(PR) As Labor Day weekend approaches you can bet the Mississippi State University (MSU) Bulldogs and the Jackson State University (JSU) Tigers are hard at work in their respective locker rooms and on their practice fields. As the two teams fine-tune their offensive and defensive strategies, another popular Mississippi entity is gearing up to bring its unique musicianship to the MSU Bulldogs' Starkville field.Nash Street, the Starkville, Mississippi based, self-defined 'Grassroots Country' band didn't think twice when they were asked by MSU to play the game's halftime show.
"When the university's band director came to us and asked if we would play the show, there was no hesitation. I mean after all, this is our home turf!" says bassist Daniel Hare on the upcoming performance.
Additional instrumentals will be apparent during the show, as MSU's "Famous Maroon Band" will join the 2008 Colgate Country Showdown winners at midfield.
All Mississippi natives, the members of Nash Street are very familiar with the traditions of MSU. Growing up in Starkville, all members of the band have been fans since they were children.
"Our parents introduced us to all the rich traditions of the SEC while we wore our little MSU jerseys or cheerleading outfits," says Nash Street fiddler, Hannah Melby. "It's something that's deeply rooted within each of us... Mississippi football is part of our heritage!"
All four members of the band have attended the university. Hannah Melby and guitarist Clay Lezon are MSU alumni, while mandolinist Caroline Melby and Daniel Hare each have courses under their belts.
On playing the show, Hannah Melby notes, "It's going to be a breathtaking experience to be able to stand out on the field and play for the fans who have supported us and our MSU Bulldogs for years. I can't think of a better way to spend Labor Day weekend!"
The SEC Conference game will take place Saturday, September 5 at 2:30 PM CST. The game will air nationally on ESPN.