My, husband, Joey Totty, and our cousin Tina Pettis, were also able to see Marty, the Fabulous Superlatives, and Connie Smith and her band The Sundowners in Duquoin, Illinois, September 1st, 2011. It was an awesome show. This was the second time Tina Pettis got to meet them. She was reallty happy. And couldn't believe that Marty remembered us.

Marty and the guys are awesome!!!!!! Miss Connie is really a wonderful person!!!!!

After Marty's show, he and Connie did meet with fans that wanted to meet them and get autographs. They came out on a golf cart as well as the guys did too. When it was our turn, I helped my husband buy a new Connie Smith CD that just came out and two photos of Connie. She autographed both for us and had Marty and the band sign the Connie photo, too. I had a small photo of Marty I took at the Jam in June. He even asked if that was from the Jam. I said, "Yes." Marty mentioned he loved my hair (it is dyed black), and he is still having trouble keeping his black. I told him "We always try to go some place to see them if we can. We love you all." He replied he loved us too.

As I was going down past Marty, got to talk to Apostle Paul. He had mentioned his home state was Kentucky in the show, so introduced him to my friend Tina and told him that she lived in Murray, Kentucky and we were from Mayfield, Kentucky. He said, yes he knew we were from Mayfield. Tina hollored when he mentioned in the show he was from Kentucky. We got to talk to Harry and Kenny too. Told Kenny how much I love to hear him sing and play the guitar. Told them we all watch the show on RFD-TV every week. I did get a few photos from the show of Connie and Marty and the guys.

We are sorry we could not stay to meet with Marty after the show but just wanted to say that the concert was GREAT and how thankful we are for Marty's kindness offered to my brother. THANKS MARTY!! Come back again!

It was so wonderful to see you and Travis back together again!. The first time I saw you and Travis as at the Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled Veterans in Snow Mass Colorado in 1992. I had the honor of being able to get a picture of our group from California (Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wheelchair Games Committee) who had brought 125 disabled wheelchair-ed veterans from California to the games. At that time I was not a real fan, but after that show, I was hooked, and so were a lot of those vets who are no longer with us today. I now live in Albuquerque NM, and enjoy your show each week on RFD TV.

It was such a wonderful experience to see you and Travis back together again, and brought back so many memories, tears come to my eyes, just thinking of that wonderful show all of you put on that night. And the compassion that was shown to all those vets. I too am a Vietnam combat veteran, disabled, but ambulatory. I remember that at the time Jesse Brown was the National Commander for the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) at the time and later became the Secretary to Veterans Affairs; and I was a National Aide-de-Camp for the VFW (Veterans of Foregian Wars) at the time, and Jesse and I shared many years of friendship till his passing.

But once again, it was just great to see you both together again, and hear those wonderful songs, and how Connie Smith did such a super job on her Travis song. We really enjoy your show each week, in fact we record them ( the special ones) to view time and again. Again, thanks for the wonderful show, the memories returned from years passed, and the great music from you and the Superlatives. I know Eddie Stubbs is one great fiddler, how about a show around him in the future? You are very fortunate to have such wonderful musicians and artists that accompany you, and that is what makes your show!

As a 57 year old Classic Rock, and 80's music lover, I never thought I would be so engulfed in any style of Country Music. Yes, I've listened to an occasional Dwight Yoakam song but that's been about it.

Then, a few years ago I was scanning the television networks and came across the Country Music Television Top 100 Country Hits. By the time I knew this program was on, they were at the #4 Country Song of all time. Even then, the song was already half over. That song? "Ring Of Fire", this time performed by Marty Stuart.

There was something about his voice, and the way his band performed that song, that got me hooked on Marty Stuart's music. As a matter of fact, I have been on a mission to get that video portion from the CMT show for my
archives, along with a download of just the song itself that was performed during that show. Easier said than done.

