Hail To The Honky Tonk? Or Boot Scootin' Prezzie?

Pardon the confusion over what Brooks & Dunn's band needs to strike up when country music's longest reigning Duo of the Year takes the stage tonight.

Not only are the hardcore honky tonkers, who're closing Friday's CMA Music Festival show, sure to kick up a major cloud of dust, but that guy with the low slung-guitar covering the stage like a crop duster also happens to be the President of the Country Music Association.

So, Kix, do you think people will rise and stand attention when you take the stage? And is there any other protocol to be followed, given your Presidency?

"Well...," says the always quick-witted singer/songwriter clearly confused by the two roles colliding. "I hope they'd be on their feet 'cause we're rockin'! Rising just to rise? Nah... and there's no dress code, if that's what you mean... like having to wear our Panhandle Slim shirts. Raising a cold Coors Lite might be nice, because it's, you know, gonna be hot -- and we're all about having a good time. So if I've got any 'executive privilege… or 'executive order'… I guess that would be it: get out there and have a really REALLY good time at Music Festival!"

As for the rest of summer, look for the boys to do a run of This Year You Pitch The Tent dates -- taking them to the biggest fairs and festivals across the country, then to get serious about honky tonking as they close the summer with a tour leg that reunites them Neon Circus supporters Montgomery Gentry and "Redneck Woman" Gretchen Wilson.

"We kinda miss the contortionist and the balloon blowing goat," says Dunn, "but we needed a little break from all the trapeze and high wires. So this is our idea of stripped down... I mean, confetti cannons and 28' inflatable dolls for us is pretty austere."

Aw-steer... kinda like Steers & Stripes only different.

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