Not so long ago, you had to use the explainer βcountry singerβ when identifying Blake Shelton.
Now you just say Blake and people know you are talking about the 6-foot-plus Oklahoma native whose outsized personality dominates the NBC talent contest βThe Voiceβ and whose quirky βpick meβ finger-pointing has become his signature.
Shelton, who just played a sold-out amphitheater show in Phoenix in early September, returns to the state in April to headline the 2015 Country Thunder festival in Florence. Shelton headlined Country Thunder in 2012.
The festival will announce the full lineup and other headliners at the KMLE Launchfest on Nov. 15 at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., off Interstate 10 in Chandler. Cassadee Pope, Lucy Hale and John King are set to perform. Tickets, starting at $20, are available at kmle1079.cbslocal.com/kmle-country-thunder-launchfest-buy-your-tickets.
Meanwhile, the festival has about 700 $99 four-day early-bird passes still available. You can buy online at countrythunder.com or by phone at 1-866-802-6418.
Country Thunder will be held April 9-12 at Country Thunder West festival grounds, 20585 E. Price Station Road.