Calf Fry performer a Honky Tonk hit maker

Monique Headley

From the U.S.S. Nimitz to the U.S.S. Sequoia Presidential Yacht, from Moscow, Honduras, Cuba and England, the Netherlands and Vietnam, country artist Rick Monroe could be considered a country music ambassador to the world.

On Wednesday, Monroe will bring his brand of country to Calf Fry at Stillwater’s Tumbleweed.

German liquor manufacturer Jagermeister will sponsor the April evening. Well acquainted with sponsored tours of other genres, this is the first country tour for the company.

“I was thinking of all the bars we play and it’s always better when you can make it more of an event,” said Monroe. “When we were in Germany performing, we approached Jagermeister. I felt they really understood about branding and marketing so I pitched the idea to them and they said it was cool.”

On the road since January, Monroe said, “This tour is one of the best shows. There will be great music, laughs and surprises. You will definitely get your money’s worth.”

Monroe is a performer and the emcee for the tour that also features celebrated country artists Pat Green and Randy Houser.

“Emceeing has been cool and helped me connect with audiences,” said Monroe. “Pat Green and Randy Houser are two of the coolest guys.”

Monroe is on the road in support of his project entitled, “Get Loud Get Lit.”

The lead video and single for the project is the raucous “Honky Tonk Road Trip.”

It is featured on Country Music Television and can be found online at http://www.cmt.com /videos/rick-monroe/335797/honky-tonk-roadtrip.jhtml. He may release an enhanced project with additional content, he said.

Monroe has opened for Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Dwight Yoakam, Montgomery Gentry, Patty Loveless and others.

He performs more than 100 dates each year and does exclusive events.

At the request of Pete Peterson, U.S. ambassador to Vietnam, Monroe performed at the week-long Fourth of July celebrations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Mihn City. His rendition of the U.S. national anthem marked the first time it had been sung at a public event in Vietnam in more than 25 years.

He has shared vodka shots with and been called a pop star by former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev while sailing down the Potomac River on the U.S.S. Sequoia presidential yacht.

“My brother calls me Elvis Gump,” said Monroe as he considered the experiences of his life as orchestrated by his music.

He utilizes Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and MySpace to stay connected with fans, he said.

“I want to keep making music,” Monroe said. “I’ve had a great life but at the end of the day, it’s about trying to be a better person.”

More:

www.myspace.com/rickmonroe; www.jager.com/country; www.calffry.com.