Alan Jackson will be rolling into the Bryce Jordan Center for his "Freight Train Tour" this May.
The country singer, known for his successful singles "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" and "Chattahoochee" will be making his was to the BJC on May 21, said Bernie Punt, directory of sales and marketing.
The concert is a special one for the BJC, Punt said.
"Alan Jackson was our first country concert at the BJC," he said. "That makes him special -- his longevity."
Punt said as most bands in the country genre and other genres fade in and out, Jackson continues to keep momentum and even gain new, younger fans.
Aly Geddes, who saw her first Jackson concert when she was eleven, said she's a fan of his music.
"It's a little more old school country, and I like that." Geddes (sophomore-elementary education) said. "It's very easy to dance to."
Geddes said it was difficult to capture Jackson's sound in words.
"It just has it's own kinda sound," Geddes said. "You can't really explain it -- it's just different."
Josh Turner and Chris Young will both be opening for Jackon at the show.
Geddes said she enjoys the deeper voice both Jackson and Josh Tuner have, and how it contributes to their music.
Kyle Winey (senior-marketing), a long time country fan, said he liked the message country offers it's listeners.
"I like the message in country -- it's all wholesome," Winey said. "It's not like rap, where all they talk about is ... money, and drugs. It's a good wholesome message."
Winey, who said he is from a small town, thinks country appeals more to the surrounding area then to the student population.
"From my experiences, not many people from jersey or urban areas like country music," Winey said. "I'm from a small town, so a lot of my friends and I like to chill to country music."
Geddes said she relates Jackson's music to her hometown.
"It's kinda like being home and having a party with family and friends," Geddes said.
Jackson has a history of critical success in the country genre. He has recorded 18 albums, which included 25 No. 1. hits on Billboard's country chart.
Even so, Winey said he doesn't think the event will sell out the BJC.
"Jason Aldean came last week, and he's a bigger artist then Jackson is, and I know a lot of my friends didn't want to go," Winey said. "So I believe it'd be worse for Jackson."
Punt, however, said the BJC is expecting a good turnout.
"This concert took fans by surprise," Punt said. "We're expecting a great response."
Tickets will go on sale 10 a.m. March 13 at the BJC office, the Downtown Theatre, Penn State Altoona and online. Prices range from $25 to $59.75.
