When my mom decided to retire last year, I bought two season passes to the Plaza Theatre to commemorate the event. I told her with all these famous people coming to perform in our backyard, we should at least go to a few of the concerts.

On Friday night, we saw country recording artist Marty Stuart perform. I admit I wasn’t sure I was going to like the concert. I was expecting a show with a lot of twangy bluegrass music. As it turns out, I was pleasantly surprised.

Stuart did perform one or two bluegrass tunes, but most of the music was country. But it had more of a rhythm and blues feel to it.

Stuart performed several of his own hits, but mixed in was his rendition of “Oh Lonesome Me,” which the Kentucky Headhunters made famous. Sitting in the audience to hear Stuart’s version was Headhunter rhythm guitarist Richard Young. Stuart also played tributes to country legends Merle Travis and Johnny Cash. He even came back for an encore performance that he ended by playing “Hillbilly Rock.”

The show was definitely entertaining, but what amazed me the most was that it was pulled off by only two actual theater employees and a large group of dedicated volunteers.

I’ve been to the Grand Ole Opry twice. Both times were at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. But Friday night’s concert was just as good as any Opry show I’ve ever seen, if not better.

So, I’d like to take a moment to commend Steve Jones, Anthony Kenney and all the volunteers for a job well done. You guys make an evening at the Plaza a huge success, not to mention tons of fun.

The only things missing are whispering Bill Anderson as emcee and a place like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, which is where a lot of musicians ended up after an Opry performance for jam sessions after their shows.

By Gina Kinslow