Between performing in St. Joe for 10 years and his brief stint performing in Nashville last year, local country singer/songwriter Casey Brett has shared the stage with everyone from Dierks Bentley and Richochet to Jake Owen and Tommy Tutone.

But this weekend, his performance resume is about to get a big boost.

Brett has been asked to perform at the annual Country Stampede music festival on June 25, 26 and 27 in Manhattan, Kan.

Considering that this year's Country Stampede will feature some of the biggest country stars in the business, including Tim McGraw, Phil Vasser, Zac Brown Band, Kellie Pickler, Brett knows this isn't just any gig.

"It's a big deal and it's a big show for me," Brett says. "It's kind of fun going down there. I'm going to get the V.I.P. treatment, so it's going to be awesome."

Brett initially got the gig after opening up for the country band Richochet when they made an appearance in St. Joe last year. Tom Simoneau of Affiliated Foods was at that show and it was him who told Country Stampede organizers about Brett's talent.

Now that he plans on playing acoustic sets for potentially thousands of ears, Brett knows that there's a good chance that this big break could lead to even better ones.

"The girl that did it last year...she's on tour in Europe right now," Brett says. "I guess the opportunities are definitely there and I hope it comes through, too."

Casey Brett will be performing from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. June 25, 26 and 27 to the left of the main stage following the headlining acts. For more information on Country Stampede, go to www.countrystampede.com.

BLAKE HANNON

-ST. JOE LIVE STAFF