Out Friday: Kelsea Ballerini album; tour dates announced

Black River Ent.

Fueled by a successful sold-out headlining tour last year, country star KELSEA BALLERINI has announced THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR this winter.

The nationwide trek kicks off in February in Birmingham, AL, and wraps April 27 at the annual Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA (on-sale now).

“Great things happen when music surrounds you, I really believe that,” shared Ballerini. “One of the coolest things to me about headlining is being able to create a world for your fans to step into. I can’t wait for you to join me on this new journey with my good friend Walker and begin chapter two together!”

Special guest Walker Hayes is featured on all dates. Bailey Bryan joins the lineup at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Valentine’s Day. Tickets for tour go on-sale this Friday, November 3, at 10 a.m. (local time).
 
VIP Experiences will be available at each show thanks to CID Entertainment. Packages include a meet & greet with Ballerini, collectible merchandise, an invitation to the ‘Unapologetically’ pre-show experience and early venue entry. VIP packages are available for purchase now via https://kelseaballerini.com/events.

Tour dates:

2/8/18 - Birmingham, AL - Alabama Theatre+
2/9/18 - Chattanooga, TN - Tivoli Theatre+
2/10/18 - Augusta, GA - William G. Bell Auditorium+
2/14/18 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium++
2/16/18 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall+
2/22/18 - Columbus, OH - Express Live!+
2/23/18 - Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theater+
2/24/18 - Des Moines, IA - Hoyt Sherman Place+
4/5/18 - New York, NY - PlayStation Theater+
4/6/18 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom+
4/7/18 - Richmond, VA - The National+
4/19/18 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom+
4/20/18 - Spokane, WA - The Knitting Factory+
4/21/18 - Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo+
4/25/18 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theatre+
4/27/18 - Indio, CA – Stagecoach Festival
+ Special guest Walker Hayes
++ Special guests Walker Hayes and Bailey Bryan

Before Ballerini takes the stage with icon Reba McEntire at the 51st annual CMA Awards (11/8) for a must-see duet, the Female Vocalist of the Year nominee returned to her alma mater, Knoxville’s Central High School, Saturday (10/28), for a “mountaintop” hometown celebration ahead of the UNAPOLOGETICALLY album release on November 3.

In partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development for their Snapchat Concert Series and ongoing “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” brand campaign, Ballerini proudly returned to the spot she stood as a student performing an original song for the very first time.

The alum presented the Choral Department with a check for $20K, with the support of the Academy of Country Music, prior to her encore performance of “High School.”
 
Said Ballerini, “My two years here were two of the most character and career defining years of my entire life and my biggest advice to anyone in middle school or high school is to find what makes you happy and do it.” Adding, “And if that is music, I want to help.” In turn, the school’s principal surprised Ballerini with their highest honor, the Bobcat Award.

Ballerini will next make her debut on CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on November 3, followed by ABC’s Good Morning America live from Nashville on November 8.

For more information visit KelseaBallerini.com.