DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Country music will take center stage in downtown Dothan as a Wiregrass hometown favorite joins a legendary honky-tonk performer for the next Levitt AMP Dothan Music Series concert.
According to a press release from Art in Public Places, Dale Watson & His Lone Stars and Headland singer-songwriter Baylee Bennett Knighton will perform Thursday, Sept. 17, at Porter Park Plaza, located at 125 N. Saint Andrews St.
Food trucks will open at 5 p.m. Knighton will kick off the music at 6 p.m., followed by Watson and His Lone Stars at 7 p.m. The concert is free, and those attending are encouraged to bring blankets and make an evening of it in downtown Dothan.
Watson has spent more than four decades performing his blend of honky-tonk, western swing and Texas country. The award-winning singer, songwriter and musician has performed alongside Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.
“I’m one of Dale Watson’s biggest fans,” Nelson said.
Watson’s dedication to traditional country music also led him to champion the term “Ameripolitan,” which celebrates honky-tonk, western swing, rockabilly and outlaw country.
Opening the show will be Knighton, a 16-year-old Headland singer-songwriter who has already gained attention across the Wiregrass.
Knighton began writing songs at 13 and draws inspiration from artists including Keith Whitley, Chris Stapleton and Anne Wilson. She has also earned top honors in the Dothan Youth Songwriters Challenge for her original music.
The Sept. 17 performance is the third installment of this year’s Levitt AMP Dothan Music Series. The series brings free live music, food and community gatherings to Porter Park Plaza.
The series will conclude Sept. 24 with Johnny Mullenax and Smoke and Steel. The concerts are a collaboration involving Art in Public Places, the City of Dothan, Live at the Opera and Tri-State Expo Juneteenth Affairs.
