ST. LOUIS, Feb. 14, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Commodity Classic has announced Shannon Brown, John Conlee, Joe Diffie, Carolina Rain and The Steeldrivers will perform an exclusive show at the Grand Ole Opry during the Evening of Entertainment at the 2008 Commodity Classic convention and trade show, Feb. 28-March 1 in Nashville, Tenn.
"This is a great lineup of talent for our private Evening of Entertainment," said Commodity Classic co-chair and ASA Vice President Randy Mann.
Raised in Spirit Lake, Iowa, Shannon Brown lives in Nashville and has released one studio album to date, "Corn Fed" in 2006. She has charted four singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
A strong supporter of the U.S. farmer, John Conlee works a farm outside of Nashville and was born and raised in Kentucky farm country. His country music career began in the late 1970s and includes 26 singles that charted in the top 20 or better. Eight of these have reached the coveted No. 1 spot on the national country charts.
Joe Diffie charted 17 Top 10 hits (five of which reached Number One) on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts. He has also recorded nine studio albums (two of which have been certified Platinum by the RIAA), in addition to a Greatest Hits package, a Christmas album, and a live album.
The country music group Carolina Rain was founded in 2003 and was the first act on Equity Music Group, an independent record label owned by country music artist Clint Black. They have released one album (2006's "Weather the Storm") and have charted four singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
The Steeldrivers released its first album, "The Steeldrivers," this year. The group's music has been hailed as "a refreshing mix of bluegrass soul and roots-rock intensity."
"We're excited to have such a wonderful lineup of entertainers to celebrate the last night of Commodity Classic and all the hard work that went into it," said Commodity Classic co-chair and NCGA Corn Board member Theresa Schmalshof. "We're all looking forward to kicking up our heels and enjoying the best of Nashville and the historic Grand Ole Opry."
Commodity Classic, the combined convention and trade show of the American Soybean Association (ASA), the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort across from the Grand Ole Opry. Commodity Classic will also feature a trade show, association banquets, entertainment events, and important networking opportunities. For more information or to register, please visit www.commodityclassic.com.