By Cory L. Higgs
Nothing quite compares to the nimble and twangy sounds of a banjo, and on Jan. 25, Sammy Shelor will host the Patrick County Music Association’s annual Banjo-thon.
The show will be held at the Rotary Building, 420 Woodland Drive in Stuart. Doors will open at 4:45 p.m.
Shelor, an internationally renowned musician, still makes the journey home to perform in his neck of the woods, being the front liner of the event. Other musicians slated to take the stage at the PCMA’s kickoff show include Junior Cassady, Johnnie Joyce, Hersie McMillan, Nick Goad, Jacob Harbour, Kyser George and Jeb Keeling.
Denny Alley, organizer, said he is excited to work with Shelor and showcase one of the county’s most famous faces.
“Everybody likes some kind of music” Alley said, and if banjos don’t pique your interest, a quick trip to The Coffee Break on Main Street Stuart can offer up a varying selection of artists and genres for music lovers every Tuesday, from 8:30 to 11 a.m.
Additionally, the PCMA hosts an array of artist every month, “so you are bound to hear something you like,” Alley said. “We try to have something different and feature guys and gals from all walks of music to show off something different.”
Upcoming events include ‘Blues and Blue Grass in March, Alley said. “April will be our first time doing a Guitar Fest,” and other new shows later this year will feature fiddles, mandolins and even an opry.
Patrick County has more musicians per square mile that Nashville ever has,” Alley said. Alley said he hopes his work helps ensure the county’s bountiful supply of musicians gain the attention and recognition they deserve.
Alley, who has been organizing the events for the past 18years, said that “sometimes it’s like herding cats. But I’ve been a musician all my life, and I want to showcase the talent of the county. I want to bring people here to see it, not the other way around. There is so much talent here, and some of the best comes from Patrick County.”
The association continues to pride itself on finding and showcasing local artists to continue the tradition of music in the area.
A donation requested for admission.
Concessions will be available at the show.
For more information, visit www.patrickcountymusicassociation.org.
