Country artist Glen Templeton opens NRA Finals

American country singer and songwriter Glen Templeton is taking the lyrics to heart from one of his favorite covers, Merle Haggard’s “Big City,” and “turning himself loose and setting himself free somewhere in the middle of Montana” for two pre-NRA rodeos this week at Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell.

Known for not only his original songs but also his classic country covers of such greats as Haggard and Conway Twitty, the Nashville-based artist will be performing pre-rodeo concerts today, Oct. 24, and Friday, Oct. 25, starting at 6 p.m. and included in the price of a rodeo ticket. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Having grown up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Templeton’s legacy began to unfold when he was hand-picked by the daughters of country music legend Conway Twitty to portray their father in the touring musical tribute to the late icon. Templeton’s star-studded debut catapulted him into the public eye with appearances on “CMT,” “The Grand Ole Opry,” “The Ryman” and more. He’s since shared the stage with Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Montgomery Gentry, LoCash and others.

Templeton’s debut single “I Could Be the One” was released in 2011. Other charting singles include “Ball Cap” and “Hip to Be Country.” “His recent single “Run With Me” appears on the Coastal Cowboy Entertainment record label. His newest album “California” is his first independent album and dedicated to his father who passed away in 2007.

Templeton will be singing the National Anthem during the concerts.

The NRA Finals Rodeo action starts at 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday, followed by an after-party at Blue Canyon Tavern at the Hilton Garden Inn every night.