ROLAND, Okla. — Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland will welcome ‘90s country legends BlackHawk at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Lee Creek Tavern inside the casino.
For more than 20 years, BlackHawk has shared a signature harmony through its voices, songs and deep connection with fans. With more than 7 million albums sold, numerous defining country radio hits throughout the ‘90s, and live performances that continue to attract tens of thousands of fans, the band remains one of country music’s most enduring and beloved acts.
BlackHawk’s 1993 self-titled debut album delivered immediate success with the smash single “Goodbye Says It All,” followed by Top 5 hits, including “Every Once in a While,” “I Sure Can Smell the Rain,” “Down in Flames” and “That’s Just About Right.” The double-platinum album earned the band an Academy of Country Music nomination for Best New Vocal Group of the Year and launched the band into an unprecedented run of hits with fan favorites such as “I’m Not Strong Enough To Say No,” “Like There Ain’t No Yesterday,” “Big Guitar,” “Almost a Memory Now,” “There You Have It” and “Postmarked Birmingham.”
BlackHawk defied the traditional country mold. Formed as a trio with co-founder and lead vocalist Henry Paul, Van Stephenson and Dave Robbins, the band sought to create country music with smart songs and unique harmonies for people who may not initially like country. It was a mix of unique backgrounds — from Paul, who brought his Southern rock roots; Stephenson, with a background as an ’80s singer-songwriter-guitarist and pop success; and Robbins, who brought his skill as an award-winning songwriter, holding credits with artists such as Eric Clapton, Kenny Rogers and Restless Heart.
BlackHawk faced a heartbreaking setback in 2001 when founding member Van Stephenson passed away from melanoma. His impact on the band was immeasurable, as both a songwriter and a deeply spiritual presence within the trio. Stephenson urged his bandmates to continue making music. Paul and Robbins carried on the legacy, releasing “Greatest Hits,” featuring Stephenson’s final track “Ships of Heaven,” followed by “Spirit Dancer” (2002) and “Down From the Mountain” (2011).
With new projects and touring, BlackHawk’s music has reached those who grew up with its songs and new generations of fans who can now experience the band’s creative fire.
The show is free to those 21 and older.
Serving the River Valley for 35 years, Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland is the ultimate entertainment destination just minutes from downtown Fort Smith. What began as a small bingo hall in 1990 has grown to more than 300,000 square feet of award-winning gaming, dining and nightlife that’s been recognized by the Southwest Times Record and Arkansas Democrat Gazette, among many others. The resort, along with the Cherokee Travel Plaza and Gaming Parlor are located on Cherokee Blvd. in Roland, just off the intersection of I-40 and Highway 64. For more information, visit www.cherokeecasino.com and click on the Roland tab, or call 800-256-2338. More information about One Star Rewards® is available at www.onestarrewards.com.