Kenny Chesney beefs up tour schedule, scores ACM nods >> Tour dates and concert ticket info >> LiveDaily

Kenny Chesney beefs up tour schedule, scores ACM nods

Published March 12, 2003 12:06 PM

By Jon Zahlaway / LiveDaily Senior Writer

Kenny Chesney [ tickets ] is mapping out a busy year for himself, as the country singer has filled most of the blanks in his tour schedule through early July.

Chesney's itinerary includes a May 21 stop in Las Vegas, where he's scheduled to give the opening performance at this year's annual Academy of Country Music Awards. He also has a good shot at gracing the stage that night for an acceptance speech, as he recently received five nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Top Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for his multi-platinum 2002 release, "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem."

Chesney learned about his multiple nominations while sailing "somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean" during a break in his current tour schedule, according to a press release. The singer, who was out of cellular range for most of the day, found that he had 15 messages waiting for him when he eventually checked his voicemail.

"Oh, gee, I guess I'm in trouble," Chesney said to his publicist, whom he called before playing the numerous messages. "Please tell me the worst news is you guys couldn't find me ... because I've got a buncha voicemail, so I know that means something's up."

Chesney went on to describe his thoughts that day.

"You're out in the middle of all this blue water, not a cloud in the sky and nothing for miles, and you're sure it can't get any better than this. You're just so sure ... then you realize [that it's the day that ACM nominations are being announced], and you get worried, because even though you know it's not about nominations, you really hope that people are going to recognize what you're doing."

[Note: The following tour dates have been provided by artist and/or tour sources, who verify its accuracy as of the publication time of this story. Changes may occur before tickets go on sale. Check with official artist websites, ticketing sources and venues for late updates.]

March 2003
13 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
14 - Chicago, IL - Allstate Arena
15 - Evansville, IN - Roberts Stadium
20 - Roanoke, VA - Civic Center
21 - Greenville, SC - Bi-Lo Center
23 - Reading, PA - Sovereign Center
27 - Dayton, OH - Nutter Center
28 - Ft. Wayne, IN - War Memorial Coliseum
29 - Charleston, WV - Civic Center

April 2003
3 - Selma, TX - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
4 - Dallas, TX - Smirnoff Music Centre
5 - Valley Center, KS - Kansas Coliseum
7 - Nashville, TN - Gaylord Entertainment Center
10 - Odessa, TX - Ector County Coliseum
11 - Las Cruces, NM - Pan American Center
12 - Lubbock, TX - United Spirit Arena
23 - Beaumont, TX - Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex
24 - Jackson, MS - Mississippi Coliseum
25 - Memphis, TN - The Pyramid
26 - Maryland Heights, MO - UMB Bank Pavilion
27 - Bonner Springs, KS - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

May 2003
8 - Pelham, AL - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
9 - Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
10 - Raleigh, NC - Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek
11 - Burgettstown, PA - Post-Gazette Pavilion at Star Lake
30 - Columbus, OH - Germain Amphitheater
31 - Noblesville, IN - Verizon Wireless Music Center

June 2003
6 - Nashville, TN - The Coliseum (Fan Fair)
14 - Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay
21 - Kelseyville, CA - Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa
26 - Greeley, CO - Greeley Stampede
27 - Manhattan, KS - Tuttle Creek State Park
28 - Cadott, WI - Country Fest
28 - Daytona, FL - International Speedway
29 - Oshkosh, WI - Country USA / Sunnyview Expo Center

July 2003
5 - Milwaukee, WI - Marcus Amphitheatre (Summerfest)