'Spend a night in the country with Tracy Byrd'

The second annual Night in the Country concert, a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club of Mason Valley, will be Saturday at the Lyon County Fairgrounds in Yerington.

The concert opens with David John and the Comstock Cowboys and features award-winning country music artist Tracy Byrd.

"We're really excited about Tracy Byrd being here," said Travis Crowder, executive director for the Boys and Girls Club.

"He's a big name, has a current hit album and a Top 10 song, 'The Truth About Men.' He had a hit last year that was at the top of the charts for several weeks, '10 Rounds of Jose Cuervo.' "

Crowder said Byrd was the perfect candidate to headline the concert. And the timing of his tour fit in with the Yerington location.

"He was very generous to the club, in terms of the contract," Crowder said. "And he's doing it for the right reason: he knows it's for kids."

Byrd has lived for 16 years in Beaumont, Texas, with his family.

David John and the Comstock Cowboys were named Nevada's No. 1 Western band by Gov. Kenny C. Guinn.

The 2003 operating budget of the Boys and Girls Club of Mason Valley is $480,000. Grants cover about 60 to 70 percent of that amount; the rest is received through fund-raisers and donations. Crowder said proceeds from the concert will pay for day-to-day operations and activities for the kids.

"Anything pertaining to the kids, that's what we'll use it for. Especially the summer months -- we're cooking. We've got lots of activities going on all the time."

Crowder hopes the concert will produce a "five-figure" profit.

"All the service clubs in town, the Rotary, Soroptimists, Lions, will provide beverages," Crowder said. "There will be alcohol and nonalcoholic beverages. The 4-H Kids will have a good booth with burgers and dogs and all the fixings."

Other food selections include tri-tip sandwiches and complete tri-tip dinners.

There will also be a raffle for a new guitar and cowboy hat, both to be autographed by Byrd on stage. If the winner is present, he or she will receive the prize from Byrd. Tickets are $5 apiece or 3 for $10.

Tickets are at International Minute Press and Little Philly Cheesesteak in Carson City; Western Nevada Supply Co and Little Philly Cheesesteak in Reno; and Renner Equipment in Fallon. Orders will be taken over the phone with a credit card. Call (775) 463-5114.

The concert includes a live remote and is hosted by K-Bull, 98 FM.

"We now have more than 1,300 members since opening our doors in September 2000," Crowder said. "Isn't that great? This community is amazing, absolutely amazing. They've been great."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Night in the Country concert with Tracy Byrd and David John and the Comstock Cowboys

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, gates open at 5

WHERE: Lyon County Fairgrounds, Yerington

TICKETS: $20

CALL: (775) 463-5114