Lacy J. Dalton to open Casino Star Theatre’s 22nd live season

GUNNISON—Country singer Lacy J. Dalton will bring music spanning nearly five decades to the Casino Star Theatre on Saturday Oct. 10, just three days before her 80th birthday.

Dalton and longtime musical partner Dale Poune will perform at 7 p.m. as the opening concert of the Casino Star Theatre Foundation’s 22nd live season. Premium seats cost $30 and classic seats are $24. Tickets are available at casinostartheatre.com.

Dalton emerged on the national country music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s with songs including “Crazy Blue Eyes,” “Takin’ It Easy,” “Hard Times” and “16th Avenue.”

But her career began well before she reached country radio. Before signing with Columbia Records, Dalton worked several jobs to support her family, including waiting tables at a truck stop where she also performed.

“Crazy Blue Eyes,” which Dalton co-wrote with longtime friend Mary McFadden, reached No. 7 on the Billboard country chart in 1979. Dalton was later named the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Female Vocalist.

She followed with songs that included “Everybody Makes Mistakes,” “Hillbilly Girl with the Blues,” “Hard Times” and “Black Coffee.”

Among her best-known recordings is “16th Avenue,” which tells the story of songwriters arriving in Nashville hoping to have their work heard.

During her career, Dalton has shared stages with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr. and Charlie Daniels. She also appeared with Nelson on his platinum-selling album “Half Nelson.”

Dalton has continued performing and recording in recent years. She was inducted into the North American Country Music Association International Hall of Fame in 2017 and received a Lifetime Career Achievement Award from the Josie Music Awards in 2022. Her latest album, “For the Black Sheep,” was released in 2024.

The Gunnison concert comes shortly before another milestone for Dalton. She turns 80 on Oct. 13. Two days later, she is scheduled to perform at an 80th birthday celebration at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville alongside Jimmy Fortune, David Frizzell, Terri Gibbs and Michelle Wright.

According to information provided by the Casino Star Theatre Foundation, Dalton has said she particularly enjoys performing in smaller venues and historic theaters where she can connect more directly with audiences.

Poune will accompany Dalton on guitar and mandolin. The two have also worked together away from the stage, including teaching songwriting, music theory and guitar through the William James Arts in Corrections program in California.

Dalton has also worked as an advocate for wild horses and burros and co-founded the nonprofit Let-’em- Run Foundation.

The Dalton concert begins a three-show fall lineup at the Casino Star. The foundation plans to bring the Bar D Wranglers to Gunnison Nov. 7, followed by pianist and composer Kurt Bestor Dec. 15.