Created by Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman and his 4 Fini company, Country Throwdown begins its 2012 trek in Gulfport, Miss., at Jones Park May 18. Other destinations include Clarkston, Mich., at DTE Energy Music Theatre June 1; Anderson, Ind., at Hoosier Park Casino June 3; Syracuse, N.Y., at Empire Court June 17 and Norfolk, Neb., at DeVent Center July 1. More dates to be announced.

Look for Justin Moore in the special guest slot May 18-27 and Rodney Atkins June 1-30.

“I’ve always been a fan of the Warped Tour, so I thought it was great when they came up with the concept of doing a country version of it with the Throwdown Tour,” Gary Allan said. “My band and crew can’t wait to take this experience to our fans and we look forward to making new fans along the way. We’re hoping this is the best Throwdown Tour yet.”

Some dates are already on sale. Visit CountryThrowdown.com for more information.