Local party band Crystal & The Cruizers will once again rock the night away at the sixth annual Cattle Barons’ Ball on Nov. 8 at Canongate Whitewater Creek Country Club in Fayetteville.

The band, started seven years ago by lead singer Crystal Swygert, is known for its extensive repertoire of dance, classic rock, funk and country favorites and has opened for Three Dog Night, Rare Earth, The Platters and The Coasters, to name a few.

This year, however, Crystal & The Cruizers will be joined by Atlanta native and rising country music singer Erica Nicole. The band opened for Nicole and served as her performance band at her debut concert in Atlanta in August.

Nicole, 24, a Woodward Academy graduate who now resides in Los Angeles, is recording her first album under the direction of renowned vocal coach Nathan Lam and music producer Michael Lloyd, who is best known as the music supervisor for the successful film “Dirty Dancing.”

“I am beyond honored to be a part of the Cattle Barons’ Ball,” Nicole said. “From what I hear, it’s a great event, and it’s for a great cause. My dad had cancer close to 13 years ago, so my close friends and family want to be a part of the weekend as well. I think it will be a really great turnout.”

As a result of her own family’s experience with cancer, Nicole accepted the invitation to perform at the Cattle Barons’ Ball without hesitation, Swygert said.

“Listening to her heartfelt testimonials and hearing her beautiful and powerful voice will no doubt be the highlight of the evening,” she said.

“It’s an honor to be working side by side again this year with some of the most beautiful and courageous women I’ve ever known,” Swygert added. “Their unselfish dedication and commitment to this needful cause is both humbling and inspiring.”

The annual Western-style ball, which is open to all, features food, music, dancing, a silent auction, games and more. All proceeds from the event go toward supporting the local programs of the American Cancer Society, including research, education and advocacy. In the last five years, the ball has raised more than $800,000 for the ACS.

For more information about the 2008 Cattle Barons’ Ball Fayette County, contact Nychelle Williams, senior community manager, 301 Kelly Drive, Peachtree City, Ga. 30269; 770-631-0625 (phone); 770-631-8917 (fax); nychelle.williams@cancer.org; or, visit www.baronsball.com. To learn more about the American Cancer Society, its services and programs, please call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

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