Frankie Ballard

Ballard’s big break came when he was selected to opened the Michigan concerts for the ticket-selling titan’s “Poets and Pirates Tour” in 2008. A couple years later, Ballard signed on with Reprise Records, releasing his self-titled major label debut in 2011. Two of the record’s singles, “A Buncha Girls” and “Tell Me You Get Lonely,” landed in the Top 30 of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs.

Ballard preceded his 2014 sophomore set, “Sunshine & Whiskey,” with the lead single, “Helluva Life.” The music video for the edgy country track embraces the Michigan native’s style, which can be described as more James Dean than traditional country star.

Ballard’s tour history not only includes the previously mentioned Chesney shows and miscellaneous headlining performances, but also a more recent run handling opening duties for Rodney Atkins.