By Tommy Mann Jr.

The News staff writer

It’s time to get your dancing shoes on because the 18th annual Gulf Coast Jam is coming your way.

One of the longest running annual area music events returns with what could arguably be considered its best lineup ever as the legendary Percy Sledge serves as co-headliner for the Aug. 9 concert.

The event, which has been held at the last few years on the Lamar State College-Port Arthur campus, returns this summer to the cozy and larger confines of the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center in Port Arthur.

Joining Sledge on stage is another legendary outfit that has local ties, the Fabulous Boogie Kings. Also appearing are Louisiana Express and Eazy.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 2 for $30 at the civic center box office, A & S Music in Nederland, Swicegood Music in Beaumont, or by credit card at boogiekings.com.

The concert is produced by Don Ball of Triangle Concerts and Ned Theall of Boogie Kings Productions.

“This show offers something which has never been witnessed before,” Ball said. “It is the first time ever that legendary acts like the Fabulous Boogie Kings and Percy Sledge have ever shared the stage together, and both of these artists have been around more than 40 years.”

Theall said both music acts achieved headlining status fairly quick in their respective careers and usually performed with two to three opening acts. However, he said performing a co-headlining concert with Sledge is something he believes music lovers will be thrilled to see.

“This was a good show already,” he said. “But having Percy Sledge on the bill is just icing on the cake.”

Sledge is well-known for his soulful singing style and his trademark classic hit “When a Man Loves a Woman,” plus other popular songs “Try a Little Tenderness,” “It Tears Me Up,” “Cover Me” and many others.

The Fabulous Boogie Kings have been a musical institution in rock ’n roll for more than 50 years. The band decided to keep on touring after the success of a farewell tour and numerous requests from fans.

The legendary act consists of members Jerry LaCroix, G.G. Shinn, Allen Wayne, Gregg Martinez, Mark Klein, Chris Flowers and Theall.

The doors for the Aug. 9 concert open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Admission on the day of the show is $35. Call 409-548-4444 for more information.