However, after all of this time, I just happened to stumble onto a website from Germany, I think, of all places. The quality of the video from that television special is actually very good. Then, thanks to my high tech son, I also have just the audio from that video in my iTunes file. The quality is just outstanding. I love the way Marty and his band performed "Ring Of Fire", that I think I've listened to it over 200 times just this week, along with watching the video about the same number of times. I have never heard anyone do "Ring Of Fire" like Marty Stuart and his band. No one, in my opinion has done it better.

I also watch the Marty Stuart on RFD TV. A bit hard to believe considering I never thought this possible. However, I can. Marty Stuart and his band have such a passion for what they are doing and I also like that traditional sound. You can tell they just love what they are doing and it's not to just put on a show for a few minutes. I hope someday Marty Stuart will play somewhere in New York State.

We were lucky to attend the Marty Stuart Late Night Jam, June 8, 2011. I, Evelyn Totty, my husband, Joey Totty, and a friend Tina Pettis. Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives were the best!!!!! Dolly Parton was awesome, Mel Tillis, was wonderful. Doug Kershaw really knows how to play the fiddle, loved the Quebe Sisters, and so glad Ricky Skaggs was there too. Apostle Paul Martin's daughter Little Texas Martin, was super duper. She sure can sing. Eddie Stubbs was an awesome host!!!!! So was MARTY!!!!!!!

After the show we got in the meet and greet line, when it was our turn to talk to Marty and Connie, they both remembered us. Marty remembered my husband's name, even though it had been 11 years since he had seen him, and Connie remembered him as well. When it was my turn, after him, Marty remembered my name as well, though it had been just 6 years since I had been to a concert. Connie remembered me too.

It was a fun night!!!!!

I just returned back home to Germany from a three-week vacation in the U.S. As usual, I connected my trip with getting to see Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives. Well, actually they were, as always, my main reason for my trip. This time, the trip wasn`t under a good star and a lot of things went wrong, but being able to see Marty and the band again made up for a whole lot of it.

I was lucky enough to catch six shows this time. I got to see them at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia, then the next night in Guilford, Connecticut, and the next day there were two shows in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. The week after, I went to see them in Staunton, Virginia, which was actually meant to be the last show for me on this trip, but then, on a last-minute decision, we went to Hiltons, Virginia the next day to see the show at the legendary Carter Fold and had the privilege to be part of the re-opening of the museum there, where Marty cut the ribbon and performed a song that he had just written especially for that occasion.

Since it wasn`t planned that we were going to the Carter Fold, I was a bit sceptical whether we would be able to get tickets for that show, but Marty and the guys were so nice to tell me and my family not to worry about that and promised that we would get in to see the show, which was sweet of them.

Although some of the songs were the same on the shows, each show was different and unique in its own style. The first two shows were regular shows and in Guilford, Connecticut, we were also able to attend the soundcheck, which was a special treat. The other shows were all accoustic shows and Marty and the band played a lot of new songs that I haven`t heard before.

After each show, Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives stayed around and signed autographs for everyone. Never before have I met a nicer bunch of people and more talented musicians than these guys. Each one of them is virtuoso and it is a real pleasure to listen to them and watch them play and I am always taken aback to see how they really are enjoying what they are doing. Marty, Kenny, Paul and Harry - thank you for a wonderful time, and I hope I will be able to see you all again real soon.

Click here to see Chris' pictures from the shows.

My wife and I went to the free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.

MARTY STUART: May be the best show I've ever seen period. Stage clothes, a crack band that was phenomenal. So in the pocket and they didn't even look like they were playing. Bass player played whole or half notes and just let the deepness resonate through the bar. The guy really knew what bottom was all about. There was also a lead guitar who could have played anything, really knew what tasteful rock'n'roll was all about and a drummer who put it all together with no flash, no sweat. Marty played electric guitar and mandolin. He did a fabulous mandolin solo song where the other three left the stage and he was a virtuoso with soul. Near the end he told everyone be sure and see Mavis Staples the next day. Think about it... Afterwards I caught up with their sound guy, an old Nashville pro and told him"good job,, surprising him. A act like this usually has a pedal steel but thankfully they didn't. I'm sorry but he raised the bar for me that I don't think will ever be topped.

