Wyoming Arts Council

Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band performs at Sept. 18 Lusk flood fund-raiser


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The town of Lusk is holding a Sept. 18 fund-raiser to assist the community in flood relief. In June, a devastating flood hit the area, causing millions of dollars in damage, wrecking the town’s bridge and a number of homes and businesses. You can still see the FEMA banners as you drive into town from the west. Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band will perform at the event. Live and silent auctions will be held, featuring hand-made and donated items, including blankets crocheted by some of the very talented artisans who are inmates at the Wyoming Women’s Center in Lusk.

Here are details about the event from the Sept. 4 Lusk Herald:

Various money making activities have ensued following the devastating flood in June, one of these is being held on September 18th. The popular Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band will be playing at 9 pm at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds. Beginning at 6 pm a smoked brisket and pulled pork dinner and Silent Auction and Live Auction will precede the dance. Admission is $15 for the dinner, $10 for the dance or $20 for both. Hammertime Day Care will provide free supervised activities for the kids so parents can enjoy the auction and dance from 7 pm until 11 pm. On Saturday, September 19th at 1 pm, a Ranch Rodeo will be held at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds, proceeds from the gate entrance fees will also go to assist flood victims.

Chancey Williams is a Wyoming native and his Younger Brothers Band, have relentlessly toured the Western United States, developing a rabid fan base not seen from the Cowboy State since Chris LeDoux. In fact, Chancey Williams and LeDoux are the only two people to ride in the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Rodeo, one of the most famous in the world, the touted Daddy of ‘Em All™ and play its main stage as a major entertainer. The band has shared the stage with dozens of artists, including Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Craig Morgan, Rodney Atkins, Brantley Gilbert, Gary Allan, Trace Adkins, Billy Currington, Craig Campbell, Travis Tritt and Thompson Square. They’ve also enjoyed bills with Texas contemporaries Casey Donahew and Stoney LaRue. But, Williams says, nothing beats the opportunity to have occasionally been direct support for their heroes: legends like LeDoux, Alabama, Merle Haggard and Dwight Yoakam.

Chancey Williams was raised on a ranch near the small town of Moorcroft, Wyoming where his mom is a recently retired school teacher, his dad and brother ranch, and his other brother is the head coach of a notable high school wrestling dynasty. The beautiful family ranch is adjoined on one side by Keyhole Reservoir, a regional tourist attraction. “But we hardly knew it,” joked Williams, “we really couldn’t afford a boat, and my dad had us working all the time anyway, so we hardly ever went over there!” It was a strong family background and work ethic that Chancey Williams credits with pretty much everything he has. Chancey and his father, Dennis, were both state champion wrestlers in High School; Chancey for two years in a row. He also followed his dad as a saddle bronc rider, going to the National High School Rodeo Finals, the College National Finals and even winning a couple of rounds at Cheyenne. While avidly supporting his musical dream, his parents also put great emphasis on education. In fact, Chancey Williams has a total of four degrees, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Wyoming.

Chancey and his drummer, lifelong friend Travis DeWitt, started the Younger Brothers Band with the humble, initial goal of entering a high school talent contest. The pair had no idea it would lead to wedding receptions, small fairs (then big fairs), small bars (then large clubs) and become a full-time career. In 2008 they were joined by the amazing vocals and lead guitar of Wyatt Springsteen; and Brooke Latka added a stunning fiddle and a third part to their harmonies. More recently, Jack Robbins joined the band on bass.

The result is Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band, a rowdy, raucous, unapologetic, memorable stage show that is on the road almost all the time.

All of the Fundraiser committee members have raffle tickets for sale including Twila at Bloomers, Tandy at Clark and Associates and Kris at Wyoming Virtual School. Tickets can also be ordered by sending a check made out to Enhance Niobrara and sending it to Donna Hanson 17661 Hwy 85, Lusk, Wyo. 82225. The prices at the door will be the same as tickets purchased ahead of time. You can buy a chance for the Powder Horn Golf Package which includes a round of golf for two and lunch for two at the Powder Horn Grill in Sheridan, Wyoming or you can buy a chance for the Chancey Williams basket which contains Chancey Williams tee shirts and CDs including his new single hit! Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. You do not need to be present to win. We will still be selling the tickets on the 18th of September. All proceeds will be used to help flood victims!


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