Former American Idol participant Matt Buckstein and The Hired Guns take the stage on Friday, Aug. 8 at 9:30 p.m. at the 2008 Douglas County Fair & Rodeo at 500 Fairgrounds Dr. in the Midway.

Buckstein and his band, "The Hired Guns," blend country, soul, rock 'n roll and even reggae to bring a fresh, new sound to audiences. Buckstein holds the title as the first bass-baritone singer to make it to the American Idol main stage. He took a shot at American Idol in season five and in the first time in American Idol's history was asked to return to sing in the finale. In season six, he battled his way from 110,000 contestants to make it into the top 40.

"Evolution is happening in music everyday, and I want to be a part of it," Matt proclaimed. "Experimentation and thinking outside of the box is how history is made."

Buckstein's country roots are no stranger to Colorado. The native left Colorado after high school to attend California State University at Fullerton to train as an actor. He eventually moved to Los Angeles, but his country heart didn't feel at home in the large California city and he moved back to Colorado to be closer to his family and to launch his musical career after his popularity soared on Idol.

After settling down in Colorado, Buckstein teamed up with popular Front Range performer Jeff Norman and the two hand-picked the other musicians to create "The Hired Guns" - lead guitarist Mike Edmondson, bassist Spencer Pyne, drummer Scott Schroeder, keyboardist Ed Skibbe and mandolinist Eric Weber.

Head on over to the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo on Friday night, Aug. 8, to check out Matt Buckstein and The Hired Guns for the regular admission price of $8 for adults, $5 for kids and ages eight and under are free. Pay admission price to watch the Professional Rodeo and Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo at 7 p.m. and then stay to listen and dance to Matt Buckstein and The Hired Guns for one low price.

Visit www.douglascountyfairandrodeo.com for more information on the 2008 Douglas County Fair & Rodeo, celebrating its 90th anniversary.