Labor Day Music Festival to offer fun, aide in Rita relief



By Ashley Sanders

The News staff writer

Country music artist Zona Jones said fans should expect a lot of “surprises and secrets” during his set at this Sunday’s Labor Day Music Festival.

“We have a few surprises in store for everyone here in Southeast Texas,” Jones, who is a well-known national talent from Southeast Texas, said. “The only thing I can tell you right now is that we are going to play several songs from our debut CD ‘Harleys & Horses’. We are also going to play some of the music we have cut for our new CD coming out later this fall. “

Jones said that “everything else is a secret.”

“Everyone who comes to the show just needs to be ready to have fun.”

The local boy turned big name singer said he is looking forward to playing once again in his hometown.

“We always love to play at home for our family and friends. There is nothing like it,” Jones said. “Southeast Texas is a special place.”

“The people here have always supported us and been here for us. It is nice to get the chance to be part of the Rita Relief effort and do something to help our friends here at home.”

Joining Jones on the Labor Day Music Festival stage are two more local boys and fan favorites — Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Byrd. Other performers include music sensation Tracy Lawrence, the award-winning local group TruSoul and gospel singer Yolanda Adams.

The concert, sponsored by the Southeast Texas Ford Dealers, will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, at Ford Park.

Tickets are required for admission to the concert at Ford Pavilion. All seats under cover are reserved and cost $10. These tickets are available at the Ford Park box office, 5115 I-10 South in Beaumont and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Lawn tickets are free and can be picked up while supplies last at all Southeast Texas Ford Dealer locations and area Exxpress Mart and Tri-Con Convenience Stores.

The 4th Annual Labor Day Music Festival, sponsored in part by BASF, will also include the Cowboys and Texans Experience — a powerful, interactive attraction for children ages 12 and under. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, as well as the Houston Texans owner Robert McNair, will also make a surprise visit early in the day.

Ford Park gates open at 2 p.m. with a free open house. The Cowboys and Texans experience will kick off at 3 p.m. And the midway will be open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A fireworks display will follow the concert.

The annual Labor Day Music Festival was created to celebrate the hard-working men and women of Southeast Texas and to provide fun and entertainment for the entire family. This year’s Labor Day Music Festival, which is produced by Coondog Productions, will benefit the Southeast Texas Emergency Relief Fund (SETERF).

There will be a $5 charge per car for parking and all parking proceeds will benefit SETERF.

SETERF addresses the extensive needs of thousands of individuals affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. To date, SETERF has distributed $2.26 million to social service organizations, small businesses and faith-based organizations.