Colt Ford
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DateJan 30, 2026
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Event Starts7:30pm
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Doors Open6:30pm
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Ticket Prices$19.95 - 49.95
(plus tax & fees) -
AvailabilityOn Sale Now
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LocationBlue Gate PAC
760 S Van Buren St
Shipshewana, IN 46565
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Seating ChartView Seating Chart (If you are paying with a gift card, you must call to purchase tickets 260.768.4725)
Jan 30, 2026
Friday @ 7:30pm
Event Details
Trailblazers carve their own paths, breaking rules and redefining norms along the way. Colt Ford has always done just that, spitting bars over banjo lines long before it was the trend. This fearless approach has set the Georgia-born singer, songwriter, rapper, musician, performer, and co-founder of Average Joes Entertainment apart, cementing his status as country music's ultimate independent maverick.
Just last year (2024), Ford faced a life-altering event when he suffered a near-fatal heart attack after a performance in Arizona, collapsing and dying twice. The experience of dying and being brought back to life felt otherworldly. Drawing strength from his love for family, friends, and fans, Ford powered through his recovery, which became a powerful wake-up call.
Now, with a second lease on life, Ford is charging into 2025 with renewed energy, ready to deliver new shows, fresh collaborations, and an arsenal of new music - mindful of the fact that life can change in the blink of an eye, and he plans to "walk a little slower" moving forward.
With roots in rap, Southern rock, and country, Ford has spent his career collaborating across genres, building a dynamic discography that includes millions of sales and billions of streams. From Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Jermaine Dupri and Bubba Sparxxx to members of No Doubt, Lit, and Lady A, the country-rap troubadour has carved out his own unique space in the music world, all while forging lasting friendships along the way. Moreover, Ford co-wrote Jason Aldean's RIAA certified hit "Dirt Road Anthem" and Brantley Gilbert's "Country Must Be Country Wide" - both of which reached number one on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart - solidifying his position as a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in the studio.
By 2019, Ford had crafted an impressive string of achievements, with his personal chart successes propelling him to mainstream recognition. He notched five consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, starting with Declaration of Independence, which landed at #1 in 2012. Two years later, Thanks for Listening soared into the Top 10 of the Top 200, also claiming the #1 spot on the Billboard Rap & Independent charts. In parallel, he placed six songs on the Hot Country Songs chart, with "Back" (feat. Jake Owen) reaching the Top 40. Among his numerous accolades, Ford earned a nomination for "Vocal Event of the Year" at the Academy of Country Music Awards for his collaboration on "Cold Beer" with Jamey Johnson in 2011.
Ford's 2023 record, Must Be The Country, was born out of his courageous fight against eye cancer, showcasing his powerful vocal range and flawless delivery. After undergoing rigorous surgery to remove the tumor, Ford's resilience was tested once again with a diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune disorder that affects his facial muscles and neural connections. Yet, undeterred by these personal health challenges, Ford remains a beacon of inspiration, continuing to perform and work on new projects. His unshakable spirit resonates throughout his music, underscoring his steadfast dedication to his craft.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Ford is set to hit the ground running with his catchy new release, "Hell Out Of It," featuring Michael Ray, on February 21. "I loved this song the moment I heard it, and after everything I've been through, it really resonates," Ford says. "I wanted to bring in someone I'm close with, and Michael Ray absolutely nailed it." The "Whiskey and Rain" singer teamed up with Ford on the feel-good track, creating the perfect anthem for cranking up and soaking in a sunny day in Music City.
"I have been so lucky and blessed to have worked with the people I have and continue to," Ford says. "I just like letting the song lead me to who I want to work with and hope they want to work with me."
After his remarkable recovery, Ford is joining Brantley Gilbert on select dates of his "Tattoos" Tour, which kicks off this spring. While the idea of returning to the stage after such a traumatic health scare is nerve-wracking, Ford praises, "BG, who's like a little brother to me, is the best person to help me ease back in. He's as good as it gets."
Ford concludes: "I hope the fans and up and coming artists realize how much love and passion it takes to have a career as long as me. I have always tried to help other artists and always take time for the fans; they are the reason we are all here. I hope I leave a foundation that allows others to be successful and maybe just maybe write some cool songs."
With roots in rap, Southern rock, and country, Ford has spent his career collaborating across genres, building a dynamic discography that includes millions of sales and billions of streams. From Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Jermaine Dupri and Bubba Sparxxx to members of No Doubt, Lit, and Lady A, the country-rap troubadour has carved out his own unique space in the music world, all while forging lasting friendships along the way. Moreover, Ford co-wrote Jason Aldean's RIAA certified hit "Dirt Road Anthem" and Brantley Gilbert's "Country Must Be Country Wide" - both of which reached number one on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart - solidifying his position as a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in the studio.
By 2019, Ford had crafted an impressive string of achievements, with his personal chart successes propelling him to mainstream recognition. He notched five consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, starting with Declaration of Independence, which landed at #1 in 2012. Two years later, Thanks for Listening soared into the Top 10 of the Top 200, also claiming the #1 spot on the Billboard Rap & Independent charts. In parallel, he placed six songs on the Hot Country Songs chart, with "Back" (feat. Jake Owen) reaching the Top 40. Among his numerous accolades, Ford earned a nomination for "Vocal Event of the Year" at the Academy of Country Music Awards for his collaboration on "Cold Beer" with Jamey Johnson in 2011.
Ford's 2023 record, Must Be The Country, was born out of his courageous fight against eye cancer, showcasing his powerful vocal range and flawless delivery. After undergoing rigorous surgery to remove the tumor, Ford's resilience was tested once again with a diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune disorder that affects his facial muscles and neural connections. Yet, undeterred by these personal health challenges, Ford remains a beacon of inspiration, continuing to perform and work on new projects. His unshakable spirit resonates throughout his music, underscoring his steadfast dedication to his craft.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Ford is set to hit the ground running with his catchy new release, "Hell Out Of It," featuring Michael Ray, on February 21. "I loved this song the moment I heard it, and after everything I've been through, it really resonates," Ford says. "I wanted to bring in someone I'm close with, and Michael Ray absolutely nailed it." The "Whiskey and Rain" singer teamed up with Ford on the feel-good track, creating the perfect anthem for cranking up and soaking in a sunny day in Music City.
"I have been so lucky and blessed to have worked with the people I have and continue to," Ford says. "I just like letting the song lead me to who I want to work with and hope they want to work with me."
After his remarkable recovery, Ford is joining Brantley Gilbert on select dates of his "Tattoos" Tour, which kicks off this spring. While the idea of returning to the stage after such a traumatic health scare is nerve-wracking, Ford praises, "BG, who's like a little brother to me, is the best person to help me ease back in. He's as good as it gets."
Ford concludes: "I hope the fans and up and coming artists realize how much love and passion it takes to have a career as long as me. I have always tried to help other artists and always take time for the fans; they are the reason we are all here. I hope I leave a foundation that allows others to be successful and maybe just maybe write some cool songs."
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 required to go through a security screening which includes metal detection and checking bags for prohibited items. These security screenings may vary on some events, so please refer to your "Know Before You Go" email to plan your visit accordingly. 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.
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 required to go through a security screening which includes metal detection and checking bags for prohibited items. These security screenings may vary on some events, so please refer to your "Know Before You Go" email to plan your visit accordingly. 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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