I just want to say that Mr. Stuart's show should be on mainstream USA television. I miss true country music. I watched John Anderson perform on RFD-TV and I remember how much we need the real artists of country music back on the big stages of this country. The country artists today all sound the same and look the same. It is truly a shame. I am thirty-eight years old and started listening to Ralph and Carter Stanley, Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs with my Grandfather when I was four years old. I still am a huge Bluegrass fan. I bought Sirius radio just so I could have Bluegrass music in my truck at all times. I love it when Mr. Stuart plays the mandolin. I have been learning the mandolin now for about five years but I don't practice like I should. When I see Mr. Stuart play the mandolin it makes me want to get mine out and start playing. The gospel part of the show is wonderful also. I grew up in a old regular/modern Baptist church in a small Southern Indiana town. We only had one member that played guitar but most of the signing was done by vocals only. I was truly touched by the Bands performance.

Mr. Stuart seems to be a down to earth person. I would love to be able one day to set around and just sing old hymms with Mr. Stuart and his friends. It is that time of year again for Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festival in Bean Blossom, Indiana. I live about 40 minutes from there. Has Mr. Stuart ever been or does he plan to attend one day?

I am about to see Marty again for the first time in 33 years. The last time I said good-bye to Marty was in 1977. Somehow I knew I would never see him again, but oddly enough, felt comforted.

In 1989 I heard Hillbilly Rock on a country music station, and was very happy that Marty had become famous.
However, I was busy with marriage and children, and by that time was a devoted classical music listener.
Off and on, I checked on Marty's progress during the 1990s and was very pleased that things had worked out so well for him, and that he had married a country music legend, whose songs I was familiar with from the time I was a little girl.

Last Christmas my husband purchased Badlands and The Pilgrim for me. The music on both discs are like hymns, and my family will tell you that I sing along with Badlands, in a 'trio' with Marty and Connie!! I cannot sing, so I am grateful neither Marty nor Connie can hear me!

A few weeks ago I learned that Marty will be here in Iowa. I never thought in a million years I would see him again!

I knew Marty when he would come to Arkansas in the 1970s with Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass.

I am so happy that Marty has such a wonderful life!

Music has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. And I must say that country music has been a pretty big disappointment over the last 10 years or so. But it's nice to know we still have performers like Marty in the business helping to not only keep the great music alive, but also to help it appeal to the present and future generations.

I would like to also comment on Paul Martin who plays bass for Marty. He is a GREAT singer. I remember him when he was in Exile and when he went solo. He is very underrated and should be more in the spotlight. Much better than JP Pennington any day!

I know Marty probably doesn't have the time to read these fan comments these days (too busy) but if one old fan could make just one request for a song for the show... years ago Marty was on a Opry tribute show of some kind and sang Johnny Horton's "Whispering Pines." I still haven't recovered from that. It made me a life-long fan for his taste in music.

A couple of years later on another special, I saw Marty present Alan Jackson with one of Hank, Sr.'s pocketknives for Alan's song "Midnight In Montgomery." That made me a life-long fan of the man.

Best luck in the future and I'll be there with you all the way. Best wishes to Connie!

I just wanted to let you know that Marty and Connie were in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday night for a preview opening of the Sparkle and Twang exhibit. My wife and I were lucky enough to attend the private VIP reception and spent a few hours touring the exhibit. Fantastic!

Marty gave a small speech and, of course, told a few great stories before everyone got to walk the two floors of exhibit space. Manuel, the famous designer was there as well. All of them just hung out in the museum and spent time with us taking pictures and telling stories. I just can't stop smiling thinking about it.

Marty is a true inspiration and a treasure of knowledge and wealth. I feel that I am a better person by knowing him.

