Lyle Lovett and his Large Band bring the country hoedown to Las Vegas

Reporting from Las Vegas —  Country singer and actor Lyle Lovett brings his Large Band to Las Vegas on Saturday, July 25, on a tour that supports his 2012 album “Release Me.”

Lovett and his Large Band play the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, the downtown Las Vegas concert hall. The Houston native is so beloved in his home state of Texas that he was named the official musician of the state.

The singer’s career started in 1980 and spans 14 albums. His biggest hit, “Cowboy Man,” rose to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

He’s won four Grammy Awards, including Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Album with his mix of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues.

On the flip side, Lovett has a career in film and is a favorite of director Robert Altman, appearing in “Short Cuts,” “Prêt-à-Porter” and “The Player,” where he met his former wife, actress Julia Roberts.

The cultural icon even has a reference in the Bloodhound Gang’s song “The Bad Touch,” where the band sings, “And you’ll Lovett just like Lyle.”

His show in Las Vegas blends originals and songs written by some of his favorite songwriters.

Tickets start at $25.

Tickets: Smith Center box office, (702) 749-2000