'Second to none'

When the lights go down in Dodson and headliner Clay Walker and his band take the stage, expect a Country Music spectacle that is "second to none."

"Our live show, in my opinion, is one of the best out there because of the great band that we have, the way that they move on stage and the video effects," Clay Walker told the PCN on Wednesday. "It's going to be a very entertaining show and a great value for anyone who comes out."

Walker and his band were gearing up for a show in Oakland, California on Wednesday as their month long tour – which makes a stop at the 100th annual Phillips County Fair on Friday, July 31 – kicked off in the Golden State. Walker and his crew have 11 million albums sold, have produced four platinum albums and six number one hits in their time together and, just for kicks, have added something new to their live shows.

"It's probably one of the best video walls made," Walker said of the giant, HD screen that sits behind the band during gigs. "This is the first year we have toured with a video wall and it adds a lot to our show. We spent the better part of six or seven months creating the content that goes on the wall during our shows."

During the Clay Walker tour the band is hitting many cities across the United States, but Walker admitted that he is most looking forward to his return trip to Montana because it reminds him of home and makes him proud to be an American.

"Montana is one of my favorite states in the Union," Walker said. "To me, it is still very much a cowboy and Country Music state. People there live the kind of life I grew up around."

Walker said the he grew up on a ranch in his hometown of Beaumont, Texas as a rancher and a farmer. The east Texas ranch has been in his family since 1847 – of which he still owns a stake in and he said he feels he is a bit of a throwback, which helps him identify with Montanans.

"To me, Montanans are the epitome of Americans," said Walker. "They are people who are scratching it out of the dirt to make a living taking care of their families and each other. To me, that is what America is and it is this way every time I go through Montana, I feel nostalgic."

Walker said the he recently had a show outside of Great Falls and though there were several events going on around town the day of the show, Walker sold the venue out.

"It was pandemonium," he said. "Country music is still very alive in Montana."

Besides being one of the biggest names in Country Music, Clay wears a few other hats (though all are 10-gallon.)

When not performing with his band, or working his ranch, Walker said he spends a lot of time hunting, a sport he picked up as a child more as a necessity than a hobby.

"When I grew up we were very poor," said Walker. "There was plenty of game around ...ducks, geese, rabbits, there was all kinds of things to eat. I don't remember going to the grocery store when I was growing up. We grew all our vegetables and raised all of our cattle, hogs, chickens ...but a lot of times we hunted to put meat on the table."

Three years ago, Walker parlayed that love of hunting into a cable television show, Trophy Hunters, which airs on the Outdoor Channel. Walker said that the show is not only fun to shoot, but that it is also a good educational tool and another way to make new fans.

"It's always fun to share a side of yourself that people wouldn't get a chance to see otherwise," Walker said. "And there might be some hunters out there who aren't Country Music fans so it is a neat way to connect with them. It's really close to my heart."

Away from music and television, another cause that takes up a lot of Walkers time is fighting Multiple Sclerosis. In 1996, Walker was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and he said the disease hasn't affected his music, but has played a large part in how he views the world these days.

"I have not had a relapse in 17 years and the outlook for me is very bright," Walker said. "Maybe that is why I have never looked at it as a negative, because I have been able to manage it all. I have always been a compassionate person, it is deep in my spiritual beliefs, but having MS has given me a sense of compassion towards people and I think my music probably reflects that over time."

Soon after being diagnosed with MS Clay founded Band Against MS (BAMS) a non-profit charity that funds MS research and education. Since its creation the charity has raised more than $2 million to fight MS.

Walker said that finding a cure for MS is always the goal, but added that the main focus of BAMS today is to meet with people suffering with MS and make them as comfortable as possible here and now.

"In our organization we have had multiple conversations about what we can do to help people live better with MS right now," Walker said. "One of the things we do is try to educate them on what they can do about MS and how to live with it. We look at ways to help people physically live with MS right now."

Anyone wishing to get involved with the BAMS goal to raise money for MS research can do so online at bandagainstms.org or via snail mail at Band Against MS, Inc., 2409 21st Avenue South Suite 205, Nashville, TN 37212.

As far as headlining the Phillips County Fair this year, people should expect some hits, some soon to be hits and a presentation that Walker is extremely proud of.

"They are going to hear all the hits and then we will do about six or seven brand new songs that are going to be coming out in the next month or so," Walker said. "They will also see a visual show that is second to none."

Tickets for all the 2015 Phillips County Fair Grandstand Events can be purchased at First State Bank, First Security Bank, Independence Bank or by visiting phillipscountyfair.com.