Chuck Wagon Gang Info Page Header
Chuck Wagon Gang
    (If you are paying with a gift card, you must call to purchase tickets 260.768.4725)
Nov 08, 2019 Friday @ 7:00pm
Event Details

Shaye Smith

The group's owner, manager, and alto singer, Shaye Smith is the granddaughter of the Gang's original alto, Anna Carter Gordon Davis, and Howard Gordon, who was the group's guitarist for many years. Shaye was born in Nashville, TN and grew up in Baton Rouge, LA. She is married to Andy Smith, and they make their home in Hertford, NC. They have three children, Ben, Noah, and Chloe.

Shaye holds two Bachelor's degrees in music (Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance and Bachelor of Music in Choral Conducting), and she helps to arrange many of the Chuck Wagon Gang's songs. Her background in musicals, operas, and choral and theater projects makes the stage a place of comfort and familiarity.

Shaye joined her great-uncle Roy and the Chuck Wagon Gang in 1993, as a soprano. Leading the Chuck Wagon Gang allows her to continue the legacy her grandmother and family began eighty years ago.

Stan Hill

The group's tenor singer, Stan Hill was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. He and his wife, Kathy, have three children and one granddaughter.

"Some of my earliest and best memories are of my family gathered around the piano, singing a hymn while Mom played," he says. "I also remember lying in bed at night, listening to an AM radio, when I was supposed to be sleeping."

"By singing with the Chuck Wagon Gang, I not only get to enjoy these great songs of faith, I also get to share in preserving the history and tradition of this style of music. God has truly given me the desires of my heart."

Stan's voice and blend continue the high standard established by Dad Carter, who made it clear to his kids, "Sing the old songs, and sing them the way I taught you."

Wyatt Austin

My name is Wyatt Austin. I was born and still reside in Morganton, NC. I first heard the Chuck Wagon Gang when I was 12 years old and when I went to see them in a nearby town, I had no idea that God was unfolding His plan. I began collecting vinyl records and when I heard Jim Carter's unique and harmonious voice, I began having the desire to sing bass. I feel so privileged and blessed to be a part of this legendary group. In this life, people have dreams and very seldom do they come true at a young age, but God in His goodness and grace has fulfilled my desire to serve Him.

Melissa Kemper

Soprano Melissa Kemper is a native of Groveton, TX, and she still resides there today, with her husband, Jamie, and children Weston, Brandon, and Alysse. Melissa sang soprano with the Chuck Wagon Gang between 2001 and 2006, then left the group to be with her children during their formative years. She re-joined the quartet in 2015.

"I am very happy that God has brought me back into the group after all these years," she says. "I am truly blessed."

Karl Smakula

The group's guitarist, Karl Smakula, was born in Kingwood, WV and raised in Elkins, WV, where he was steeped the central WV region's rich tradition of old time and bluegrass music. He began playing mandolin and guitar at age 11 and took up banjo shortly thereafter, regularly performing in church and at square dances. He is a 2016 graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country music. While attending ETSU, he was a member of both the Universities elite Bluegrass Pride and Country Pride bands, and has since traveled the United States performing with bluegrass, old time, and country artists.Karl currently resides in Nashville, TN and enjoys running, hiking, and attending concerts in his free time.
Plan Your Visit:
Parking: Free parking is available at the venue. Please have patience and be respectful when leaving our parking lots after the show.

Ticket Office: For ticket sales and assistance with ticket orders, please visit our box office or call 260-768-4725. Box Office hours are Monday thru Saturday, 10am to 7pm. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable, no exception.

Tickets: Your phone is your ticket. Make sure you have downloaded your ticket before arriving at the venue to present at ticket check. Will Call tickets can be picked up at the box office window, and you must present a photo ID. If you need your tickets printed for any reason, visit the venue box office prior to entering ticket check. Tickets that include a dining package will need to be printed prior to visiting the restaurant since they serve as your dining voucher.

Rain or Shine Events: All events are rain or shine. In the event of hazardous weather during an event, please follow the safety directions given by venue staff and displayed on digital screens.

Bag Policy: For safety and efficiency, we recommend entering without a purse or bag at our venues. If essential items are needed, we encourage guests to bring them in a small, clear purse. All non-clear purses will be searched, and this will be enforced upon entry at our Performing Arts Center. Diaper Bags for families with small children and bags with required medical items are permitted. No oversized purses, tote or duffel bags, or backpacks of any type will be allowed.

Prohibited Items: Please review the prohibited items list before you come to an event. This list can be found on our FAQ page.

Concessions: Refreshments are available for purchase within the venue. No outside food, candy, or beverages are allowed.

Bar Service: We do have beer and wine service available at most of our PAC concerts. Hours of service vary, depending on show schedule, but the bar is typically open for at least 90 minutes once doors are open.

No Smoking: Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the venue.

Safety and Security Policies: All members of your party must have a ticket to enter the venue. All individuals entering the facility are subject to screening including the checking of bags and personal belongings for prohibited items. Re-entry is not permitted without a ticket. For a complete list of prohibited items and venue policies, visit our FAQ page.

Accessibility: For complete information on our services, please visit the Accessibility section of our FAQ page.

Dining Packages: Buffet dining at our Blue Gate Restaurant can be added to any ticket price for your convenience. Price would include meal but not gratuity. To ensure guests have time to dine, we suggest arriving no later than 2 hours prior to show time, in case the restaurant is on a wait.

Hotel Reservations: If you need hotel accommodations, consider staying at our Blue Gate Garden Inn – adjacent to the Performing Arts Center! For more information and to check availability, visit https://www.bluegategardeninn.com/ or call 260.768.4725.

For more information, simply visit our FAQ page.
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