Historic Roxy Theatre prepares for upcoming shows
The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council is getting the Historic Roxy Theatre ready for a number of shows in February and March.
Franklin County is in for a treat Saturday at the Historic Roxy Theater as DieDra Ruff will grace the stage.
Ruff is known as the “The Blues Diva,” but the music industry knows her as the “Alabama Blues Queen.”
“It will be her first time performing there, and it’s kind of big for the area because she is the Alabama Blues Queen,” said Debbie Dixon, founder of Debbie D SKB Productions.
Ruff is a member of the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame and has opened for artists such as Betty Wright, Bobby Brown, Candi Staton, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Glenn Jones, Denise LaSalle, Al Green and Avant.
Her album “Overcoming Hurdles” and CDs “Livin the Bluz” and “Transformation of Me” have received nomination for several awards.
Johnny Holland, local singer and songwriter, will open for Ruff. He has performed and cut songs for Merle Haggard, Alabama, Lee Brice, John Rich, Randy Houser, Gene Watson, Billy Currington, Billy Lawson and many others.
Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $15 in advance at eventbrite.com or $20 at the door. A VIP package is also available for $35.
“We hope everyone will come out,” Dixon said. “She puts on a great show.”
The Kerry Gilbert Band will perform Feb. 8. Special guest is Kami Collier, the 8-year-old granddaughter of the KGB’s lead guitarist, Hugh Banks. She recently performed at FloBama with the KGB.
Ronnie McDowell will perform at the Roxy March 21. For the past 26 years he has performed in Russellville. His fundraising concerts have benefited the Historic Roxy Theatre, the Chamber of Commerce and the local economy. People come from all the United States for his show.
McDowell has a winning personality that has inspired a nationwide network of fans who are devoted to promoting everything he does. He boasts an amazing string of hit songs he has amassed over the years, and his stage presence and genuine warmth fill the seats again and again.
Also joining McDowell is Johnathan Len who was the former lead singer of the group Blend. He now travels on the road singing with McDowell.
Len performs the song, “You Will Never Leave My Mind,” written by McDowell. McDowell wrote this song for his dear friend and one of Elvis’ closest friends, George Klein – one of the most significant DJs of the rock ’n roll era, who died from complications of dementia.
Joseph Baldwin will present the pre-show entertainment March 21. He is well known for
his musical talent. He was winner of the Alabama Tourism Department’s Alabama Year of Music Songwriters Contest, and he has performed at various festivals throughout Alabama and surrounding states.
