"Big Bang Theory" Star Johnny Galecki At Taste Of Country 2017

Up until 2017 every artist who had played the Taste of Country was an artist who was already signed to a record deal (aside from the contestants in the Colgate Country Showdown that we held at the first show at the ballpark). In 2017, we broke from that mold.

The Taste Of Country Lineup in 2017 included a "Taste of Country Riser"

We had some huge names at the 2017 Taste of Country. The lineup included bands like Rascal Flatts and solo artists like Justin Moore. As always, we had new artists, and artists with a long line of hits.

Rascal Flatts

Justin Moore

Randy Houser

Michael Ray

Eric Van Houten - TOC Riser Competition Winner

One of the coolest parts of that show was when a Hollywood star showed up to play drums with Randy Houser.

Johnny Galecki played drums with Randy Houser

We've had famous people at our shows in the past. When Brad Paisley was here, he brought his wife, Kimberly Williams Paisley (although she was still his girlfriend at the time). We've had Jim Kelly and other Buffalo Bills show up. But this one took us by surprise when we found out that actor Johnny Galecki was traveling with Randy Houser. We didn't know he was going to be there, but he is a good friend of Randy, and he even came out on stage to play drums at one point.

He was visibly nervous. He must've gone through a pack of cigarettes before he went out, and it surprised me when he said why. He explained that he'd never played in front of that many people at the time in a live situation. It felt weird considering the millions of people he'd reached when he was on TV and in the movies. But when they're staring back at you, it definitely makes a difference.

The Taste Of Country Riser competition is born

We knew there was a ton of local talent in Western New York. They're out every weekend, busting their butts at gigs in bars and private parties all the time. We thought it would be a great opportunity to showcase them. We would run a contest where they would compete against each other, with the final prize being an opportunity to open up our Taste of Country concert on stage in front of thousands of fans.

It's a contest that Eric Van Houten won that year. He went on to move to Nashville and play plenty of shows there. He also signed a publishing deal just two years later with Winsongs Music Publishing and has even released multiple singles, some of which have millions of plays and streams.

Tickets are on sale for this year's Towne Auto Taste Of Country

A lot has changed over 25 years, but what hasn't is that we are still doing this show, year after year, for you. Every year, we look forward to a chance to get together with you and enjoy some great music. If you'd like to join us this year and make some new memories with us, get your tickets now.