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HARTINGTON — The Cedar County Fair Board has signed two of its three headliners for next year’s Cedarstock concert series.
Fair Board President Greg Heine said Saturday night’s performance will feature former Florida Georgia Line singer Tyler Hubbard.
Hubbard, a Monroe, Georgia native, formed Florida Georgia Line in 2010 with Brian Kelley of Florida. The duo went on hiatus in 2022 after more than a decade as one of country music’s most successful acts.
Hubbard was a co-lead vocalist and co-songwriter for the group, contributing substantially to its signature sound and chart success alongside Kelley.
Florida Georgia Line broke through nationally with the release of “Cruise,” which hit country radio in 2012 and reached No. 1 in 2013. The song went on to earn Diamond certification and remains one of the biggest country hits of the 2010s.
In all, Florida Georgia Line recorded 18 No. 1 hits on country music charts.
Following the duo’s hiatus, Hubbard launched a solo career. He released the Dancin’ in the Country EP in 2022 before following with his debut full-length album, Tyler Hubbard, in 2023. His solo work has produced multiple No. 1 singles, including “5 Foot 9,” “Back Then Right Now,” and “Park.”
The Fair Board has also signed Josh Ross to perform Sunday night.
Ross is a Canadian country music singer and songwriter from Burlington, Ontario, known for blending modern country with rock and pop influences. Now based in Nashville, the 32-year-old is a rising artist with a reputation for emotionally driven songs, rock-leaning production, and high-energy live shows.
Ross earned his first Canada Country chart-topper in 2023 with “Trouble” and has since placed five songs on the Canada Country chart.
Heine said the Fair Board has also secured a performer for Friday night’s show but is contractually obligated to withhold that announcement until March.
“The audience really doesn’t know when we mess up,” he said. “That’s because we trust each other. When something goes wrong, we know somebody will step up and make it work.”
Morten said the cast’s shared goal helped carry them through the season. “We showed how badly we wanted the state championship back,” she said. “More importantly, we had the most fun I’ve ever had in my four years of one-act.” She said that trust and chemistry made a difference. “Sometimes practice ran long, but I secretly enjoyed it because you realize it’s your last time together.”
Johnson admitted the awards ceremony was tense, especially after Ravenna earned two outstanding performer awards. “When Ravenna was announced as runner-up, we all got a little more hope,” he said. “It was exciting when they made the final announcement.”
Morten said the success belonged to more than just the cast on stage, crediting teachers, students and community members who helped behind the scenes. She also praised Johnson’s leadership. “Our director, Mr. Johnson, is the most positive and motivating person I know,” she said. “He always told us to just have fun, and once we understood that, everything clicked.”
Morten said this cast and crew will remember this performance for the rest of their lives.
“What I will remember about this cast in 5 to 10 years from now, is the effort they put into this performance. I’m so proud of the chorus and how much they grew and how confident they were in the end,” she said. “I’m also very proud of the people who stepped up and got out of their comfort zone to have a speak ing part in the play, they already have their foot in the door to bigger things and I can’t wait to see how they grow over the years.”
