Jo Dee Messina performs at Kirkwood Community College on Saturday as part of the Freedom Festival.

Country music artist Jo Dee Messina will take the stage at Kirkwood Community College on Saturday as part of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival. The Hailey Whitters Band will open.

Messina has sold more than 5 million albums. Among her nine No. 1 singles are songs like “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 and has won two Grammy Awards. The release of her sixth album “Unmistakable,” showcases her songwriting skills and distinctive voice.

Cedar Rapids native, Hailey Whitters and her band, The Hailey Whitters Band will open the show with a rock, bluegrass and traditional country sound.

(Find more Freedom Festival events here.)

Since her 2007 graduation from Cedar Rapids Prairie High School, Whitters has been carving out a career as a singer and songwriter in Nashville, Tenn.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and The Hailey Whitters Band will take the stage at 6 p.m. Messina will perform around 7:30 p.m. A fireworks display will immediately follow the concert.

Tickets are $15 for adults in advance or $25 at the gate. Children’s admission is $5 for kids age 8 and under. All seating is general admission.

For more information, go to FreedomFestival.com or call (319) 365-8313.