It can be heard drifting from an unseen window on warm days — the unmistakable sound of slide guitars complimented by fiddling strings and melodic harmonicas.

It represents a genre of music that can be put only in one category.

It is country music and many students at Iowa State listen to it.

However, no one would know that country music has a student following in Ames just by reading the newspapers available to students.

Little, if any, music by country artists is reviewed and rarely are there articles about country entertainers. Usually, the only time this type of music gets covered is if a huge concert comes to town.

However, the fans are here.

KJJY, one of two country radio stations located in Des Moines, receives many calls from Iowa State students. Drew Van Ahnnen, the DJ during the evening request party, says he hears from many students using the toll free number to request songs.

“I get quite a few students telling me that they are studying or writing a paper while listening,” Van Ahnnen said.

The Iowa State Center has made Ames a mecca for many big country names, too. In the last four years, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntyre, Brooks & Dunn, Clay Walker, Terri Clark, Vince Gill and Shania Twain have been through Ames, said Sara Huber, advertising coordinator for the Iowa State Center.

However, Sue Prince, assistant manager for the Ames Musicland, said country music sales only make up about 5 percent to 10 percent of their total sales.

“We get big booms in sales when Garth Brooks, Shania Twain or Tim McGraw puts out a new CD,” Prince said. “Right now the hottest selling music is by the Dixie Chicks.”

Shannon Dietrich, senior in graphic design, believes a lot of students are part-time country listeners, and admits she listens to it occasionally.

“A lot of students don’t admit they listen, but they do,” she said.

Except for the big concerts at the Iowa State Center, Ames has little to offer country music fans. The town has no radio station, and Hunky Dory’s is the only country nightclub.

Des Moines, however, offers more opportunities for country fans. It is home to two country radio stations. However, it is hard for Ames residents to participate in contests and giveaways from 30 miles away.

Several Des Moines-area establishments host country acts. The Super Toad Entertainment Center has drawn country performers such as Bryan White, Blackhawk and Diamond Rio in the last few months.

However, in Ames, pickings remain slim for those students who like to two-step.

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Festival rules

– No bottles, cans, professional camera equipment, video or recording devices, coolers, umbrellas, backpacks or containers of any kind will be allowed into the stadium.

– No re-admittance to the event. If you leave, you will be required to purchase another ticket to get back in.

– The concert will go rain or shine, so bring a sweater or rain jacket, but again no umbrellas.

– Parking is free and the lots will open at 8 a.m.