The Austin County Fair Association announced a change in their entertainment lineup next Thursday night, Oct. 14. Mark Chesnutt was forced to cancel his performance to continue recovery from back surgery and Joe Nichols was named the replacement in an Oct. 7 release. Below is the announcement

“The Austin County Fair Association was informed Oct. 7 that Mark Chesnutt will be unable to perform at this year’s fair. His management released the following statement: ‘Due to needing extended recovery time for a recent back surgery, Mark Chesnutt will be taking the rest of 2021 off and will return to the road at the beginning of 2022.’

We are pleased to announce Joe Nichols will be performing at 10:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14.

Nichols has been a mainstay in country music for nearly two decades, bridging the gap between the genre’s old-school roots and today’s contemporary country. He grew up listening to icons like George Strait, Merle Haggard, George Jones and Buck Owens. Keeping things country has been a lifelong mission for Nichols with hits such as ‘Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,’ ‘Brokenheartsville’ and ‘Gimme That Girl.’ Nichols says of his most recent single ‘Homerun,’ that ‘it’s an anthem for anyone looking to turn life’s curveballs into a straight shot toward the center field seats.’

We are so excited to have everyone back at the Fair. We wish Mark a complete recovery and we are excited to welcome Joe Nichols back to our stage.”