Jason Aldean brings ‘Wide Open’ tour to WVU

Country star Jason Aldean is bringing his "Wide Open" tour to the West Virginia University Coliseum tonight.

Lee Brice is the opening act.

Aldean burst on the country music scene in 2005 with his first self-titled album, producing hits "Hicktown," "Amarillo Sky" and "Why": his first no. 1 hit.

His latest successful album, "Wide Open," has been recognized for its fusion of country and rock, with hits like "She's Country," which became his seventh-consecutive Top 40 hit on the country charts.

Freshman public relations student Becca Mullin is particularly excited for the show tonight, saying Aldean is her favorite current artist.

"I love country music, and Jason Aldean is one of the best out there.

He just makes that type of music that you can blast in the car and sing at the top of your lungs to," Mullin said. "I expect the concert to be a great time and hope there's a lot of dancing on stage and in the audience."

Mullin commented on her first-time experiences at WVU as a freshman and appreciates concerts at the Colliseum like Aldean's, which offer discounted tickets for students.

"I think that concerts like these are amazing opportunities, and it's nice of the University to provide something different to do, especially since most of us are broke college kids," Mullin said.

Freshman exercise physiology student Ryan Hooghkirk has high expecations for the show as a fan of Aldean's, having seen him once before in her hometown of Richmond, Va.

"He's great in concert and sounds just as good live as he does on the radio, which a lot of artists have trouble with," Hooghkirk said. "I hope he sings a lot of

his older stuff because his original albums are the best, but his new stuff is good too – everything he sings is easy to relate to."

Jason Aldean will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the WVU Coliseum.

Ticket prices range between $30 and $40, depending on seat location, and may be purchased at the Mountainlair Box Office or online at www.ticketmaster.com.