His musical talent — more than 11 million albums sold with 40 singles making the charts — and his stature — 6 feet, 6 inches — make Adkins one of the biggest stars in country music.

“Trace Adkins represents our most well-known, high profile country headliner to date,” said Ted Bodensteiner, vice president of Shellabration Inc., which organizes the Downtown Country Jam.

“This year’s Downtown Country Jam should be big time,” he added.

Adkins will sing on a stage at Central Avenue and Ninth Street

-Submitted photo
Jared Benson will perform at Downtown Country Jam on Aug. 9.

“The guy is genuine on stage,” said Jim Reed Jr., the president of Shellabration Inc.

He will be joined by local singer Jared Benson, who will be the opening act. The Boys, a band from southeastern Iowa led by two brothers, will also perform.

For the first time, the Downtown Country Jam will feature a VIP Experience and Lounge for sponsors.

“Sponsors will receive a generous complement of VIP passes that include exclusive access to an upscale atmosphere and amenities like canopy cover, tables, chairs, table service and complimentary food and beverages,” said Craig Schlienz, a member of the Shellabration Inc.board.

Tickets go on sale Feb. 21 at ticketweb.com. They will initially cost $40, rising to $50 July 21.

-Submitted photo
Adam and Lee Klett — The Boys — will perform at Downtown Country Jam on Aug. 9.

Trace Adkins

Adkins debuted in 1996 with the album “Dreamin’ Out Loud,” which included two top five hits. The song “Every Light In the House” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart while “This Ain’t (No Thinkin’ Thing)” hit No. 1.

A parade of hits followed those two songs, including “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” “Hillbilly Bone,” “I Left Something Turned On At Home,” “Big Time,” “I’m Trying,” “Chrome,” “Then They Do,” “Hot Mama,” “”Songs About Me,” “Rough & Ready,” “Swing,” “Ladies Love Country Boys,” “You’re Gonna Miss This,” and “Marry For Money.”

Altogether, Adkins has sold more than 11 million albums. He has had 40 singles make the country music charts.

He also has done some acting and made some TV appearances, including winning the 2013 edition of “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice.”

Reed said he was researching artists for the Downtown Country Jam and saw that Adkins had a concert in Red Wing, Minnesota, on Aug. 8. Because of the proximity to Fort Dodge, he quickly made an offer to Adkins’ management team.

“Jim pretty well had all the pieces in place,” Schlienz said. “It came together as quickly as I ever remember booking an artist for one of our shows.”

Jared Benson

Benson, of Fort Dodge, has released an album called “Save My Soul” on iTunes.

His band features local musicians Alex Trevino on guitar, Claudia Coltrain on fiddle and background vocals, Mason O’Brien on bass, and Jake Rossow on drums and background vocals.

Benson’s song list for the Downtown Country Jam will consist of 75 percent original material, according to Reed.

The Boys

This band is led by brothers Adam and Lee Klett.

“They’re good,” Schlienz said. “They’re entertaining.”

The band, formed in 2014, just released an album called “Seeing Double.”

Ticket information

Tickets cost $40

Ticket go on sale at ticketweb.com on Feb. 21

Tickets will go on sale at Hy-Vee, 115 S. 29th St., on April 12.

Price increase to $50 on July 21

Any remaining tickets will be sold at the gate for $50

Children age 12 and younger admitted free if they are with an adult