By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Country music legend Emmylou Harris will take the stage at the Horseshoe Casino Riverdome on November 7, 2025, headlining a special benefit concert organized by the James Burton international guitar festival and the James Burton Foundation to support music education in Bossier Parish Schools.
The concert—hosted in partnership with Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel & Casino, the James Burton International Guitar Festival, and Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler—will raise funds to supply guitars and musical resources for students throughout the parish. Organizers say the event’s Bossier location was chosen specifically because the proceeds will stay local, directly benefiting the area’s children.
“Bossier Parish Schools have an incredible opportunity to expand access to music education,” said Louise Burton, wife of legendary guitarist James Burton. “We’re thrilled to host this year’s concert right here in Bossier, where the funds will go toward putting guitars in the hands of local students. These kids are our future, and music helps inspire their creativity, confidence, and self-expression.”
For two decades, the James Burton Foundation has worked to keep music alive in schools, hospitals, and civic organizations across the U.S. and abroad. Founded by James Burton, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Grammy Award winner, the foundation has donated thousands of guitars to students and programs that might not otherwise have access to instruments.
Burton, a Shreveport native, is one of Louisiana’s most celebrated musicians, known for his iconic guitar work alongside artists such as Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians is an extension of his lifelong passion for music.
This year’s concert marks an exciting return to Northwest Louisiana for the Burton Foundation, with proceeds focused solely on Bossier Parish. The funds will help launch a new music education initiative designed to give students hands-on access to instruments and lessons, reinforcing the parish’s commitment to arts education.
The show will feature Emmylou Harris, a 14-time Grammy Award winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member, as the evening’s headliner. She’ll be joined by an impressive lineup of special guests, including American Idol finalist John Foster, Johnny Owens and Marty Haggard—sons of country legends Buck Owens and Merle Haggard—and Australian country music star Angus Gill, a Golden Guitar and Australian Independent Country Music Award winner.
Providing live music throughout the evening will be Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, members of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, serving as the event’s house band.
Organizers expect the event to draw a large local audience, as well as visitors from across the region, eager to support both a good cause and an evening of world-class entertainment.
The James Burton Foundation has hosted benefit concerts around the country, but Louise Burton said keeping this event local was deeply meaningful to both her and James.
“James was born and raised in this area, and Northwest Louisiana has always supported his music and his mission,” she said. “It’s only fitting that we bring this concert home to Bossier City to help the schools and children right here in our community.”
Event Details
Event: James Burton Foundation Benefit Concert
Headliner: Emmylou Harris
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Horseshoe Casino Riverdome, Bossier City
Tickets: On sale at Ticketmaster.com
The Burtons hope the concert will not only celebrate the power of music but also strengthen community ties in Bossier Parish by giving local students a chance to find their own rhythm through music education.