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Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown, Uncle Kracker, Craig Campbell to Headline Celebrations of 20th Anniversary PBR World Finals

The Professional Bull Riders will return to Las Vegas for the 20th consecutive year for the 2013 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals at the Thomas &Mack Center (Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown). 

In addition to five action-packed nights of the world’s best in the sport of bull riding going head-to-head for their share of the $2.2 million total purse, each evening will be celebrated with after-parties featuring exciting musical entertainment the entire week.

Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown, whose most recent release “Keep Me Down” was written especially for the PBR, will perform Tuesday night, Oct. 22, at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa for PBR’s Official Kickoff Party, which begins at 9:30 p.m. Bryant, the son and grandson of former bull riders, played with Eric Clapton when he was 15 years old and his guitarist, Graham Whitford, is the son of Aerosmith’s lead guitarist, Brad Whitford.

Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown also will perform during the pre-show of Round 1 of the World Finals on Wednesday, Oct. 23, and kick off the competition by singing the national anthem.

On Thursday, Oct. 24, the PBR will welcome Uncle Kracker to the stage during the pre-show for Round 2 of the World Finals. The American rock musician is known for the chart-topping singles, “Smile,” “Follow Me,” and “Drift Away.” He was first featured on Kid Rock’s album The History of Rock.

Photo credit: Anthony Scarlati.

The Morgan Leigh Band will perform the national anthem on Thursday night and bring its pop/country sound to the PBR Rock Bar for the Official After Party that evening starting at 9 p.m.

Country singer Craig Campbell will open Round 3 on Friday by performing during the pre-show and singing the national anthem. He is also the featured entertainment at the Official After Party at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino that evening beginning at 9 p.m. Charting the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot Country Songs list with his debut single, “Family Man”, Campbell has played alongside country artist Luke Bryan and as part of Tracy Byrd’s road band.

The MGM Grand Hotel & Casino’s 8 Second Lounge will enjoy the Tony Marques Band at the Official After Party later Saturday evening. A self-taught singer, songwriter and acoustic guitar player, Marques has opened for artists such as Charlie Daniels, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Darryl Worley and Phil Vassar. He also played opposite of Chuck Wicks at the 2009 (ACM) Academy of Country Music Awards pre-awards party.

Other scheduled performers during World Finals week include Sam Riddle, who will be at MGM Grand in the 8 Second Lounge on Monday, Oct. 21, and Sunday, Oct. 27, with full band performances during the Official PBR events. He will also have acoustic sets on Thursday and Friday. Riddle’s official music video of his single, “Hay”, was shot in Las Vegas where he frequently headlines all over the city, including every major hotel on the strip.

The Chad Freeman Duo will play acoustic sets in the 8 Seconds Lounge during the official PBR after parties on Tuesday and Wednesday night at MGM Grand.

Michael D Band and the CJ Simmons Band will be alternating between the Monster Energy Drink Stage at the Tyson Fan Zone & Marketplace at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and the Cooper Tires Entertainment Stage at Tyson Gold Buckle Plaza at the Thomas & Mack Center throughout the week.

The Michael D. Band has previously performed for the PBR, including shows at the World Finals in past years. They have worked with numerous nationally touring country and rock & roll acts and play at several fairs and festivals throughout the United States.

The CJ Simmons Band’s “more country than rock with a little edge” sound explains why they have collaborated with other artists, such as Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith and Jason Aldean. Highlights of their 200-plus shows last year included major venues, such as the House of Blues and the 2013 ACM Awards in Las Vegas.

For a complete schedule of the 2013 Built Ford Tough World Finals activities, visit, www.worldfinals.pbr.com.