JIM THORPE — A country music artist, best known for his commitment to blending traditional country with modern pop country, will be taking the stage Sunday, Oct. 16, at Penn’s Peak.

Gary Allan, who has been a figure in the country music world since the 1990s, will be bringing his unique blend of earlier, almost “outlaw” style county and more radio-friendly sounds to the Jim Thorpe concert venue, which he says is one of his “favorite places to play.”

Allan’s fans, some of whom have been following the performer across his 20-year career, are no strangers to having to comb through new music of his. Allan has nine full-length studio albums, and a 10th is in the works. With that said, though, Allan emphasizes that his show will be based on the hits.

“I went to see a big artist a few years ago and he played for over two hours and didn’t play a single hit; it was all new stuff,” Allan said. “It hit me right then and there that we, as artists, may want to play new things and try out new songs in our live shows, but the fans come to hear the hits.”

After this show and with new inspiration, Allan went home and reorganized his set list. Instead of focusing on the songs from his latest album, Allan added in songs that he and his band hadn’t played in years despite their popularity with fans. This focus on playing songs that haven’t been played in a while has become one of the driving forces of Allan’s shows.

“I like to go back to the beginning and hit a few off of each album,” Allan said. “Granted, I’ll still play a couple of new things too, but it’s about the hits.”

But longtime fans of Allan shouldn’t expect to know every song when they see him at Penn’s Peak.

“We’ll play a couple of new things from the upcoming album,” Allan said, referring to his currently untitled upcoming 10th album. The album, which has no definite release date as of press time, has already seen two singles be released from it, “Do You Wish It Was Me?” and the Chris Stapleton-featured “Hangover Tonight.”

This new album may potentially mark a period of growth for Allan, who hints he might be doing some new things on the record.

“I feel as though I evolve with each album and I think I do with this one as well,” Allan said. “You’ll definitely hear my influences on it, but when you hear it, you’ll know it’s me.”

If fans are in any way as excited as Allan is for the show, they can expect to have an enjoyable night.

“I’m always excited to play Penn’s Peak,” Allan said. “Come out ready to have a great night!”

Gary Allan takes the stage at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 for reserved seating, or $55 for the pit.

Gary Allan, known for his mix of traditional and modern country music, will perform at Penn’s Peak on Oct. 16.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_GA-A-Shot-1.jpg.optimal.jpgGary Allan, known for his mix of traditional and modern country music, will perform at Penn’s Peak on Oct. 16.

By Patrick Kernan

pkernan@timesleader.com

IF YOU GO:

Who: Gary Allan

Where: Penn’s Peak

When: 8 p.m. Oct. 16. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Cost: Tickets are $50. Pit tickets are $55.

Reach Patrick Kernan at 570-991-6119