An incredible lineup of music stars – including seven-time Grammy Award winner Lady A – is slated to perform during the opening ceremonies for each session of the FEI World Cup™ Finals 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. Joining Lady A on the schedule are Danny Joseph, Walker Hayes, Big City Outlaws, Gavin DeGraw, and SMITH.
With the Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) as event organizer, the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Sports Commission will host the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final and Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final at Dickies Arena, April 8-12, 2026.
The concert schedule is as follows – Danny Joseph will kick things off by opening Thursday afternoon’s Jumping Round 1, followed by Walker Hayes who’ll open Thursday evening’s Dressage Grand Prix, and Big City Outlaws who will open Friday evening’s Jumping Round 2. Gavin DeGraw and Lady A will both perform to open Saturday evening’s Dressage Final, and SMITH will open Sunday afternoon’s Jumping Final. Sundance Square is sponsoring the Opening Ceremonies for all three Jumping sessions.
Built around rich vocal harmony, vivid emotional writing and a smooth fusion of country, rock and pop, Lady A has long been a model of mainstream success. The group has become one of the 21st century’s premier vocal groups, blending deeply felt emotions with classic country sounds. As a country radio staple, the trio has amassed 11 No. One hits and over 9 billion digital streams. Known for their 12x Platinum hit “Need You Now,” which is the highest certified song by a country group, they have earned ACM and CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” trophies three years in a row and countless other honors including seven Grammy awards, Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards and a Tony Award nod.
Danny Joseph is a Dallas-based singer-songwriter recognized for his soulful, raspy vocals, blues-driven guitar playing, and commanding live presence. A finalist on The Voice (Season 26), he has translated national exposure into sustained momentum as a live artist, performing sold-out ticketed shows and building a loyal following through consistent demand. Rooted in soul, blues, Americana, and country, Joseph delivers a polished, professional performance whether appearing solo acoustic or with a full band. With over 500 live performances to date, he is known for reliable, high-quality shows that connect with audiences and work equally well in intimate listening rooms, clubs, and ticketed venues.
Walker Hayes is a country-pop singer and songwriter from Mobile, Alabama, known for his Christian lifestyle and carefree personality. His music blends hip-hop production with country storytelling and explores themes of faith, fatherhood, grief, and growth. Several of his tracks have been nominated for the CMT Music Awards, American Music Awards, Grammy Awards, Kids’ Choice Awards, and Billboard Music Awards, with his highest-charting effort to date, “Fancy Like,” winning Billboard’s Top Country Song in 2022.
Big City Outlaws is a high-energy dance and concert band comprised of eight top-notch performers. Started in 2014, Texas’s hottest country dance band has been featured on local TV shows and has performed all over the U.S. and even Mexico for private events. They jump the fence from country to top 40 all night long! Their one-of-a-kind show often has crowds two-stepping, line dancing, and club dancing to current popular music as well as classic hits. Their energetic stage show and state-of-the-art production make any special event the talk of the town.
Gavin DeGraw began singing and playing piano at the age of eight. Growing up in a musical family, he was raised to regard music as part of the fabric of everyday life rather than as a remote show-business ideal. He rose to fame with his song “I Don’t Want to Be” from his debut album Chariot (2003); it became the theme song for the WB/CW teen drama series One Tree Hill. Since then, several of his tracks have been certified Gold and Platinum (including 4x Platinum hit “Not Over You”) and won categories at the BMI Pop Awards, BDSCertified Spin Awards, and New Music Awards.
SMITH is a six-piece pop country music group located in Southern California that performs hits from artists such as Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert to Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett. Mix modern country with classics, and you have the musical recipe for awesome. Comprised of seasoned musicians who have worked with Albert Lee, Kenny Loggins, Johnny Lee and Keith Emerson, SMITH can rock your favorite country as well as Top 40 hits.
Originally formed when chosen by ABC and Disney executives to perform the now-CMT series Nashville soundtrack for Disneyland visitors, the band has since impressed and satisfied an extensive list of high-profile clientele including E&J Gallo Wineries, Cholame Wineries, California Almond Board, Hulu, Michelin, ViewSonic, and more.
Started in 1979, the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final is an annual international showdown among the world’s best Jumping horses and athletes. Previous FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals held in the United States include Baltimore (1980), Tampa (1989), Del Mar, CA (1992), Las Vegas (2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2015), and Omaha (2017 and 2023).
First held in 1986, the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final features the world’s best Dressage horses and athletes. The Final has been held in the U.S. in Los Angeles (1995), Las Vegas (2005, 2007, 2009, 2015), and Omaha (2017 and 2023).
Single-session tickets are available with seats starting at $35. Special pricing and packages are available for groups of just nine or more; those interested should reach out to Sydney at GroupSales@DickiesArena.com. Full ticket information is available online at https://www.fortworth2026.com/tickets.
Further information on the FEI World Cup™ Finals 2026 is available online at www.fortworth2026.com/.
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