LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) — Longview is gearing up for its annual hot air balloon race, bringing dozens of hot air balloon pilots, a drone show and several iconic East Texas musicians.
The 49th Great Texas Balloon Race, set to take place in June, announced its entertainment lineup on Tuesday. Blues-rock guitarist and vocalist Wes Jeans will headline June 12, followed by June 13’s headliner, iconic country music star Sunny Sweeney.
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The balloon race’s first night will open up with L.A. Roxx, a Louisiana-based rock and roll tribute band, before headliner Jeans takes the stage. Jeans, who comes from the Marshall area, has been voted East Texas Blues Artist of the Year several times, with many successful singles.
Image of L.A. Roxx, courtesy of Great Texas Balloon Race
Image of Wes Jeans, courtesy of Great Texas Balloon Race
Sweeney, a Longview native, has released five critically acclaimed albums and had several charting songs in her almost two-decade-long music career. Opening for Sweeney will be Rose & Weeds, a country-music group out of Paris.
Image of Roses & Weeds, courtesy of Great Texas Balloon Race
Image of Sunny Sweeney, courtesy of Great Texas Balloon Race
The balloon race kicks off at the Longview Convention Center early at 6:30 a.m. on June 12 with a competition flight in the sky, followed by two days full of vendors, hot air balloon experiences and a drone show.
The music entertainment opens up each night at 7:30 p.m. before the headliner starts at 9:30 p.m.
For the full schedule of events and ticket purchasing, visit the Great Texas Balloon Race’s website at GTBR.net.
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