I was on vacation with my wife and we were visiting my 85-year-old mother for a week in mid July. As soon as I heard that Marty & His Fabulous Superlatives would be appearing later that week at the Georgia Mountain State Fair (Hiawassee) just a couple of miles away, we made it a plan to attend.

What a treat it was. We took my mother and her 85-year-old man-friend to the matinee show and, although they were not familiar with Marty, both had a very good time. Marty pulled out all the stops playing a great array of his hits like "The Whiskey Ain't Working Anymore" included with a great intro story about traveling with Travis Tritt He also mixed in new material from his "Cool Country" CD with some fabulous vocals from Harry Stinson and a lot of hot Strat guitar from Cousin Kenny.

I really felt like he read the crowd well which was definitely older by including some gospel but then he fired right back with a good old standbys like "Now That's Country" and "Hillbilly Rock." The instrumental Surf tune they played (don't have title) was also a lot of fun. All in all this was a great show and FREE to boot! We walked in 40 minutes before show time and got great seats. We saw Marty a couple of years ago in Albany, NY at The Egg (beautiful small venue) and have been big fans ever since. We walked around for a short while. After all, we were dragging a couple of 85-year-olds around and when we pulled our car out to leave there was Marty standing just outside the theater talking on his cell phone. My wife rolled the window and at the top of her lungs yelled "Hey Marty," (he turned, smiled & waved) "Great Show!" That topped off our day.

I first met Marty Stuart when he performed at a Barbeque Fair in Vienna, Georgia called the Big Pig Jig in the early 90's. I had not heart of Marty before this time. Everyone in Vienna knew him and gave him rave reviews. That's when I found out how talented he was.

The late Claude Hill wrote a song about this Vienna, Georgia event and featured Marty Stuart in his song: "...and Marty Stuart will headline the Big Pig Jig Show..."

Marty Stuart is a great entertainer and a humble person. Thanks Marty for the inspiration! God Bless.

P.S. I would like to hear some gospel from Marty,...perhaps "Tomorrow," to start with.

I am an American citizen who recently returned back to the US from overseas (in Asia on and off)); this is to comment on Marty Stuart and my favorite types of music, which of course includes Marty's, and which are, among others: Bluegrass, Country, Crossover, etc.

I am starting with Marty Stuart first because I am the same age as Marty (born in the same year). One of the main things I want to say is that Marty is one of the best lead guitar players and mandolin players as well, in bluegrass and country. And hope that he never stops playing Bluegrass, (acoustic, bluegrass, lead guitar and mandolin) besides Country, as Ricky Skaggs has done.

Well, if I had to vote or give my opinion to the IBMA or CMA, my favorite artists in different categories, starting with the ladies first, would be:

Crossover/Newgrass/Eclectic, etc: The Wreckers, Taylor Swift, Alison Krauss, Alison Brown, and the Dixie Chicks. Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush/New Grass Revival, Vince Gill, Doc Watson, Mark O'Connor, and others that can't remember now and have limited space to mention here.

Bluegrass/Contemporary Bluegrass:Alison Krauss and Union Station, Earl Scruggs/Earl Scruggs Revue, Lester Flatt/Nashville Grass, Flatt & Scruggs, the Stanley Brothers/Ralph Stanley, Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse, newcomers the Grascals, Blue Highway, and a good others.

Country: Taylor Swift, the Wreckers, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris. Willie Nelson, George Strait, Alan Jackson, and George Jones.

And of course, many greats tthat have already left us in all of the above categories.

I met Marty for the first time when I was 7 at the U.P. State Fair. He was opening for Reba. After the show, he was signing autographs and meeting fans. He signed the back of my shirt and kissed me on the cheek. I melted! I wore that shirt until it was too worn out to wear!

I have always talked about my passion for Marty and his music. My two favorite musicians are Marty and Steven Tyler, I know an odd mix. I received tickets to Marty concert in Green Bay last night from my parents for Christmas. We are about 45 minutes away and were unable to make it to the show due to the weather! I am crushed! I want Marty to know I am a huge fan and always will be.

