The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival announced that Red Bow Records recording artist Joe Nichols will be performing at the official opening of the 83rd annual Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival on May 23 at the Bell County High School Gymnasium.

Nichols has earned numerous awards from the music industry, including being named Top New Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music. He received the Horizon award at the CMAs.

Nichols has released 14 Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Eight of those singles entered the Top 10 and three hit the number one spot.

His top hits include “Gimme That Girl,” “Brokenheartsville,” “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” “She Only Smokes When She Drinks” and “The Impossible.”

Nichols switched record labels last year and plans to release a new album under Red Bow Records this spring.

Pre-sale tickets will be available Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the festival office on Virginia Avenue.

Tickets prices are: VIP tables, $500; reserved seating, $19; and general admission, $14.

Ticket prices are subject to change after the pre-sale.

The KMLF officials said they are excited to bring Nichols to southeastern Kentucky.

For all information concerning the 83rd annual Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival, visit at www.kmlf.org or “like” the festival Facebook page.