Wesley to be Barbecue's entertainer

— Chamber of Commerce members announced Monday that up and coming country musician James Wesley will be the featured entertainer at the 59th Annual Decatur Barbecue, planned for Aug. 4.

Last week Wesley released his latest song, “Walking Contradiction,” one of four singles he has produced since signing withBroken Bow Records in 2009. They include “Real” and “Didn’t I,” which both climbed to the top 25 on country music charts, as well as his debut song, “Jackson Hole.” Wesley’s first album, also titled “Real,” is soon to be released.

Wesley grew up in Mound Valley, a small town in southeastern Kansas with a population of less than 200. He discovered country music at his grandmother’shouse, according to the biography on his website. As an adult he moved to Eureka Springs, where he performed in a nightly music and variety show.

Wesley met his wife Mindee in Eureka Springs and the couple now has two young children. While living in Eureka Springs, Wesley decided he had to follow his dream to Nashville. The family sold theirhouse and almost everything in it and headed for music city, according to the site.

“I’ve always been a big believer in tradition,” Wesley declared. “A lot of the old ways are the best ways: family, God, treating people right, doing what you’re supposed to do. I think it’s time to come back to what’s real. That’s what country music is about.”

For more information about Wesley, or to listen to samples of his music, visit his website, www.jameswesleymusic.com

News, Pages 1 on 03/07/2012