Red Hawk Resort Casino continues its live music series this weekend with two very different genres of entertainment at the casino’s popular stage bar. Friday night features the return of rising country artist Chad Bushnell, followed by the talented Maxx Cabello on Saturday night.
Friday night will mark somewhat of a homecoming to one of the region’s rising country stars who actually enjoyed some of his early beginnings on the Red Hawk Stage as Bushnell returns to perform. Back when he was attending Chico State University and transitioning from rodeo competition to the local music scene, Bushnell played a number of nights on the Red Hawk stage. This marks his return to the venue since it has expanded into a first-class hotel and entertainment center with the addition of The Apex earlier this year.
According to his professional bio, if there was a true authentic spirit to cross the threshold of Country Music with Christian standards, it would be Bushnell. His roots date back down his family lineage for the past four generations made of cowboys and singers, some of whom shared the stage with the late Bob Hope. Bushnell exudes the Americana spirit wrapped up into his lyrics and melodies. Mostly inspired as a child growing up singing in church and constantly inspired by his great-grandmother, his Christian Country roots run deep.
Bushnell continues to contribute to the western ranch world, working closely with fellow Ranchers alongside his father, mother, and sister Chelsey Bushnell (who is an accomplished roper and rodeo athlete), maintaining livestock while writing country songs. He has opened for Dwight Yoakam, Kris Kristofferson, Neil McCoy, Billy Currington, Mark Wills, Collin Raye, Mark Chesnutt, Jerrod Neimann, Exile, and many others over the years.
While Chad isn’t touring and opening for current country stars such as Lee Brice, Aaron Watson, and Scotty McCreery, he’s tucked away with his wife in the rolling, western hills of Red Bluff, California. Bushnell’s single “What Would Jesus Do” hit #1 on the Christian Country Music charts in December 2018 right by George Strait and Lauren Alaina. He went on to have two more #1 Christian Country songs including “That Ain’t My Church” and “Thank God”. His EP titled “What They Ain’t Tellin’ Us” was produced at Hag Studio by Ace Otten. It features Merle Haggard’s son Ben Haggard on guitar and backing vocals and members of the Strangers. Most recently, Chad has worked with legendary singer/songwriter Dave Gibson who produced and co-wrote most songs for his latest EP titled “Baby I Love You”. He recently finished an album titled “Whiskey to Work” that was produced by Nate Coon (drummer for Aaron Watson) and Derek Hames (owner of Edgewater Studios).
Bushnell has participated in a number of contests such as the American Country Star contest in Nashville where he became a top 3 finalist and won the Horizon award for 2014. He was the 1st place winner of the Inspirational Country Showdown in Yuba City, CA for 2018 and won New Artist of the Year for 2019 at the Inspirational Country Music Awards. He was Contemporary Country Vocalist of the Year at the Josie Music Awards for 2020 and was nominated by Country Evolution as an Artist to Watch in 2023. He recently celebrated the premiere of his first documentary on KIXE PBS titled “North State Roots”. You may have also caught a glimpse of Chad on TV shows such as The 700 Club and Universal Huntress. In Bushnell’s younger years, he competed in rodeo as both a steer wrestler and team roper and was active in many other sports. He is an accomplished farrier and is a graduate of Chico State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. Bushnell returns to the Red Hawk Stage Friday from 8 p.m. until midnight.
On Friday night, it’s more talent on stage as Maxx Cabello Jr. brings his mix of blues and rock to the stage. Cabello is labeled as one of the regional music scene’s most amazing guitarists as well as a soulful vocalist and prolific songwriter. Cabell hails from the streets of the San Francisco Bay area where he has been turning heads and bending the ears of even the most veteran musicians and music aficionados. Straight out of the South Bay, this quiet-spoken, polite college student turns into a powerful and captivating artist when he begins to play the guitar, according to his reviews. Red Hawk Casino stage bar guests are in for a delight as this rising star takes to the stage Saturday. Cabello takes the stage at Red Hawk starting at 10 p.m. Saturday and performs until 2 a.m. There is never a cover charge for Red Hawk weekly concerts.
Check out The APEX, First-Class Hotel, and More at Red Hawk
Evening live music isn’t the only entertainment at Red Hawk Casino. The Apex, a state-of-the-art entertainment center, has everything you need for a fun-filled day out with friends and family. Feel the thrill and excitement of wheel-to-wheel racing at top speeds, your adrenaline pumping with each lap, as you get closer to the finish line on the state-of-the-art go-kart track at The Apex.
The Apex also offers an 18-lane interactive bowling experience with comfortable couches, state-of-the-art scoring, and a fun and friendly staff. Whether you’re looking to go bowling or have a party with us, you will enjoy our first-class bowling experience.
Live golf combined with air conditioning? The Apex has you covered with a state-of-the-art golf simulator. Sharpen your competitive edge while playing the world’s most renowned courses, solo, or with friends and family of all ages. You’ll be amazed at the realism in their four golf simulator bays, including tilted footing for sidehill stances, more challenging swings for lies in the sand or rough, and real-feel putting.
The Apex at Red Hawk also offers the most epic Virtual Reality game studio in the area. Blur the lines between reality and illusion with a VR experience. Test your skills in a single-player game, or join a group in the virtual arena. Escape the physical and get immersed in the world of virtual reality.
There’s something for everyone at The Apex, and when you need a break, the Apex Grill and bar have you covered with delicious food and refreshing drinks. Check out their January specials advertised throughout this website at www.redhawkcasino.com.
Don’t want to drive home? Red Hawk Casino now offers you the opportunity to indulge in the all-new 156-room hotel, where a world of refined luxury and exceptional comfort awaits you. The recently opened hotel boasts a collection of spacious accommodations designed to cater to your every desire. From the inviting deluxe rooms, offering 440 square feet of elegance, to the opulent premium suites spanning 900 square feet, all connected and just a short indoor walk to enjoy the casino or The Apex.
