Country crooner JOE NICHOLS takes center stage at Campbell’s historic Heritage Theatre on Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14, at 8:00 PM. Opening for Joe will be one of Nashville’s most sought-after bands, Leaving Austin.

Beginning with his 2002 Man With a Memory album, Nichols harnessed a passion as a steady hit maker. He racked up six Number Ones and eight Top 10s, including chart-topping modern classics like “Brokenheartsville” and “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off.” He’s a four-time Grammy nominee, an ACM, Billboard, CMA, and CMT Award winner, and his last album offering, Crickets, kept the success going, sending both “Yeah” and “Sunny and 75” to Platinum-certified Number One status.

Reflecting on Crickets, Nichols says, “Just as the drive for hit singles led to a balance of material on the album, my voice and the ability to be edgy with song selection created a balance, too. In an organic way, it made for a unique sound. There’s always going to be a traditional element in my music that I won’t change, and really just can’t change. But I can reach beyond my comfort zone, too. It would be foolish not to try.

“I realize there are purists who could be let down by that mindset, and there have been times I have absolutely felt that I was letting people down by trying new things. But I’m glad that I now feel comfortable enough in my own skin to know what being true to myself really is. I am true to traditional country music and always will be. I have bled and sweat and cried country music my entire life. And broadening my approach won’t change that one bit. That’s the freedom – to be happy and successful and make music I’m proud of.”

Opening for Joe is Leaving Austin. With a profound sense of brotherhood, a love of music, and fierce determination, Leaving Austin is forging a path in country music that’s solely their own. Comprised of Austin Machado, Davis Forney, and Michael Stevens, the trio’s smooth vocals and distinctive songwriting have made them one of the most sought-after bands in Nashville.

Individual tickets are now on sale for $59 through the Box Office, or by phone at 408-866-2700. Tickets can also be purchased online at HeritageTheatre.org.