort Obsessed was released in 2016 and contained the top 10 Country Airplay hits “From the Ground Up” and “How Not To.”
In 2018, Dan + Shay scored their first career Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their single “Tequila.” Their self-titled third album Dan + Shay was released that year and all three of its singles reached #1 on the Country Airplay chart. Those hit songs included “Speechless,” “All to Myself,” and “Keeping Score” featuring Kelly Clarkson. Most recently in 2021, they teamed up with pop star Justin Bieber for the smash crossover hit “10,000 Hours.”
Dan + Shay have become known for their energetic and engaging concerts. Their tight harmonies and catchy tunes will be the perfect way to kick off an amazing night of music in Grand Forks. Expect them to sing their long string of hits as well as give fans a taste of their upcoming new album. Dan + Shay are slated to release their fourth studio album Good Things next year.
Dan + Shay Songs Likely to Be Played
| Song Title | Album |
|---|---|
| 10,000 Hours (with Justin Bieber) | Single (2021) |
| 19 You + Me | Where It All Began (2014) |
| Speechless | Dan + Shay (2018) |
| All to Myself | Dan + Shay (2018) |
| Tequila | Dan + Shay (2018) |
Carly Pearce
Rounding out the opening lineup for Kenny Chesney in Grand Forks is rising country singer Carly Pearce. Since breaking through with her debut single “Every Little Thing” in 2017, Pearce has established herself as one of country music’s most promising new talents. Her traditional country sound has drawn comparisons to legends like Patty Loveless and Lee Ann Womack.
Carly Pearce released her first album Every Little Thing in 2017, which included the platinum-selling title track. Her self-titled sophomore record came out in 2020 and contained the #1 hit singles “I Hope You’re Happy Now” (with Lee Brice) and “Next Girl.” It earned Pearce her first CMA and ACM Award wins for Female Vocalist of the Year and Music Event of the Year.
Most recently, Pearce released her third album 29: Written in Stone which came out in September 2021. It features her current single “What He Didn’t Do,” a deeply personal song about the breakup of her short-lived marriage to fellow country artist Michael Ray. Pearce is known for delivering raw, emotional performances and connecting closely with her fans during live shows. Her powerful voice and vulnerable songwriting make her an ideal artist to open for Kenny Chesney.
Pearce will likely play her two #1 hits along with other songs from 29: Written in Stone. She may also debut new music she’s been working on for her next album. As a relatively new artist, this will be Pearce’s biggest tour yet playing in stadiums alongside Chesney and the other openers. But she has the voice and stage presence to shine even in massive venues like Alerus Center.
Carly Pearce Songs Likely to Be Played
| Song Title | Album |
|---|---|
| Every Little Thing | Every Little Thing (2017) |
| I Hope You’re Happy Now (with Lee Brice) | Carly Pearce (2020) |
| Next Girl | Carly Pearce (2020) |
| What He Didn’t Do | 29: Written in Stone (2021) |
Kenny Chesney
Of course the main event for the night will be Kenny Chesney. He is one of country music’s biggest superstars who has been packing stadiums and amphitheaters for over two decades. Chesney is known for his high energy live shows and always brings the party during his concerts. Fans will be on their feet singing and dancing along to his long list of beloved hits.
Kenny Chesney has released a staggering 20 studio albums and has had over 40 Top 10 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. He has scored numerous #1 hits like “There Goes My Life,” “The Good Stuff,” “Never Wanted Nothing More,” “Out Last Night,” and many more. Chesney has won multiple CMA and ACM Awards including Entertainer of the Year.
His most recent album Here and Now was released in 2020 and topped the country album charts. It featured the hits “Here and Now,” “Happy Does,” and “Knowing You.” For the Trip Around the Sun Tour, Chesney will be performing songs from across his whole career catalog. Longtime fans can expect to hear classics like “When the Sun Goes Down,” “Summertime,” and “Keg in the Closet” mixed among newer tracks.
Kenny Chesney always brings epic production with giant video walls and lasers lighting up the night sky. He also has some surprises up his sleeve for each show. The country superstar is sure to have some special guests join him on stage at various tour stops. There is also a good chance he plays new, unreleased music to give fans a sample of what he’s been working on.
The Trip Around the Sun Tour has drawn huge crowds at every stop so far this summer. Kenny Chesney concerts are full-on parties from start to finish that create lifelong memories for country fans. The electric atmosphere of 20,000 people singing along to his songs is an unforgettable experience. Grand Forks is ready to kick off their boots, grab some beers, and sing along when Chesney hits the stage after his talented openers warm up the crowd.
Kenny Chesney Songs Likely to Be Played
| Song Title | Album |
|---|---|
| She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy | Ain’t My Mama’s Table (1995) |
| The Good Stuff | No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems (2002) |
| Summertime | When the Sun Goes Down (2004) |
| Out Last Night | Welcome to the Fishbowl (2012) |
| Here and Now | Here and Now (2020) |
| Knowing You | Here and Now (2020) |
Conclusion
Kenny Chesney is bringing a stellar lineup of opening acts with him to Grand Forks this summer. Talented country hitmakers Old Dominion, Dan + Shay, and Carly Pearce will take the stage first to get the party started. Then Kenny Chesney will close out the epic night of music with his signature high energy stadium show featuring his long list of chart-topping hits.
The Trip Around the Sun Tour is Chesney’s biggest tour in years and the Grand Forks stop will be one of the hottest tickets of the summer concert season. Country music fans won’t want to miss this chance to catch several of today’s top stars performing live on one stage. It all goes down on Saturday, July 21st at Alerus Center!
