ST. GEORGE — Get ready for a dazzling patriotic tribute, a world-class concert experience and Southern Utah’s largest fireworks display as the 99.9 KONY Country 4th of July Celebration returns to St. George. An estimated 20,000 people will gather at Greater Zion Stadium to celebrate America’s independence with a night of thrilling live entertainment.

For the first time ever, this year’s concert lineup features not one, not two, but three phenomenal artists. Kicking off Southern Utah’s biggest summer bash is DJ Eric Rhodes, who will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. to spin an energetic blend of hits past and present.

“This is something new for us. We’ve never had a DJ at our event,” said Marty Lane, morning show co-host at 99.9 KONY Country.

With 1.4 million followers on TikTok and nearly 1 million on Instagram, Rhodes is a bona fide social media sensation. His skillful fusion of diverse music genres is sure to captivate the crowd, solidifying his status as one of the hottest DJs in the industry. 

Rhodes spun his first disc in 1999 while attending the University of Idaho, where he earned a degree in radio, TV and digital media. After a short career in public television, he discovered his true calling in connecting with audiences as a luxury event entertainer.

Rhodes has been working as a DJ for over 20 years, playing weddings, corporate events and private parties across the country. But it wasn’t until 2021 that he took to social media to show off his skills in an effort to further promote his business. His creative mashups of songs people know and love – for instance, blending Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s hip-hop classic “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” with Chris Stapleton’s bluesy country track “Think I’m in Love with You” – have garnered millions of views and kudos from many of the original artists themselves.

Rhodes is always trying something new, experimenting with different genres as his following continues to grow exponentially. His recent mix of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” and “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims already has over 6 million hits on TikTok.

So, what’s the secret to viral success? For Rhodes, a proud husband and father who makes his home in southern Idaho, it’s a mashup of talent and authenticity.

“Just make things people like and be consistent and show up as yourself,” he said during a recent interview with the 99.9 KONY Country morning show. “I think that’s what people connected to; not only the music, but I was just being myself. I think just connecting with people on a personal level is important.”

Follow @DJEricRhodes on social media for a sample of what he’ll be spinning at Greater Zion Stadium on Independence Day. Of course, audiences can count on hearing plenty of country hits, but Rhodes also plans to add a few surprises by mixing in dance music and unique mashups, like Luke Bryan meets The Sugarhill Gang.

“The unexpected is what they can expect,” he said. “We’re going to have a ton of fun.”

Following Rhodes’s set are live performances from country stars Ashley McBryde and Craig Morgan. A Grammy, CMA and ACM award winner, Arkansas native McBryde earned platinum certification with the hit “One Night Standards,” while her collaboration with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” went to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay in 2022. She’s currently performing across North America and Europe on her headlining The Devil I Know Tour.

Morgan, a Tennessee-born singer and songwriter who shot to No. 1 in 2005 with “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” has notched 17 entries on Billboard’s country charts, including seven top 10 singles. However, the hitmaker behind “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester” and “Little Bit of Life” is also a faithful Christian, a devoted family man and a distinguished veteran who re-enlisted in the Army Reserve while on stage at the Grand Ole Opry last year.

“We’re trying to create more of a festival-style experience with all these fantastic artists,” Lane said. “We want to keep the energy going so everyone’s having a good time from start to finish.”

Audiences will also be treated to a patriotic program from United We Pledge that features the unfolding of one of the world’s largest American flags, plus many other surprises sure to make the night unforgettable. After darkness falls, the stadium will come alight with a fireworks display accompanied by music and narration.

Tickets for the 99.9 KONY Country 4th of July Celebration are now available to purchase online or by calling the Utah Tech ticket office at 435-652-7800. Tickets start at $25 for general admission, which grants access to the field and seating on the east side of Greater Zion Stadium.

Reserved seating on the west side costs $38, or $40 for a seatback that offers additional comfort. All ticket prices include taxes and fees. Plus, listen to 99.9 KONY Country and Canyon Media’s other radio stations in the coming weeks for chances to win tickets.

 Event details

• What: 99.9 KONY Country 4th of July Celebration.
• When: Thursday, July 4, from 5:30-10:30 p.m.
• Where: Greater Zion Stadium at Utah Tech University, 500 S. 700 East, St. George.
• Tickets: General admission, $25; reserved, $38; reserved with seatback, $40.
• Resources: Website.

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