With a date locked in, organizers with Rock the South have now revealed the first musical act that will headline this year’s music festival — Brantley Gilbert.

Gilbert has a new album Just As I Am on the way, led by first single and opening track “If You Want A Bad Boy.”

Event organizer Shane Quick noted Gilbert is a rising star, and he believes the musician is an excellent addition to the festival.

“Brantley Gilbert is one of the hottest & fastest growing country music artists, period. His Country/Southern rock sound will be a perfect anthem for a Rock the South night,” Quick said. “He’s also one of the most requested artist from the Rock the South fans. We wanted to come out of the gate strong with a name we knew everyone would love. Stay connected to Rock the South as more announcement are coming every week!”

Additional acts should be announced soon.

The festival will be hosted at Heritage Park in Cullman on June 19-20.

No ticket or presale information has been revealed yet, though officials say several more announcements are expected soon.

Rock the South has quickly grown into one of the biggest events in Cullman history, hosting popular acts such as Sara Evans, The Band Perry, Little Big Town and Charlie Daniels. Last year’s event brought more than 30,000 people to the city over a two-day span.

Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 134.