John Thibodeaux loves the simple life.

“People round here don’t get in a hurry. Life’s a trip we enjoy the journey,” crooned Thibodeaux in the single “Simple Life” from his CD of the same name.

By day the aspiring Country music star is an environmental inspector and by night the Port Neches man belts out his own brand country music.

And now Thibodeaux is one of 10 finalists in Stetson Rocks, a competition aimed to help emerging talent take the stage while supporting the fight to keep music education in schools.

The winner of the competition will open for Country star Neal McCoy in Houston on Nov. 14 and the 12 Man Jam in Fort Worth on Dec. 7.

Judging is taking place now via www.ourstage.com/fanclub/johnthibodeaux and the winner will be announced Nov. 5 so fans need go online fast and make their choice known.

Thibodeaux’s CD “Simple Life” is getting airplay on Country music radio stations and the local man’s star is quickly rising. He has rocked the crowds at Delta Downs Casino, Coushatta Casino, Texas Longhorn Club and Madison's and has hopes of taking the stage with McCoy should he win the competition.

Thibodeaux was born in Marrero, La. and spent much of his childhood in Houston and surrounding cities such as Baytown and Crosby. During highschool he moved to the Beaumont/Golden Triangle area where he now resides. At a very young age, John grew a deep passion for music. Spending long days practicing and honing his talent for playing instruments, four to be exact, and songwriting.

John started out catching the music bug at the tender age of seven and etertaining people by the age of 14. He started playing professionally in clubs as a drummer for his dad's Cajun, country band. And, like most young people he also played in a highschool Rock band, which by the way played paying gigs in Houston clubs, while the oldest member was 17 years old. After graduating high school, he joined the Army and his music followed. Forming a band in Georgia, his band was a sought after act by clubs in Georgia and Florida.

After leaving Georgia, John decided to come home to Southeast Texas and resides in Port Neches.

Online at johnthibodeaux.com