On Jan. 17, University of North Alabama proudly hosted The Dukes of Country in Norton Auditorium for a fun and exciting night full of country hits.
The Dukes of Country was not just a typical concert but rather an immersive experience. From good music, to choreographed dancing, to light shows and video screens The Dukes of Country is a great time for everyone involved.
The Dukes of Country is a cover band for “Country When It Was Cool”, as mentioned in their tagline. The band mainly covers country classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The band also includes their very own Dolly Parton impersonator as the lead female singer. As for the special effects included in the show, there are lights projected across the stage, the original music videos from the tracks that they sing and they are the only band that uses CB radios on stage to further enhance the experience of the audience.
Ticket prices were $35 for anyone in the Florence area who wanted to attend and free for UNA students.
The show kicked off with “Good Ol’ Boys” by Waylon Jennings which was the theme song from the 70s and 80s show called “Dukes of Hazzard” which was what inspired the members to create The Dukes of Country.
The band also played many recognizable classics such as “Working 9 to 5” by Dolly Parton, “Moutain Music” by Alabama and “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter to which the members encouraged to audience to join in and sing.
The Norton Auditorium stage was also rearranged to allow members of the audience to get up from their seats and dance in front of the stage.
Derrick “Bo” Duke who was the lead male singer also threw The Dukes of Country footballs out to the audience members and gave away two The Dukes of Country cowgirl hats to those dancing in front of the stage.
Toward the end of the show, the band dedicated the song “God Bless The U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood to veterans and troops to which the audience stood in admiration during the duration of the song.
The band hopes that the show further brings people in the community together,
“We play songs from that era that kind of bring older people and younger people together and sort of click together.” shared Willie, the band’s drummer.
Florence, Al was their first show within the area and are hoping to come back soon.
