Toby Keith Fans To Attend 'Big Throwdown II' Starting June 10, 2005

NASHVILLE, TN. (Toby Keith official Website/ www.tobykeith.com) - If Toby Keith's previous tours are any indication, hundreds of thousands of country fans are about to receive some serious summer schooling as the "Big Throwdown II" rolls out beginning June 10 in Charlotte, NC.

The tour is just one part of an ambitious summer that kicks off May 17 with the release of his new album Honkytonk University. His first full studio album since 2004's quadruple platinum Shock'N Y'All, the disc follows last fall's release of Greatest Hits 2, which is nearing triple platinum. To date, Keith has sold more than 25 million albums.

The evening of the album's debut in stores, Keith is up for four Academy of Country Music Awards at the awards telecast from Las Vegas. Keith, however, will not be in attendance. Instead, his performance of "Honkytonk U" will be beamed live via satellite from his USO Tour in the Middle East.
The reigning two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year is up for the award again, as well as Male Vocalist, Song (for "American Soldier") and Vocal Event.

On the road, the acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer continually ranks as one of country's top draws. Tickets for the first leg of "Big Throwdown II" tour are available, with more date on pre-sale to fan club members via Keith's revamped website at www.tobykeith.com.

Also on the bill is Lee Ann Womack, up for three ACM Awards including Female Vocalist, Single and Song for "I May Hate Myself In The Morning." She is a five-time ACM winner. Opening the tour is Shooter Jennings, son of Jessi Colter and the late Waylon Jennings, whose first single "Fourth of July" is set for an April release.

"Big Throwdown II" tour dates thus far include:
June 10 Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Ampitheater
June 11 Raleigh, NC - Alltel Pavilion
June 12 Virginia Beach, VA - Verizon Wireless Ampitheater
June 17 St. Louis, Mo - UMB Bank Pavilion
June 18 Chicago, IL - Tweeter Center
June 19 Kansas City - Verizon Wireless Ampitheater
July 16 Indianapolis, IN - Verizon Wireless Ampitheater
July 22 Darien Lakes, NY (Buffalo)- Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center
July 24 Scranton, PA - Ford Pavilion @ Montage Mountaian
July 29-30 Cheyenne, WY - Cheyenne Frontier Days
Aug. 5 West Palm Beach, FL - Sound Advice Ampitheater
Aug. 6 Tampa, FL - Ford Ampitheater
Aug. 21 Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Ampitheater
Aug. 26 Hershey, PA - Hershey Park Stadium
Shows in Washington, DC, Hartford, CT and Pittsburgh are also expected, though dates have not been confirmed.