Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

WORLAND - With the Washakie County Fair going into full-swing this week, area residents will have the opportunity to see a rapidly growing Wyoming music act tonight at the Washakie County Fairgrounds.

The Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band will take the stage at 7 p.m.

According to press information released by the band, Chancey Williams was "raised on a ranch near the small town of Moorcroft where his mom is a recently retired school teacher; his dad and brother ranch and his other brother is the head coach of a notable high school wrestling dynasty."

Williams told the Northern Wyoming Daily News he is enthused to play the Washakie County Fair.

"It's truly neat. The whole band was born and raised in Wyoming. Wyoming is our biggest fan base," Williams said.

The size of the venue - be it Cheyenne Frontier Days, where Williams' band recently played, or the Washakie County Fair - is irrelevant Williams said.

"If there are people who want to hear our music, we'll play for them."

Williams' influences include Chris LeDoux, Alabama, Merle Haggard and Dwight Yoakam in addition to contemporary country legends, including Toby Keith. Williams said it was an honor to play with Toby Keith at Frontier Days.

"I've always looked up to Toby," Williams said. The two played Keith's 1993 hit single, "Should Have Been a Cowboy Together" at Frontier Days.

Williams said being from a state as small as Wyoming and making it big in country music was a huge accomplishment; Wyoming's small population is not lost on him.

"Nashville has a population of 500,000 - that's the entire population of Wyoming," Williams said, adding, "We've got a whole state behind us."

The band's sound was described by Williams as "a little bit of old country ... it's something different. It's high-energy."

Someone listening to Williams' music is immediately brought back to a "downhome" environment ... on a hot summer night, perhaps.

Chancey Williams and his friend Travis DeWitt (drums) originally started the band with the humble goal of entering a high school talent contest. According to press information, "The pair had no idea it would lead to wedding receptions, small fairs (then big fairs) small bars (then large clubs) and become a full-time career.

The band was joined in 2008 by Wyatt Springsteeon on lead guitar then Brooke Latka on fiddle. Recently, Jack Robbins joined on bass.

Interestingly enough, only two people have both ridden in the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and played music on the main stage: Chancey Williams and Wyoming country music legend Chris LeDoux.

Williams' set is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. tonight. Those wishing to attend are guaranteed a down home, country music show.

Also slated to play this week are Shark Twain Wednesday at 7 p.m. and Rattlesnake Ridge will play a dance at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Passes for the fair are $5 for a day pass or $10 for the entirety of the fair.

The pass does not gain one admission to Friday night's tractor pull.