Cole Swindell, one of country music’s chart-topping performers, is headlining the Dacotah Bank Center on Thursday for his “Happy Hour Sad Tour.” He’ll be joined by special guests Priscilla Block and Greylan James.
The Georgia native is known for his long-time impact in the country genre, beginning with his debut single, “Chillin’ It,” released in 2013. Since then, he’s landed multiple No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country chart, with hits like “You Should Be Here,” “Middle of a Memory” and “She Had Me at Heads Carolina.”
He also won an Academy of Country Music Award for New Artist of the Year in 2015 and Grammy nominations for music collaborations throughout the years.
This will be a return for Swindell, as his last performance at the Dacotah Bank Center was in 2018.
“We’re so excited to have him back,” said Ashley Biggar, general manager for the Dacotah Bank Center. “Brookings gave him a warm welcome then, and we know fans are ready to show up even bigger this time around.”
Alongside Swindell, rising country artists are making their own space in the music genre.
Priscilla Block gained attention on the TikTok app for her viral 2020 song, “Just About Over You.” Since then, she’s built a fanbase for her honest songwriting that blends country pop and Southern rock. Greylan James, who picked up his first guitar at five, spent years writing for many country stars, including Swindell, before stepping into the spotlight with his own music.
Biggar said concerts like these for Brookings are much more than entertaining the community, but it’s about building community.
“Concerts like this not only bring unforgettable experiences for fans, but they also have a ripple effect–restaurants, hotels and local businesses all benefit,” Biggar said. “It brings people together and showcases Brookings as a vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
Excitement for the upcoming event is building, with steady ticket sales and a strong online response.
“The buzz has been fantastic,” Biggar said. “People are so excited to see a major country act like Cole come to town. We’ve had calls, messages and so much energy on social media.”
Attendees can expect Thursday’s show to be what Biggar calls “Midwest hospitality at its best,” with the event center having reserved seating, plenty of concessions and on-site parking. But for her, the highlight comes when the music starts.
“For me, it’s all about hearing the crowd when Cole hits those first notes,” Biggar said. “It’s that goosebumps moment where you realize the whole room is connected through the music. Bringing people together for nights like this is why we love what we do.”
