Students looking for a good place to “yee-haw” might find their niche with Michigan-based country band Small Town Son.

Spotlight Productions, Grand Valley State University’s only student-run program board, will host its first Country Night event on Saturday featuring the live music of Small Town Son. The free event will be held at 10:30 p.m. in Room 2250 of Kirkhof Center.

Based in Kalamazoo, Small Town Son plays a mix of traditional and Top 40 country, classic and modern rock, bluegrass, and pop music. They also perform original tunes from their debut album “Burning Good Rubber.”

Christine Gribble, Small Town Sons’ operations and booking manager, said the combination of songs paired with the band’s southern rock sound has earned them a loyal Michigan following.

“I saw them perform at the Intersection, and they were really memorable,” said Olivia Auvenshine, vice president of Spotlight Productions. “Their fiddler was amazing, and the fact that they play cover songs from different genres was appealing.”

The performance that caught Auvenshine’s attention was the band’s cover of Lady Gaga’s hit single “Paparazzi.”

Nikole Hoffman, president of Spotlight Productions, said Country Night is a free, family-friendly event that is open to anyone, including non country music fans.

“It appeals to everyone, even if you don’t like country music because the band also plays cover songs of other artists,” Hoffman said.

Although Small Town Son does not adhere to a particular set list at each show, other covers they are known for performing include Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” Big and Rich’s “Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy” and Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock’n‘Roll.”

Kris Hitchcock, lead vocalist of Small Town Son, said many of their friends and fans are not able to attend their shows due to their location at 21 restricted venues. The Country Night will offer the band a chance to present their music to a younger audience.

“This way we can play for them and get a chance to visit,” Hitchcock said. “It’s also awesome to get to meet so many new people. GVSU has some great students from all over the Midwest.”

Margo Ellis, music committee chair of Spotlight Productions, appreciates the opportunity to support a local band and to also try hosting another country-themed event. In 2007, the board hosted a concert for country singer and American Idol alumnus Josh Gracin. The 2007 event received a lot of positive feedback from students.

“It’s something we haven’t done in a while, and we’re hoping to appeal to more students,” Ellis said.

Besides the music, Country Night will also feature line-dancing, refreshments and mechanical bull rides. To fit the evening’s theme, students attending the event are encouraged to don their country gear: cowboy hats, boots, jeans, fringe and plaid.

“If students aren’t into the party scene but still want to do something fun on a Saturday night, this event will be a great alternative,” Auvenshine said.

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