Story by Jess Murdock Special to The Times-Journal
The best way to describe the Boom Town Opry Series for someone who has never seen a performance would be this: It’s like a live version of the old TV variety show, “Hee-Haw.”
The show is comprised of a series of skits that all have to do with the same string of characters, and there is an ongoing story. In between the skits, live music is performed by special musical guests.
Last month’s performance of the Boom Town OpryHouse series featured music from a young man named Logan Graves, who showcased his powerful vocals and impressive sweet-picking skills; along with the unlikeliest of quintets called, Bluegrass Boulevard. They’re from Adamsburg. Their band is comprised of a mom and dad, with children, and maybe an uncle? Their relation may be unclear, but their talent certainly isn’t. The youngest of the children could pick a guitar like nobody’s business, too!
Then, there’s the man who pulls all the strings behind the scenes, Will Dooley, who performed and wooed the audience with his many talents, as well. Dooley is the man responsible for writing and directing the skits and he also selects the musical guests.
There is a $10 suggested donation for admission to the performances. This money goes to the preservation of the opera house via the Landmarks of DeKalb Association.
“We’re really just beginning to hit our stride here in our second year,” Dooley said. The same troop of actors returned for the sophomore year of the series. Of course, this is essential when it comes to this type of comedy that requires so much improvisation. So, they do have rehearsals, but it is more of a creative process than it is a memorization of lines process.
Whatever their process, the performance this year was very much on point. The audience was engaged the whole time, and the music was truly well above the average; locally-speaking, which is better than the average in and of itself. Logan Graves burnt the roof off with his sweet picking guitar and velvet voice. Most impressive, though, was the writing - all night! The skits were funny, local, and relevant. The lyrics were haunting and descriptive - akin to Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell.
Along with the performances of Bluegrass Boulevard and Graves, there were the Opry House players, which include: Adleigh Godwin; Rylee Ferguson; Nathan Austin; Cassie Wigley; McKenzie Potter; Riley Nalor; Suzy Connerly; Erik Hernandez; Bill Potter; and Will Dooley. Susan Shankles, President of Landmarks of DeKalb Association, worked the front door.
