The RNC will host its biggest music event yet, concluding the convention with a performance from country star Jason Aldean at the Potawatomi Casino Hotel.
Republican National Convention Host Committee Chairman Reince Priebus told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Thursday that the singer plans to perform at a party the committee is hosting after the convention ends Thursday night.
Aldean became a polarizing figure after his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, “Try That in a Small Town,” infuriated some who said it implicitly endorsed violence. Critics suggested the song and music video, released a year ago, contained racist dog whistles, charges Aldean denied.
Aldean dedicated the controversial song to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a concert in Holmdel, New Jersey, on Saturday after the former president was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt.
Aldean and his wife, Brittany, were spotted sitting front row in Trump’s VIP box on Thursday night.
Want to take a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
According to the Milwaukee Business Journal, the Milwaukee show will take place at the Potawatomi Casino Hotel’s new outdoor live entertainment venue. The new 4,800-seat venue opened on June 15 with a performance by Snoop Dogg.
The private show was not listed on Aldean’s tour schedule.
Aldean will be returning to the area on August 17th with the Highway Desperado 2024 Tour in Alpine Valley.
The Republican National Convention’s host committee did not immediately respond to a request for details about the party or concert.
The Journal Sentinel’s Ricardo Torres and Piet Levy contributed to this report.