The RNC will host its biggest music act yet as it plans to close out the convention with a performance by country star Jason Aldean at Potawatomi Casino Hotel.
Reince Priebus, chair of the RNC host committee, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Thursday that the singer would be performing at a party the committee is throwing after the RNC ends Thursday night.
Aldean became a polarizing figure when his first No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100, “Try That in a Small Town,” outraged some by the implied endorsement of violence. Critics suggested the song and music video, released a year ago, had racist dog whistles, assertions Aldean denied.
Aldean dedicated the controversial song to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at a show in Holmdel, New Jersey, on Saturday after the former president was shot in the ear in an assassination attempt.
Aldean and his wife Brittany have been spotted in the front row of Trump’s VIP box Thursday night.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The Milwaukee show will take place at Potawatomi Casino Hotel’s new outdoor live-entertainment venue, according to the Milwaukee Business Journal. The new 4,800 capacity venue opened June 15 with a performance by Snoop Dogg.
The private show was not listed on Aldean’s tour schedule.
Aldean will be back in the area for a stop on his Highway Desperado 2024 tour at Alpine Valley on Aug. 17.
The RNC host committee did not immediately respond to a request for more details about the party or concert.
Ricardo Torres and Piet Levy of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.
