Wrapping up anniversary tour, Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts coming to Big Slick
The entertainment at the annual Big Slick Celebrity Weekend party has always been a little bit of country and a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll.
(That’s a Donny and Marie reference. Google it.)
That tradition continued Monday as the second, and final, week of guest announcements began with the addition of Jay DeMarcus from Rascal Flatts and drummer Darren Leader — aka Stix Zadinia — from the parody glam-metal band Steel Panther.
Both are first-timers to the Children’s Mercy fundraiser, which takes place May 30 and 31.
Nashville songwriter Kendell Marvel, who has written hits for Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Blake Shelton and other country stars, will be another first-timer.
“American Idol” alum Chris Daughtry and viral fiddle player Philip Bowen, who have both become enthusiastic Big Slick supporters and guests, will return.
After 16 years of Big Slick events, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet and their fellow Big Slick co-hosts — Heidi Gardner, Paul Rudd, Rob Riggle and David Koechner — don’t have to twist arms to get their celebrity friends and colleagues to come to Kansas City.
They have said often how eager their friend are to join them in KC each year.
DeMarcus and Rascal Flatts wrapped up their 25th anniversary Life is a Highway tour in April. A few days ago they lit up the ACM Awards, performing with the Backstreet Boys. Their new album, “Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets,” debuts June 6.
This year’s guest list so far also includes mostly familiar faces:
- David Cook, Blue Springs native, singer, returning guest
- Fortune Feimster, comedian, returning guest
- Anthony Hill, KC native, actor, “Grey’s Anatomy,” returning guest
- Travis Kelce, KC Chiefs tight end, returning guest
- Johnny Knoxville, actor, stunt man, returning guest
- Patrick Mahomes, KC Chiefs quarterback, returning guest
- Kat McNamara, KC native, actress, returning guest
Curt Menefee, longtime FOX NFL Sunday host, returning guest
Logan Mize, Kansas native, country singer, returning guest
James Murray, “Impractical Jokers,” returning guest
Tom Pestock, KC native, former WWE star (Baron Corbin) now TV chef, returning guest
- Kevin Pollak, actor, comedian, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” returning guest
Brian “Q” Quinn, “Impractical Jokers,” returning guest
- Adam Ray, comedian, new guest
- Andy Richter, comedian, new guest
- Al Roker, “Today Show” co-host, returning guest
- Kenan Thompson, “Saturday Night Live,” new guest
- Sarah Tiana, comedian, writer, returning guest
Blake Vogt, illusionist, returning guest
Sal Vulcano, “Impractical Jokers,” new guest
As always, the weekend revolves around two core events:
The Big Slick Celebrity Classic Softball Game will take place on the main field at Kauffman Stadium on Friday, May 30, before the Royals play the Detroit Tigers. Everyone with a Royals ticket can watch the softball game, which begins at 5 p.m.
The Big Slick Party & Show, the weekend’s main event, is Saturday, May 31, at T-Mobile Center. The raucous event includes musical performances, skits and an auction for big-ticket items.
Tickets, starting at $75, are available at bigslickkc.org or T-MobileCenter.com.
Since its first year in 2010 as a celebrity poker tournament and party, Big Slick has raised more than $25 million for the hospital and children it serves.
The guest list will be continue to be rolled out daily this week on Big Slick’s social media channels and its website, bigslickkc.org.
This story was originally published May 19, 2025 at 11:07 AM.
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