As many black-jack players have discovered firsthand, Las Vegas can be a very expensive city. But Sugarland and former Alabama vocalist Randy Owen will provide a little free entertainment in the casino capital in May as they perform at a public event leading up to the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Randy is set to headline a show at the Fremont Street Experience May 16, and Sugarland will top the bill the following night, with more artists to be announced at a later date. The shows precede the 43rd annual ACMs, which will be broadcast live on CBS May 18 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The Fremont shows are part of a huge celebration that always takes place surrounding the awards. Montgomery Gentry are already on board to host a motorcycle ride for charity May 17. Last year, a poker tournament was held in the days prior to the awards, and two years ago, pre-ACM activities included the introduction of a Hee Haw slot machine and the taping of a Kenny Chesney performance for network telecast.

Sugarland has four nominations in this year's awards after securing a Top Vocal Duo nod and having their performance of "Stay" tabbed for Single Record, Song and Video of the Year. Kenny was the leading nominee, appearing 11 times on the ballot. Reba McEntire will host the ACMs for the 10th time in her career.