2010

SUBMmEO PHOTO Country music star and Scott County native Randy Houser will headline the Thursday night show at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at the Grandstand on the fairgrounds. Randy Houser Comes 'Home' to the Neshoba C~unty Fair

often as he could, however visits to his native area have grown fewer and farther between as his career has taken reign. In 2002, Houser moved to Nashville, Tenn., and began his songwriting career. Houser, who co-wrote "Honky Tonk Badonk.adonk" for Trace Adkins and "My Cowboy" for Jessie James, has long left the behind-the-scenes writing gig with which he premiered to the country music world and has made his way back to stage, stand– ing front and center behind a microphone, guitar strapped on. Houser has focused his entire life and career to be standing on stage front ·imd center. "I've always known what I wanted to do," Houser said. ''I think it is important to be a dreamer, s~ something in your life, have a goal and want to make it happen. I just never let the dream get away from me." Focusing on the dream is just what Houser bas done and with this dream he has found

success. By age 13, Houser fronted his own band. Throughout his childhood be per– formed throughout east central Mississippi at various venues entertaining crowds and in essence, preparing himselffor his future. While attending college at ECCC, he formed another band called 10 lb. Biscuit. Because Houser was exposed to various music types and musical influences, his musical style is a result of a mix of these genres. Houser said he was greatly influenced by his father's music. His father was a pro– fessional musician as well and also whom Randy Houser took his stage name after. Houser, who grew up by the name "Shawn" Houser, performs under his given name Randy as a tribute to his father, Ran– dolph ''Randy" Houser, who died when he was only 21. Houser said he grewup listen– ing to his father and other musicians See HOUSER, SB

By GENNIE PHILLIPS gphilllps@sctonline.net

Lake native Randy Houser will "return home" to the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia on Thursday when be head– lines the entertainment that evening. The Fair is a venue Houser is familiar with, having performed there as a member of the East Central Community Collegians while he attended the college. "Man, I can't wait," Houser said of his upcoming performance set to begin at 8 p.m. at the Grandstand. "We are going to have a ball! I am so excited to come home and play for my family and friends. I can't say enough about allthe support my people from back home have shown me." Day passes for the Fair are $15, which include entrance to the concerts each evening. Houser grew up attending the Fair as many Scott Countians do. He said through– out the years, he has attended the Fair as