Months of Planning Lead to an Unforgettable Night as Collin Raye and Walker Montgomery Bring Country Music to Northwest Kansas

COLBY, Kan. — It takes just a few hours for a concert to come and go, but behind those few hours are months of planning, countless phone calls, dedicated volunteers, and an entire community working together.

On Saturday, June 27, more than 1,300 fans packed the Colby Event Center as NWKS Radio welcomed country music legends Collin Raye and special guest Walker Montgomery for another unforgettable night of live entertainment in Northwest Kansas.

The concert marked the sixth straight year that NWKS Radio has brought nationally recognized entertainment to the region. The tradition began with Phil Vassar, followed by Diamond Rio, Warrant, Aaron Watson, The Frontmen, and now Collin Raye.

Months of Preparation

Long before the first guitar chord rang through the arena, months of work had already taken place.

Marketing efforts included radio commercials, social media campaigns, website promotions, ticket sales, posters, banners, videos, sponsor materials, logos, and countless behind-the-scenes details. Planning also involved coordinating volunteers, security, artist schedules, production meetings, and numerous calls with the artists' management teams and Schudio Sound, the company responsible for the concert's lighting and sound production.

NWKS Radio also worked closely with the City of Colby Police Department, the Colby Event Center staff, and many community volunteers to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Building a Concert From the Ground Up

Preparation at the Event Center began immediately after Thursday night's basketball tournament.

The protective flooring was installed throughout the arena floor before the concert stage was assembled. Fencing, spool tables, and other equipment followed shortly after.

Friday became an all-day production as the Schudio Sound crew transformed the Event Center into a concert venue, installing massive lighting rigs, speakers,  and stage production.

Throughout Friday, fencing was completed, artist green rooms were prepared, merchandise areas were arranged, and the lobby was transformed to welcome concertgoers.

Saturday morning brought another busy day as trucks rolled in carrying band equipment. Sound checks, final lighting adjustments, backstage preparations, and countless last-minute details filled the schedule before doors opened.

One of the biggest helps came from members of the Colby Eagle Baseball Team and Colby Eagle Wrestling Team, who volunteered their time unloading equipment, helping with stage changes, moving gear, and loading everything back up after the show.

"They were tremendous," organizers said of the student volunteers.

Fans Fill the Event Center

Excitement was evident hours before showtime.

Ticket holders began lining up outside the Event Center around 4 p.m., with the Rolling Radio providing music outside beginning around 5:15 p.m.

Volunteers checked IDs, distributed wristbands, and prepared guests for entry.

By the time the doors officially opened at 6 p.m., the line stretched all the way into the far south parking lot of the Colby Event Center.

Four General Admission lines and one VIP entrance helped move fans inside as quickly as possible.

Inside, the concessions and beer bars- operated by City Limits Convention Center-were busy throughout the evening.

A Stunning National Anthem

Before the first artist ever took the stage, the crowd received an unforgettable performance from 15-year-old Gentry Rhodes, an upcoming sophomore at Hoxie High School.

Her powerful rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner earned a standing ovation and immediately set the tone for the evening.

Walker Montgomery Wins Over Northwest Kansas

NWKS Radio's Garrett Wellbrock and Ross Volkmer, hosts of the popular Morning Blitz, officially welcomed the crowd before introducing Walker Montgomery.

At just 22 years old, Walker Montgomery is already creating his own name in country music.

The son of John Michael Montgomery and nephew of Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, Walker has been recognized as an "Artist to Watch" by numerous country music publications.

Following his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2024, Walker has shared the stage with artists including Cody Johnson and Randall King while headlining his own Saving the Honky Tonks Tour.

Opening with his current single "Saving the Honky Tonks," Walker immediately connected with the Northwest Kansas audience.

Fans enjoyed originals, country classics, songs made famous by his father, and one of the night's biggest crowd moments when Walker performed "Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)," increasing the tempo faster and faster while the audience tried to keep up singing every word.

He wrapped up his set with "Almost So Close, So Long Goodbye," leaving many fans saying they had discovered a new favorite artist.

Walker also spent time greeting VIP guests before the concert and stayed afterward signing merchandise and taking photos with fans.

A New Twist: The Halftime Show

One of the biggest surprises of the evening came between performances.

While crews worked changing over the stage for Collin Raye, NWKS Radio debuted its first-ever "Halftime Show."

Standing atop the mezzanine, Paul Heskett and Kristina kept the crowd entertained with a fun sing-along featuring classic songs and crowd favorites.

Using equipment provided by MC Entertainment DJs & Photo Booth, the presentation featured concert lighting, fog effects, sparklers, and music throughout the arena.

Meanwhile, Lucas Kenney and Garrett Wellbrock launched limited-edition Collin Raye and Walker Montgomery concert T-shirts into the crowd while four giant five-foot beach balls bounced across the audience.

Following the festivities, a heartfelt video celebrating Northwest Kansas and thanking the many concert sponsors played across the Event Center's giant video screens.

Collin Raye Still Has It

After halftime, Addison Stoddard welcomed fans back before teasing the night's headliner.

Instead, she first introduced NWKS Radio General Manager Chad Jones, who thanked the audience and reminded everyone about the special text-to-bid auction featuring a guitar personally signed by Collin Raye.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

One of country music's biggest stars of the 1990s took the stage.

With 24 Top 10 singles, 16 No. 1 hits, and 10 Male Vocalist of the Year nominations, Collin Raye remains one of country music's most recognizable voices.

Beyond his musical success, Raye has long been known for supporting organizations including Boys Town, Special Olympics, Country Cares About AIDS, Catholic Relief Services, First Steps, and many others.

Saturday night proved his voice hasn't faded with time.

Fans sang every word to classics including:

• In This Life

• One Boy, One Girl

• Little Rock

• That's My Story

• My Kind of Girl

• I Can Still Feel You

To close the evening, Raye honored America's upcoming 250th birthday with a stirring performance of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA," bringing the audience to its feet one final time.

Looking Ahead

After the concert concluded, fans remained to watch one final video teasing what comes next for NWKS Radio.

If history is any indication, another unforgettable night of live entertainment could already be in the works.

Thank You, Northwest Kansas

Events of this size simply don't happen without tremendous community support.

NWKS Radio extends a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer, sponsor, law enforcement officer, first responder, City of Colby employee, Event Center staff member, Schudio Sound crew member, City Limits Convention Center staff, the Colby Eagle Baseball and Wrestling teams, and every person who purchased a ticket and spent their Saturday night with us.

Most importantly, thank you to the incredible fans.

Because of your support, NWKS Radio has now successfully brought six consecutive years of nationally recognized entertainment to Northwest Kansas.

We'll see you at the next show.