File Photo - Jo Dee Messina. Credit: Curb Records

The Freedom Festival has announced that country music artist Jo Dee Messina will take the stage at Kirkwood Community College on Saturday June 30 with Cedar Rapids native Hailey Whitters opening the show.

Messina has sold more than five million albums and  had nine number one singles such as “Heads Carolina Tails California”, “Bye Bye”, “Burn”, “Bring on the Rain” and “I’m Alright”.

Messina has also received awards from the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. The release of her sixth album “Unmistakable,” displays both her songwriting prowess and her remarkable and distinctive voice.

Opening for Messina will be Cedar Rapids native, Hailey Whitters and her band, The Hailey Whitters Band. Whitters has been carving out a career for herself as a singer and songwriter in Nashville, and is charming her way to becoming a country music favorite. The Hailey Whitters Band will give the Freedom Festival audience a little bit of rock, bluegrass, and of course, some traditional country.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and The Hailey Whitters Band will take the stage at 6 p.m. Messina will perform after around 7:30pm. There will be a free fireworks display immediately following the concert.

Tickets are available to pre-order  for $15 for adults, $5 for kids (8 and under) or $25 at the gate. All seating is General Admission. Visit the Freedom Festival website at www.FreedomFestival.com for more details or call the office at (319) 365-8313.