I will see him at Country USA this summer... even in the rain!

I just caught Marty Stuart tonight at the Strathmore. First of all the negatives. The venue is not a good one for country music. The mostly older, mostly sedate crowd seemed like season subscribers of the Strathmore who had no idea who Marty was. The opening act, Last Train Home, struck me as low-budget Nashville at its worst.

Now the positives. Marty is of course a great performer and his band is top-notch! Vaughan is an amazing guitar player and Marty's no slouch on guitar and mandolin either. The set went by all too quickly, and while the atmosphere was constrained due to the venue, he still managed to generate some real heat from time to time. I'd love to see him in a more appropriate setting!

Marty did songs like "Mirrors Don't Lie," "The Whiskey Ain't Workin'," "Farmer's Blues," Hillbilly Rock," and a few other tunes. It was awesome! I got my guitar signed by Marty and I bought a tee-shirt and a picture and had Marty autograph another picture that I'd brought along. He was so kind (although he did seem to be in a hurry to get outta there....) but I'm so glad that I got to see him in concert! It was an experience that I'll never forget!

There will never be another Marty Stuart. He has it all -- the looks, talent and a great smile!!!

My husband and I have been farming his family's farm for the entire 32 years of our marriage, with him never working off the farm. Now, our son is the 5th generation to work this land, and we can proudly say that we are still working the same land (plus some bought in later years, as well as leased property). The times do indeed get hard, and we have had to resort to rolling change to pay the light bill, etc. at times, but we are still hanging in there and have no intentions of going anywhere, as this is the life we chose and the life we love.

It is ironic that, when we first became aware of this song, we were in the process of the "waiting game" from the bank to see if our loan was going to go through (and, thanks to the good Lord, it did), as my son and his wife are expecting a son of their own in April and we want to ensure that he has the chance to be the 6th generation to farm this land. Again, thanks to Marty and Merle for calling attention to our small, but, in my opinion, elite group of people that put their own families well-being on the line every spring and fall just to keep doing the job they love, and to keeping this the most well-fed nation in the world. As long as we know that there are a few people out there that understand and appreciate all that we do, we can continue to feel good about this life we chose.

We will never be rich monetarily, but we do have a drove of wild turkeys that we can spy on every morning, plenty of doves in the fall, a pond for the grandchildren to fish from, and deer right in our barnyard at times. Most of all, we have the knowledge that we are doing things our way, and that even if people don't understand why we keep at it, with little or no profit some years, we know that, without people like us, things for EVERYONE would get mighty tough!

Thanks again, Marty and Merle, and may God continue to richly bless you.

Sherry,

You certainly have my permission to use my message on the website. Thank you so much for your response and interest. It is good to know that there is actually a "live person" associated with the website.

Thanks again,

Kathy Williams

Wow! What a concert. My hair is still standing on end. Marty was great, doing a tribute song to Johnny Cash "Never Got Over That Wall" (?). His own "The Whisky Ain't Workin' Anymore," "Touch Me, Turn Me On and Burn Me down". Marty's voice got a little hoarse so Kenny played and sang.

I did not know what to expect when this to skinny, too tall to be taken too seriously guy with the sober look moved to the mike. What a surprise! Fast licks and a smooth Buddy Holly like voice and moves. Bass was played very well. And the drummer had a great bluesy rendition.

Also, the warm-up Ballie and the Boys was very good. Personal favorite was Ballie's 15-year-old daughter doing "Blue"...move over LeAnn..

Dear Sherry:

Please convey my thanks for Marty Stuart playing actual country music. I loved Ricky Skaggs's comment "Country music? What Country are they talking about?" I despise "Nashville Pop" I refuse to call it country music. The suits in Nashville have just about killed country music. In my opinion, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are the Anti-Christs of country music. What they sing has as much to do with country music as Beverly Sills. Country music is much better than the pap Nashville is trying to pass off!

