As the ice turns to muddy puddles and spring wrestles winter in an epic annual battle, a lineup of on-campus concerts awaits, bringing color to an otherwise dull concert year (at least compared to the last two). 50 Cent, O.A.R., Hinder and... Billy Currington? For those of you not in the loop, the country singer-songwriter will be performing at the Gordon Field House on March 21 with special guest Justin Moore. Tickets are available to RIT students for $15 and to the general public for $24.

Currington’s style is well thought-out, incorporating a rhythmic, acoustic piano sound laced with smooth, melodic guitar licks that blend with his overlaid vocal harmonies. Personally, when I hear his music, mental images associated with a cross-country road trip are quick to surface — and I am, by no means, what one would consider a country fan.

Currington brings to the table a collection that both typical and non-conventional country fans can enjoy. While his other works have a lighter, “poppier” quality to them, his more “hardcore” pieces feature defining elements such as the incorporation of the fiddle, specialized guitar effects and a much thicker country twang. In his own words, “I’ve had four or five released R&B, bluesy types and, of course, I’ve had a couple of straight-down-the-line, middle of the road country.”

From the moment he played his first few chords, Currington knew what he wanted in life and he never gave up on his dream. “I’ve been playing in bars since 1991,” he said. Who knew that something he had picked up at the age of 18 would end up being his career? “I got my record deal in 2001 and that same year, they sent me out on a radio tour, which is pretty much just me and my guitar.”

But being the next Johnny Cash or Elvis Presley was not always one of the Georgia native’s goals. “I always thought I was going to be playing football in college and my dream was to be in the NFL, but it didn’t quite work out that way. So, I went and bought a guitar at a pawn shop and, within a year, I learned quite a bit of songs,” described Currington. Soon enough, his friends were telling him that he should move to Nashville, the country music capital, and he took them up on their advice. “I graduated high school and just took off. I’ve been living [there] ever since.”

Of course, being on the road can take its toll, but one of the things that keeps Currington motivated is his fans. “Being on stage, I love the crowd. I love the energy that you get from that,” he explained. Another thing that drives him is his pride in his work. “You’re creating a song that kind of came from nothing. I love that aspect of it, too.”

Joanna Eberts

Currington acknowledges that his success is a result of a collaborative effort and loves recording. “Being in the studio, you can be really creative and it’s quiet. And you’re in there with four or five musicians that, usually for me, they’re musicians I’ve played a lot with.” In fact, in 2004, Currington had the opportunity to work with Shania Twain in producing her single, Party For Two. When asked who he would be interested in teaming up with in the future, Currington replied, “I would love to do a duet with Norah Jones. She’s so soulful and she makes great music, writes great songs.” Unfortunately, that project will likely have to wait. “We have about 100 shows right now ... I’ll be going pretty hard all year long. We don’t get a break until the end of November,” he explained.

So for those of you looking for new music and are willing to get your feet wet in something with a little more of a rural feel, check out Billy Currington. When it comes down to it, it’s really your last chance to find out you like him before he plays on campus next week.

Tickets available at http://ticketmaster.com/venue/64.