April shows include Lady Antebellum

A nine-concert series debuts tonight with former American Idol star Bo Bice.

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Bice, the runner-up during American Idol's fourth season, will perform as the show's headlining act, with opening performances by local musician Patrick Blanchard and country rock band Crossin' Dixon.

The concert begins at 6 p.m. at the Columbia County Amphitheater, but the gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $20 at the event. Food catered by the French Market Grille West will be offered at the show.

The concert is the product of For the Fans Entertainment LLC, said Sean Frantom, a partner in the entertainment company. He said they will start putting the finishing touches on the venue at 9 a.m. on the day of the concert.

"Anything that you would see at a professional show, you're going to see there," Frantom said.

He said Bice's fan club plans to meet at the amphitheater by 7 a.m. to find the best seats in the arena.

"We looked at his show he did in Indianapolis last week, and he was very fan-friendly, so we expect that to be something people will really get to see," Frantom said.

He said he's not quite sure yet what to expect from the show, but sees the potential of the amphitheater's location.

"The venue is not that far out. It's right here. It's safe. It's just a beautiful area."

For the Fans Entertainment also has announced the bands that will be performing during two April concerts.

Frantom confirmed that Drew Copeland and Ken Block of Sister Hazel will perform for the April 6 show as the headlining band. The show's national supporting acts include Chris Young, the season four winner of Nashville Star , and Doug Jones of Cravin' Melon. Soul singer Jim Perkins, who plays throughout the Augusta area, will perform as the concert's local act.

Frantom said that concert will strictly focus on acoustic music.

The show set for April 27 will be opened by country singer Luke Bryant. Other acts include Augusta natives Charles Kelly and David Haywood of Lady Antebellum and 17 South, the 2008 Georgia Country Band of the Year, of Thomson.

Tickets for both April concerts cost $20 and are available at Wild Wing Cafe, Columbia County Community Events Building B, Merle Norman Studios in the Augusta area and online at www.etix.com, and www.forthefansentertain ment.com.

Tickets for the April 6 show go on sale Monday.

For more information, visit For the Fans Entertainment's Web site at www.forthefans entertainment.com.