Look at the success of Oh Brother Where Art Thou. "Country music" radio stations never played a note of that CD, yet people were lining up for copies. How many million copies did it sell? You gotta know that folks are starved for real music! You'd think the suits would see a trend here.........

I wish Marty and Merle would be any place in Washington state this year, (I live in the Seattle area) but am not sure they'll be here. I'll keep check the website for more news.

Thanks for letting me vent my country music frustration!

I cannot believe how pretty he is!!!! His band is great and what super musicians. Kenny Vaughan did "Walk Like That," which I love. And Marty did Get "Down On Your Knees And Pray" with the guys on drums and bass doing vocal. That was wonderful. They are all real professionals. The music was the best I have heard in a long time and Marty's singing was out of this world. When the cocktail show was over and he was leaving the stage after his encore, he reached down and shook my hand. God, that was an experience. I was the only one he did that to. They didn't have any pictures or souvenirs so I am going to have to round up some.

He will be at Jackpot until Sunday and we are going to try and go at least two more times to see him, if not more. I will call our local radio disc jockey in the morning at let me know how great the show is and also tell everyone I know in town to get down to Jackpot and see Marty. We really appreciate the fact that he would come to our area and put on such a great show. Just thought you might want to hear about my experience.

Wasn't Marty great on the Opry Live segment? The Superlatives are the band Marty's always deserved. I hope he's recording with them.

Finally, thanks for sharing the good news re. the Sony signing. Its been too long between releases for Marty, and the Cash tribute merely whetted my appetite for more.

Marty is a true American Treasure!

Kathy and I were unable to attend this year even though we had already bought tickets to the Midnight Jam ... We gave the tickets to some friends who went and they had a great time.

Thank you so much Sherry for your review and pictures and the review and pictures from others on this website. We got to experience the party and concert through your eyes.

Marty Fans are great people.

"Hi. I was fortunate enough to attend Fan Fair 2002 after many years of wanting to. I thought it was just awesome. In fact I have my hotel room booked and my tickets for Fan Fair 2003 already booked and purchased. The one show that will forever remain lodged in my memory bank is the All Night Marty Party or All Night Jam, whatever it was called is Number 1 as for as the highlight of entertainment is concerned to me. In fact I preferred that show better than I did seeing the stars perform at the Adelphia Coliseum. Since returning home I am in the process of joining Marty's Fan Club. To me, he took center stage above all others regarding the treatment of his fans. It deeply touched me he went the extra mile for all who wanted to see him. Now getting to the purpose of this message. I hope you didn't get bored and just deleted it yet. Well I am interested in purchasing 2 tickets to his show for next year's Fan Fair at the Ryman Auditorium. I would greatly appreciate it if you could send me the information that I need so that I can hopefully get a seat much closer to the stage. Thank you very much."

"If you did not see the Marty Stuart Late Night Jam, you really missed a great show. Hands down the best event at Fan Fair this year. The Ryman rocked with a full house and outstanding guests invited to perform with Marty. If you plan on Fan Fair next year, don't miss this Late Night Jam ......this party lasted til after 3 a.m. and ended with the fans wanting more!!! Thank you Marty Stuart for delivering a wonderful show for everyone. And a special thanks to Marty and his staff for making it possible to get the fan club great seats for the event. They are the BEST."

It's true that none of us "regular folks" is perfect, but we seem to think that those in the spotlight should be. Double standard....EVERYONE does at least one really stupid thing in their lives.....this is Marty's. We pay the price and move on to be a better, stronger person for having gone through it.

One of the hardest things to do in life is to admit to those who love and respect you that you're wrong. Doing so is what makes us stronger.

Harlan Howard passed away yesterday.....Marty wrote that great song with him 8 years ago.

The Midnite Jamboree was fun, once I got over the "sardine in a can" feeling!! Being somewhat claustrophobic, I didn't love that part, but the show was well worth the big of suffering I had to endure. Actually, I got very lucky. A nice man who was in front of me realized how short I am and let me stand in front of him. That put me right in front of the stage!!! WOW!! I NEVER get lucky like that, so I am eternally grateful to that gentleman!!!

