Alan Jackson and Asleep at the Wheel were the first acts confirmed to join festival founder Strait on the outing. The latest artists to commit to the tour are Lonestar, Lee Ann Womack, and Brad Paisley, with more announcements to come.

The rest of the lineup and itinerary won’t be revealed right away but if past years are any indication, the trek should be one of the most-anticipated stadium tours of the year. The spring 2000 edition grossed just shy of $21 million for 10 dates.

Jackson holds the top guest spot in the 2001 installment of the show. He and Strait recently garnered the vocal event of the year award from the Country Music Association for “Murder on Music Row.”

The song, ironically, laments how traditional country music has been diluted by pop crossover tunes, the state of country radio, and industry pressures.

This marks the fourth year for the festival, which has boosted the careers of several up-and-coming acts.

“The George Strait tour was part of our strategy in 1999,” said Dixie Chick Emily Robison. “We wanted to build our fan base before launching our own tour and by performing in stadiums packed with country music lovers, we did just that. The enthusiasm from that many people was staggering – it made for a really fun show.”

Artists who have previously appeared on the festival stage also include Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, John Michael Montgomery, Clay Walker, LeAnn Rimes, Jo Dee Messina, Kenny Chesney, and Mark Chesnutt.