On and off stage, Marty Stuart proved to be a charming, funny, energetic host for his annual late night jam Wednesday night at the Ryman, a fundraiser for MusiCares, which helps musicians who need it. The event raised over $20,000.

“The hip and the groovy stay up late!” Stuart declared to the 1,400 fans or so there to see him, Travis Tritt, the Fairfield Four and others.

“The tired people go to bed. But the hip and groovy come here instead.”

Fans were particularly psyched by the performance of a young fiddler, Ruby Jane, who Marty met in Mississippi. Ruby Jane not only played well, but she even added a little dancing to her performance.

Stuart said he’ll always remember when Ruby Jane first approached him at a show in his home state of Mississippi.

“She came by with a picture of her …. , a jar of relish and her bio,” Stuart said, laughing.

Nashville designer to the stars Manuel provided outfits for Stuart’s band, but backstage, Stuart declared proudly that part of his ensemble came from Wal-Mart.

Really?

“Yah! It’s Fan Fair!”

By Brad Schmitt