Connie and Marty were absolutely adorable, as usual. Connie just gets prettier every time I see her and what can you say about Marty???? He's the best!!!!!

Three-day weekend with Marty. Donna and I left 8 a.m. Friday morning and arrived around 4 that afternoon in Raleigh, NC. Found a motel got cleaned up and got a bite to eat. Found the Longbranch Saloon and got in line around 7 p.m. They open the doors at 8. The people in front of us got bar stools and put them in front of the stage. We got in front of Brad. Marty came out on stage around 10:45. It was a honky tonk place right down Marty's alley. After the first song, Gregg spotted us, gave a nod and a big smile. And of course Marty acted up a little, Made a face at my wife and, of course, she obliged. What a show. He had meet and greet -- no PICS. They were in a hurry; had to get to Maryland. We waited out at the bus until they left.

The next morning we were on our way to Rams Head in MD. Arrived around 4 p.m. Pat Johnson, Margie Brodmerkle, and Ellie Viscione and, oh yes, Pat's sister Colleen. Found a motel, cleaned up, and got a bite to eat. Went to the Rams Head. The whole gang was there. After all the hugs, we chatted awhile They open the doors. It only held about 150 people. The first show started around 7. He sang "Rocket Ship" which is one of Donna's favorite and "Long Black Veil" which is mine. Plus all of the others songs that are great. He played his mandolin and what a great job. He had meet and greet. When we got up to him I told him he made his mandolin talk. His comment was, "Do you think?" I said, "Yes you did." The second show was just as great as the first. After the meet and greet, back to the motel. I couldn't get to sleep. Wonder why.

The next morning to find the Birchmere, We arrived around 10:30 a.m. and there were two people in line, so we asked them. Why so early? It's general admission and when they open the doors to let you in they give you a number. Once inside, after about an hour they called our number. We were the second ones in and we got left front center. No PICS while the show was going on. It held about 500 and it was full. So after the show I went out and got the cameras for meet and greet. Yes, the show was great. After all the hugs, we wished everyone a safe trip home. We left for home also. Oh yes, Marty thanked us for going to see him in NC and also that he loved us. What a guy. Nashville wake up! So that's 4 more shows that we can add to our list which, by the way, is 340 plus. We saw Marty for the first time in 1989 and we knew then he was the one that we were going to follow. Down to earth and friendly. Can't wait till the next show. His #1 & #2 Fans Dale & Donna

Had a great "Marty Party" weekend! Got to see both shows and they were awesome! The Rams Head show was a little more intimate and laid back, but the Birchmere show was just as special. He spent more time talking to the audience and telling stories at the Birchmere. And his step-daughter (Connie's daughter, Jodi Leigh) even came up to sing a song she wrote! She seemed very nervous and the sound wasn't quite right, but it was great. It was a very pretty song and she has a beautiful voice. (she was really cute too! not sure how old she is...if she's under 18 I apologize in advance for being a dirty old man...but, if she is over 18, somebody introduce me!)

I was kind of expecting/hoping Travis would come out, since he was in town that weekend...but I guess we will have to wait for the "No Hats Tour 2" (wouldn't that be great!).

I am really looking forward to the Johnny Cash tribute album coming out soon. I would love to have a CD where it is just Marty doing all his favorite Cash songs...I think he does them better than Johnny did! I especially loved his versions of "Long Black Veil" and "Train of Love". Marty's next CD should be great as well, but we probably have to wait a year or so for that...he's too busy with soundtracks and producing these days.

I just joined the fan club, so hopefully I will hear in advance the next time he is coming to the Rams Head, or anywhere in the area. I would love to see him from the front row/table. I'm so glad he is doin these small shows...it really shows his integrity to the music and the fans. The big, commercial arena shows have their place and I enjoy them as well, but I am glad Marty is beyond that and can see the value of playing small venues.

That's all for now...take care and keep the Marty Party going!