Any one person can be a jack of all trades, but not everyone is a master of them. This could not be said of legendary country artist Toby Keith. The singer, songwriter, and entertainer played at last week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament, where he was awarded Golf Digest's 'Arnie Award.'
Presented to "golfers who give back," the Arnie - named for the legendary Arnold Palmer - is bestowed this year on Toby, tour pro Jordan Spieth and NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young. Golf has been central to his charity efforts, as his annual Toby Keith & Friends golf scramble and gala has raised $13.7 million dollars for his OK Kids Korral home-away-from-home for Oklahoma's sickest kids and their families. He gives an in depth interview on his love of golf and heart in recent Golf Digest publication https://www.golfdigest.com/story/toby-keith-answers-a-calling-with-ok-kids-korral
While playing a round of golf with Clint Eastwood in 2018, Toby was inspired to write "Don't Let The Old Man In" after Clint uttered the title phrase in response to a question about his career longevity. The acclaimed actor and director liked the song so much, he incorporated it into his critically praised move The Mule. This year, Willie Nelson will include his performance of the song on his as yet unannounced album.
The honor comes as he announces the initial slate for his 2020 tour, titled Country Comes To Town. The tour is named for his smash, "Country Comes to Town," and marks the 20th anniversary of its release as a single this March 22. Like so many of his hits, "Country Comes To Town" was written solely by Keith. And its lyrics hit at the party on tap for tour attendees: "You better be ready when the sun goes down, that's when country comes to town."
This year's trek includes an all new stage, set and video production. Select dates will offer access to the exclusive Diamond Bar area in the middle of a diamond-shaped stage thrust. Staffed by a bartender, VIP ticket holders will be in the middle of the action mere steps from the stage.
Congratulations Toby on yet another well deserved accolade. And fans, look out, Country may be coming to your town.
Toby Keith's Country Comes To Town Tour
(more dates will be added soon)
May 1 Hertz Arena Estero, FL
May 2 Suwannee River Jam Live Oak, FL
June 4 Adirondack Bank Center Utica, NY
June 5 Summer Stage at Tag's Big Flats, NY
June 6 Northwell Health at Jones Beach Wantagh NY
June 19 MetraPark First Interstate Arena Billings, MT
June 20 Budweiser Events Center Loveland, CO
June 21 Country Jam Colorado Grand Junction, CO
June 25 Country USA Oshkosh, WI
June 26 Heartland Stampede Topeka, KS
June 27 NebraskaLand Days North Platte, NE
July 10 Salinas Sports Complex Salinas, CA
July 11 Nugget Event Center Sparks, NV
July 16 LaPorte County Fair LaPorte, IN
July 18 Freedom Fest Fort Polk, LA
July 23 Bismarck Event Center Bismarck, ND
July 24 Bell MTS Place Winnipeg, MB
July 25 Country on the Bay Thunder Bay, ON
August 8 Ashley for the Arts Arcadia, WI
August 9 Jackson County Fair Jackson, MI
August 16 Illinois State Fair Springfield, IL
September 3 Allentown Fair Allentown, PA
September 4 Bank of NH Pavilion Gilford, NH
September 5 Mohegan Sun Arena Uncasville, CT
September 6 Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Atlantic City, NJ