Neal Mccoy Will Perform At Idaho Fair

Country singer Neal McCoy plays two shows on Wednesday at the North Idaho Fair at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d’Alene.

McCoy, who entertained a Spokane Opera House audience just three months ago, is dedicated to putting on a great live show. In fact, at one time he thought about going to Las Vegas and becoming a showman.

But then his country career took off, with help from his mentor, Charley Pride. McCoy had a big hit in 1994 with “No Doubt About It” and then with “Wink,” “The City Put the Country Back in Me,” and “For A Change.”

His live show is well known for being high-energy entertainment. He has even been known to throw in a comedy rap version of “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

McCoy, whose mother is a native of the Philippines, was born and raised in Jacksonville, Texas. He grew up listening to Michael Jackson and Kool and the Gang, but his real hero was Pride. McCoy, 35, honed his live act throughout the 1980s.

McCoy does two shows on Wednesday, at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $20, or $15 for the grandstand. The concert ticket includes admission to the North Idaho Fair.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo