What do you get when you start things off with a West Tennessee Idol, add a former Army paratrooper with two critically-praised albums under his belt, and finish it off with a CMT Flameworthy Artist?

One very hot concert and the first major entertainment event of the 10th Annual Tennessee Soybean Festival. The festival runs Sept. 2-7 in Martin and is sponsored in part by the city of Martin and UTM.

Chris Cagle, whose self-titled sophomore album debuted this spring at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Album Chart, will headline a jam-packed country show set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Skyhawk Arena on the UTM campus.

Appearing with Cagle are Craig Morgan and Steven Whitson. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $20 for reserved seating and are on sale now.

They can be purchased at the UC Information Desk; Five Seasons Men’s Shop in Union City; The Leader Store in Fulton, Ky.; Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Jackson; McElhiney’s in Mc-Kenzie; or by calling 731-587-7757. Credit cards will be accepted, and proceeds will benefit the Martin Recreational Complex Soccer Pavilion.

Cagle, known as a blue-collar, working-class country singer, witnessed his first album, Play It Loud, turn gold and watched as each successive single met with great success: “My Love Goes On and On” landing in the Top 15, “Laredo” cracking the Top 5 and “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out” topping the country singles charts.

The lead single “What A Beautiful Day” from his new album Chris Cagle has already reached the Top 10. He anchored the final segment of Jeff Foxworthy’s comedy concert tour movie The Blue Collar Movie, and adding to his musical success, Cagle is the inaugural, fan-voted winner of the "CMT Flameworthy Breakthrough Video of the Year.”

Morgan, who was recently featured in Country Weekly magazine, also has two albums under his belt. His critically praised, self-titled debut album earned chart success with “Something to Write Home About” and “Paradise.”

The former Army paratrooper has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at last year’s Toyota Gator Bowl and has performed for the USO. His second album I Love It debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, and his first single “Almost Home” reached the Top 5.

Also set to appear is Steven Whitson, winner of the first West Tennessee Idol competition. The contest, sponsored by WYN-106.9 of Jackson, was held earlier this year. The Trimble native defeated more than 200 other entertainers and was the only contestant to win a standing ovation in the final round of competition at the Old Hickory Mall in Jackson. As competition winner, Whitson opened for the Rascal Flatts and Gary Allan concert in Jackson’s Oman Arena.

The concert is being sponsored by the Martin Rotary Club and the UTM Student Activities Council.

Complete festival information is available on the Web at www.tnsoybeanfestival.org or by calling 731-587-4750.

Schedule of Events

Following is a partial listing of festival events. Check the festival’s Web site, www.tnsoybeanfestival.org, for more information.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

Mayor’s Kickoff Luncheon Noon, Boling University Center Speaker: Ken Givens, commisioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Sponsored by: Leland Powell Emcee: Mike Snider, Grand Ole Opry star 587-3126

Soybean Festival Parade 7 p.m., Hardy M. Graham Stadium (parking lot) Sponsored by: First State Bank Grand marshal: Former Gov. Ned Ray McWherter Entry fee and prizes 587-9561

Wednesday, Sept. 3

Soybean Festival Prayer Breakfast 6:45 a.m., First Baptist Church Sponsored by: Martin Area Ministerial Alliance Speaker: Dr. Nick Dunagan, UTM chancellor 587-9555

The Wednesday Night Concert: Featuring Chris Cagle with Special Guest Craig Morgan Also appearing: WYN 106.9 West Tennessee Idol winner Steven Whitson 8 p.m., Skyhawk Arena on the UTM campus For ticket sales, call (731) 587-7757. $15 general admission, $20 reserved.

Thursday, Sept. 4

Community Picnic 5:30 p.m., downtown Martin Food served by Sodexho Dining Services at UTM Charge: $3 per person

The Thursday Night Concert: 1964 The Tribute 8 p.m., Downtown Stage, no admission Sponsored by: UTM

Friday Sept. 5

10th Annual Chicken Crazy, Hog Wild Barbecue Cookoff (continues Saturday) 6 p.m. Friday, Virginia Weldon Park Sponsored by: Tyson Foods Categories (Friday): Backyard Variety, Best Booth, Backyard Bird Categories (Saturday): Shoulder, Fine Swine, Ribs Free barbecue and barbecued chicken Friday Awards: 12:15 p.m. Saturday, Downtown Stage 587-5355

The Friday Night Concert: The Soul Shockers 9:30 p.m., Downtown Stage, no admission

Saturday, Sept. 6

Soybean Festival 5K Road Race 8 a.m., Martin Recreation Complex Sponsored by: Martin Kiwanis Club 587-9572

Pet Show 3:30 p.m. registration with show at 4 p.m. downtown Sponsored by: Weakley County Animal Clinic 587-5319

Seventh Annual Car & Truck Show Registration from 9 a.m. to noon Sponsored by MTD Products Inc. and Universal Graphics Located at UTM’s Graham Football Stadium parking lot Entry fee $20, spectators admitted free 587-4279