Country music jam at Centennial Plaza. Jimmie Allen putting on free show downtown

CANTON − Country music artist Jimmie Allen will put on a free concert Saturday night at Centennial Plaza .

The award-winning artist opened for country music star Brad Paisley in 2021 at the Concert for Legends at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.

The concert is being presented by Jerzee's Cafe, Visit Canton and ArtsinStark. The Hall of Fame Concert in the Plaza includes DJs, pop-up bars and opening act Trae Myers , a country music singer from Columbus.

Saturday's concert begins at 5 p.m. at Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW along Market Avenue N.

"That's the biggest artist that I've ever booked in my career in music," said Chris Maggiore, owner of Jerzee's Cafe and other Jerzee's sports bar locations in the Canton area. "Jimmie's a great artist, and I really look forward to him coming to town."

Jimmie Allen played Canton in 2021: Concert for Legends to conclude Hall of Fame Festival

Who is Jimmie Allen?

Allen is considered a pioneer as a Black artist in the country music genre. He was the first Black artist to launch his career with a No. 1 single on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with the song "Best Shot" from his 2018 debut album "Mercury Lane," the Associated Press reported.

Allen was named new male artist of the year at the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards and new artist of the year at the Country Music Association Awards that year.

Allen's popular songs also include "Make Me Want To" and "Freedom Was a Highway," featuring Paisley.

Allen's 2020 album "Bettie James" features guest artists Noah Cyrus, Darius Rucker, Tim McGraw, Rita Wilson, The Oak Ridge Boys and Mickey Guyton. In 2022, he released his third album, "Tulip Drive," featuring the single, "Be Alright."

Allen , a 2011 contestant on "American Idol," also appeared on " Dancing with the Stars " in 2021, placing seventh with Emma Slater.

Earlier this year, he released the single, "G.R.I.T.S"

In 2023, Allen was dropped by his record label after two lawsuits were filed accusing him of sexual assault, including one by brought by his day-to-day manager, according to the Associated Press.

Earlier this year, the former manager dropped the country singer from the suit as part of a settlement, Variety reported. In the second case, Allen countersued the accuser.

Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com .

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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Country music jam at Centennial Plaza. Jimmie Allen putting on free show downtown