Roxy Theatre reopening looms on horizon following pandemic

The Historic Roxy Theatre has been closed for more than a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council is now proudly announcing the Roxy’s reopening in June.

ROCKIN’ AT THE ROXY

The second Saturday of each month will see the return of Rockin’ at the Roxy with the KGB, with a special guest for each show. Kerry Gilbert and his band have been performing at the Roxy for more than 10 years.

KGB’s welcome back show June 12 at 7 p.m. will feature guest Lenny Leblanc.

Leblanc is a Shoals-based singer-songwriter who grew up in Daytona, Fla., where he got his start in music playing bass in local bands. Following odd jobs through Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, LeBlanc got his first gig as a session musician, playing bass on a demo for Peanutt Montgomery at Broadway Sound Studio.

By 1974 he had been drafted by the Swampers into their “Studio B” rhythm section; within a year, he had signed a solo record deal with Jerry Wexler of Atlantic Records.

Following the release of his self-titled debut album, LeBlanc teamed up with Pete Carr to form LeBlanc-Carr. The group recorded its LP, “Midnight Light,” in 1977 and scored a No. 13 pop hit with the single “Falling,” written by LeBlanc and Eddie Struzick.

After touring as an opening act for Lynyrd Skynyrd, LeBlanc signed a new solo deal with the Swampers-owned subsidiary label MSSS-Capitol Records.

LeBlanc went two years without a record deal before signing with Christian label Heartland and launching a career in contemporary Christian music.

He has continued to find success in the realm of secular music, too, composing country hits for artists like Sawyer Brown and co-writing “Old Timer” with Donnie Fritts for Willie Nelson’s 2017 album “God’s Problem Child.”

Tickets for the KGB Show are $10 and will be sold at the door.

RONNIE MCDOWELL

Returning to the Roxy June 26 at 7 p.m. is world-renown singer and artist Ronnie McDowell.   

This year marks the 27th year for Ronnie McDowell to perform in Russellville. His fundraising concerts have benefited the Historic Roxy Theatre, the Chamber of Commerce and the local economy.

He is best known for his 1977 song “The King Is Gone,” a tribute to Elvis Presley.

For tickets for the McDowell show or more information, call 256-415-3270. 

“Make plans to come and enjoy the reopening of the Historic Roxy Theatre,” said FCAHC’s Susie Malone. “Our area has always been so supportive of the Historic Roxy Theatre, and we look forward to seeing our friends and supporters following a long dark period.”