Coalfield Jamboree, Logan, WV on December 7, 2002

I attended Marty's show in Logan, and it was the best show ever. :)

Before the show, Marty arrived via rented van, driven by his road manager. Others there, waiting for him informed me that he had just come from the "Christmas in the Park" display in town. He had also been touring the area, with a cameraman in tow, since around 11 a.m. that day. He enjoyed the small city of Logan thoroughly, and I am glad of that. It holds a lot of history, as far as, coal mines, the U.M.W.A. and it's conflicts of coming into the union, etc. I could tell that he really enjoyed it there, and felt a connection with the country folk there. That made me feel even more proud to be from this area, and happy to see he enjoyed it.

On with the arrival via the rented van...we had been standing by the bus for a while, and it was a cold winter's night, so we had just began walking back up the street to the venue's front entrance, when he pulled up. So, we turned around and my sister yelled out "Hi Marty", and he yelled back, "Hey!", then continued to his bus. We went back down, as he came back out of the bus, giving us the opportunity to give him our gifts, get some pics, and autographs. We also enjoyed a nice little chat with him, before letting him go back on the bus to get ready for the show.

As everyone filled the small theater, we heard the mandolin, and some beautiful harmonies with the song that goes, "This Little Light of Mine, I'm Gonna Let It Shine...", as Marty warmed up with his Superlative Quartet behind the curtain. Once that was over, we had the wonderful music from the likes of Johnny Cash, John Conley, Connie Smith and other legendary country stars blaring through the sound system.

The opening act was a local Logan group called "The 119 South Band". They took the stage at 7 p.m. and performed songs such as "Christmas in Dixie", "Suspicious Minds", "Only in America" and others that were a pleasure to hear. If you were there and had closed your eyes, you might have mistaken them for Sawyer Brown, and sometimes, I heard a hint of Restless Heart, mixed with Ronnie Dunn, coming from the frontman. They warmed the crowd up marvelously.

Marty took the stage at 8 p.m. and the crowd went wild for him. He was truly in rare form this night, and we were ecstatic that he came to the Coalfield Jamboree. There weren't a lot of people who attended, as the old theater didn't hold but probably around 250, but it was awesome acoustics, and a personal touch that was a gem to have experienced with an artist of such talent.

He not only graced the crowd with his eclectic appeal, and musical stylings, but also shared some enlightening stories and antidotes of his experience there in our area, as well as, with his buddy, Travis Tritt and his Mississippi upbringing. He talked about how as a child, he was raised in a small town in Mississippi, and they didn't know about the west, or about coal mines, but he learned about them through country music, and how they touched his heart to hear. Then he dedicated "Dark as a Dungeon" to the crowd, and his performance of it was immaculate. Out of this world to hear his mandolin ringing the tune, accompanied by the lonesome sound of his wonderful vocals throughout the theater. As he performed the song, you could have heard a pin drop, as the crowd of all ages listened attentively. Once the song was finished, he received the first of many standing ovations for the night.

Another highlight to this wonderful show, was the unselfish introduction and featuring of each band member. Affectionately and appropriately named the "Fabulous Superlatives", one by one, they took center stage to showcase their wonderful talents.

I had seen guitarist, Kenny Vaughan, perform on the Grand Ole Opry on CMT, when Marty hosted not too long ago, and once again, enjoyed his performance, but live this time. He was incredible throughout this show with his amazing guitar playing, but his vocal stylings were a treat, as well. The bassist, Brian Glenn, took the spotlight, and was just as talented on his vocal ability. It was a nice addition to this already wonderful show. The last band member to be featured, is the veteran percussionist, Harry Stinson, as he took the mic performing the Marty Robbins song "Don't Worry About Me". What a fabulous rendition of the song. Harry is a wonderful vocalist, as well as, a fabulous drummer.

The set was equally entertaining the night through, and I was proud to be a longtime Marty Stuart fan, as he won over many new fans that night. He amazed the young and old with his fabulous skill, and wonderful hillbilly appeal. They were literally dancing in the aisles during songs like "Hillbilly Rock", "Burn Me Down", and "Tempted". The crowd was into the show the entire set, there was never a dull moment, nor were there any moments where the entire audience wasn't intrigued by this performance.

After leaving the stage, he returned for the encore. He brought out a 12 year old boy, whom he had met that day, who was a drummer. He took Harry's place, and performed "Wipeout" & "Working Man's Blues" with Marty. It was a wonderful experience for the young man, and a fabulous job he did! This kid was amazing! I'm glad Marty gave him the chance to experience such a thing, and gave us the opportunity to hear him as well!

Marty then encored three more songs, and closed the show out with a bang. It was a wonderful time for all who were lucky enough to be there, and we thoroughly enjoyed the show. Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives did an incredible job.

After the show, Marty held an autograph signing for the entire audience. The cameraman had been filming the show, and was filming the signing as well. My sister, my niece and I, waited until the last few in line to get to talk to him again. Once we were up to him, he called us by name, and was very gracious to us. He was friendly, funny and amazing. I have been describing him as 'awesome' to everyone I tell about it. He was signing a pic for a best friend of mine, who couldn't be there, when he said, "You know, there's somethin' we've gotta do." Nervously, I wondered, "What's that?" He smiled at me, put his arm around me, and said, "Look into that camera and wish Travis Tritt a Merry Christmas." So...I am on that video..my old ugly muff, telling Travis Tritt Merry Christmas with Marty, who affectionately called him "Bubba". Then, he drug my sister over, and put her on it, and yelled "Greetings from Logan West Virginia", and had us introduce ourselves, and send Christmas Greetings to Connie, his family, and whomever else..can't remember. But, it was an awesome time, and if anyone out there knows how I can get a copy of that video, please email me at Kaccedi@hotmail.com

If Marty were to ever read this review, I would like to tell him that we are very grateful that he came to our area of Logan, West Virginia, and we thoroughly were amazed and wonderfully entertained by his talent, wisdom, and person. We felt comfortable with him, like he is truly a hillbilly, and is country folk, just like us. Thank you, Marty for all the wonderful memories you gave us that night, and anytime you want to drop by for coffee, you're very welcome! :)

God Bless you, Marty, and always take care, because there are thousands of us out here everyday praying for your well-being and happiness....and we truly mean it, from the bottom of our hearts. With your talent, stories and testimony, you have inspired me to write and sing many things, but most of all, you have brought me back to the Cross, and to a love for a music I had long forgotten, and for that, I will forever be grateful to you. Thank you, Sir.

~ With Love and Admiration Always, Karen