San Diego’s 103.7 KSON had some of Country music’s finest light up America’s finest city over the weekend with Country Fest at Viejas Casino and Resort. Featuring co-headliners Chris Young and Russell Dickerson along with Chayce Beckham, Kimberly Perry and Bryan Martin, the show was one no one wanted to miss.
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Ahead of the event, performers caught up with John & Tammy, San Diego’s Morning Show, to share updates on music, life, and their excitement to be a part of Country Fest.
While his original plans to show off his rollerblading skills at the venue had to be cancelled due to weather, co-headliner Russell Dickerson wouldn’t let it ruin his “gusto,” which he shared is his word of the year and displayed on one of the many friendship bracelets he had on his wrist.
“You post one Taylor Swift video and everybody brings you a Swiftie bracelet,” Dickerson laughed before sharing he’s was wearing one one-hundredth of the bracelets he’s been gifted since posting himself at Taylor Swift’s show. “This is my word for the year, ‘gusto,’” he explained, highlighting one of the bracelets. “Which means enthusiastic enjoyment and that’s how I’m trying to live this year.”
LISTEN NOW: Russell Dickerson joins John & Tammy, San Diego’s Morning Show at KSON’s Country Fest
That gusto is clearly transferring to his workouts as he sported a cutoff tank which showcased some rather large biceps if you ask us. “Babies is what it is,” he laughed, crediting the ‘ceps to being a father of two with a few other gym workouts thrown in. “It’s slingin’ weights and babies and trying to get five squats in when I can.”
Country Fest artist, Kimberly Perry, is also familiar with the baby-based workouts as she is a first-time mom to son, Whit Costello, whom she welcomed in August. “My prayer for him his that his instrument — whatever that may be — is ten times louder than mine has been,” she said, sharing she’d be happy to support any hobby he’s passionate about — including music.
LISTEN NOW: Kimberly Perry joins John & Tammy, San Diego’s Morning Show at KSON’s Country Fest
Enjoying her time as a Mom, The former Band Perry lead singer also shared she hopes to welcome another baby after a year of touring. “I’ll share with you what her name’s gonna be if she does come — we’ve already named her,” Perry shared after Tammy predicted she’d have a daughter. “We hope that we’re gonna have a daughter, we’d name her Cherry Belle Costello,” she disclosed.
While not a father himself, Country Fest performer and 2021 American Idol winner, Chayce Beckham, is readying to welcome a different kind of baby to the world with his forthcoming, debut album, Bad For Me, available April 5. Backstage before the show, Beckham shared the upcoming release has him reflecting on his journey to stardom after auditioning for Idol during one of the most trying times of his life.
LISTEN NOW: Chayce Beckham joins John & Tammy, San Diego’s Morning Show at KSON’s Country Fest
“I feel like these last couple months I’ve sat and actually processed the whole journey and how crazy it’s been. From driving a forklift in Riverside [California] everyday to touring the world and stuff… it’s really cool to see how far we’ve come,” Beckham shared. “I was able to bring myself out of a really bad place by going on that show… at a time I felt really alone, I got to connect with I got to connect with a lot of other incredible musicians. A lot who I still call my friends today.”
Also celebrating brighter days at KSON’s Country Fest was opener, Bryan Martin, who shared he was celebrating 46 days sober (and counting). “I want to be a good example for people,” he said after sharing his milestone and how important it is to him to share his story and help others. “I want to be somebody that’s actually living and breathing proof of some of the songs I wrote back when I was sober before.”
LISTEN NOW: Bryan Martin joins John & Tammy, San Diego’s Morning Show at KSON’s Country Fest
He continued, “I’ve been blessed with a lot of opportunities to be on y’alls radio show and be on y’alls radio station and to have people that come up to you and want to meet me… I want to be a good example for my fans.”
To hear more from Country Fest artists, Ruseell Dicerson, Kimberly Perry, Chayce Beckham and Bryan Martin check out their full interviews from backstage with John & Tammy above.