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Country music is sometimes the refuge for musicians who no longer find success they previously experienced in their chosen genres. But Aaron Lewis, the frontman for hard-rock band Staind, continues to be successful in the rock world — his band's 2011 album was the fifth consecutive top-five album for the band. But in a Tribune interview, Lewis said country music was his first love, introduced by his grandfather. "I was 8 when we moved," he said, "and my grandfather was no longer my babysitter." So his interests in his teens was influenced by his friends, so he went into the rock world. But even on the road, "If I'm not listening to conservative talk radio, I'm listening to country music," he said. His first country album, "The Road," will be released in September, so this summer he is preparing audiences for his change of genre. But Staind fans will still find that Lewis is performing Staind's two most recognizable hits, "It's Been Awhile" and "Outside." After all, Lewis said, those songs are essentially sad country songs.
When • Saturday, July 14 at 7 p.m.Where • Peppermill Concert Hall, 1045 Wendover Blvd., West Wendover, NevadaTickets • $20 to $75 at http://www.wendoverfun.com or by calling 888-PEPP-TIX