GATES – You can’t get “more country” than a rodeo.

Ditto for Colton James.

Put the two together and the ingredients are present for one whale of a show.

James, who hails from Courtland, VA and has a Roanoke-Chowan area connection with his wife who manages Whitley’s Barbecue in Murfreesboro, has been added to the entertainment at the 18^th annual Gates County Championship Rodeo. He will perform prior to the 7:30 p.m. start of the Rodeo on both Friday and Saturday, May 8-9.

James is an accomplished country music artist who writes and performs his songs.

He recently performed for Country USA 2014, America’s Maximum Country Music & Camping Festival. He has opened for Toby Keith, Mark Chestnutt, Carrie Underwood, Chris Cagle, Joe Nichols, Dixie Chicks, Lonestar, Keith Anderson, Trick Pony and many others.

James’ single, “101 Proof”, swept the nation as the 120 City Tour came to an end. His energetic music video, which features NASCAR driver Kerry Earnhardt and professional wrestler Shawn Michaels: The Heartbreak Kid, earned a #3 ranking on CMT.com.

James has also given back to the community in many ways. He has been very supportive of our country’s troops, and received a standing ovation from 16,000 fans after his performance of “Brave Men” at Little Creek Amphibious Base in Norfolk when he opened for Jason Aldean. He is actively involved in Fishin 4 Heroes and Truckin 4 Troops, which both support active military and veterans.

“No aspect of support is too small—just a kind word can go a long way,” James said.

After hearing about a fundraiser for Diane Stokle, who was battling breast cancer, he co-wrote “What Keeps Her Strong,” and sang it to her before she passed away in 2009.

“I am always looking for ways to help people because so many others have touched my life,” James said.

He has visited dozens of radio stations; performed in front of radio decision makers, invited guests and radio station winners in all 50 states. He has done the same at various CMA events.

Between the radio exposure, TV exposure and web exposure—especially at CMT.com, where he’s had a top 5 video with his single “101 Proof”, it’s estimated he’s been exposed to 70 million listeners and viewers to date—at a minimum.

Bottom line, Colton is really on to something here. He lives, breathes and eats his career and Country music and can’t wait to put something together with Nucor.

“If it were not for supporters, believers and listeners, I would not have experienced the success I have had so far,” said James.