MATS CONCERT & AFTER-PARTY
Every year, attendees are treated to a complimentary concert on the Friday night of MATS in Freedom Hall, on-site at the Kentucky Expo Center. Please see artists and schedule details below.
Location
Freedom Hall
at the Kentucky Expo Center
Date / Hours
Friday, March 27
7PM Eastern
Admission
Tickets available Thursday & Friday
at the Bennett booth
Thanks to Our Sponsors
2026 MATS Concert Lineup
Frank Foster
Frank Foster is the fiercely independent voice of the rural South. A former oilfield man who rejected the Nashville machine, he delivers a gritty blend of Southern rock and honest country. With rowdy anthems like “Blue Collar Boys” and “Southern Man,” his music speaks to the blue-collar soul, forged in the mud and heat. When Foster takes the stage, it’s a reunion for the “Frank Foster Army.” Don’t miss the man who proved you don’t need a label to become a legend. Real country, real stories, real grit.
Listen to Frank:
Mark Ware
From fighting fires to lighting up stages, Mark Ware is the real deal. A former Fire Chief turned country-rock powerhouse, Ware delivers a “scorching” blend of Southern soul and gritty storytelling. Known for emotional hits like “Six Feet Away” and the powerful anthem “Hidden Bruises,” his music strikes a chord with anyone who knows the value of hard work and resilience. With his 2025 album Heaven Over Georgia making waves, don’t miss the chance to see this Georgia native bring his authentic, cross-genre sound to life.
Listen to Mark:
Long Haul Paul
“Long Haul Paul” Marhoefer is the authentic voice of the American highway. A trucker for nearly 40 years, he trades the dashboard for the fretboard to deliver “diesel-soaked” folk and Americana that hits harder than an 18-wheeler. With a storytelling style often compared to a blue-collar Bob Dylan, his music captures the dark beauty and grit of life on the road. From the viral hit “Thirty Weight Coffee” to the haunting “You Were a Good Hand,” Paul’s songs aren’t just tunes—they are true stories from a life spent chasing the white line.
Listen to Paul:
