Popular entertainer Ronnie McDowell has acquired quite a fan base in Franklin County after 23 years of performing locally and fans will be happy to know he’ll be returning soon to perform for a good cause.
McDowell will be in concert at the historic Roxy Theater in downtown Russellville on Saturday, March 23, at 7 p.m., with proceeds from the concert benefiting the renovation of the Roxy.
Wanda Myrick, who serves as the chairman of the Ronnie McDowell concert, said McDowell’s concerts are always a big hit in this area.
“Ronnie is one of those entertainers that everyone enjoys,” Myrick said.
“He interacts with the crowd and makes it a fun experience. Even if you’ve seen him before, you won’t want to miss this concert because he never does the same show twice.”
McDowell said he always looks forward to coming back to Russellville to perform, especially when it will benefit the restoration of the Roxy Theater.
“I absolutely love to perform at the Roxy because it has such great character and history behind it,” McDowell said.
“I’m a very historically-minded person and to be part of preserving a piece of history for the city of Russellville is just an honor.”
McDowell said a similar project is taking place in his own hometown of Portland, Tenn., involving the renovation of the old Temple Theater.
“Helping to restore the Roxy just reminds me of helping to restore historic places in my own hometown,” he said.
“These projects are important for us to be a part of because we’re preserving these places that have such great historical meaning for these communities.”
Myrick said McDowell has been faithful to host benefit concerts over the years that will help out the community.
“Not only does Ronnie help us raise money for different things through his concerts, but he also has such a great fan base that these people will come from out of town just to see him perform,” Myrick said.
“When these people are staying here and buying things here, it’s just a real boost to the economy of Franklin County.”
McDowell said he was also excited to perform for his fan base in Franklin County.
“The people here are always so good to me,” McDowell said.
“For over 20 years now we’ve been selling out shows in Russellville and it’s still just as exciting to roll into town on a Saturday and see the Roxy marquee all lit up with the words ‘sold out’ on it. It’s just great to perform here.”
McDowell said he will be playing a mixture of old and new songs at this year’s concert.
“I have several new songs I’ve been recording that I’ll be performing at this show,” McDowell said, “but of course we’ll always do the old favorites that everyone loves, too.”
Myrick said the show will be great for people of all ages.
“This will be a great, family-friendly show,” Myrick said. “We hope everyone will come out for a night of great entertainment and to support the very worthy cause of renovating the Roxy.”
Also performing at the show will be Millie Kirkham, who is known for singing with renowned singers such as Elvis Presley and George Jones; the barbershop quartet Sounds of the Shoals; and local singers Adam and Jacob Green.
General admission tickets are still on sale for $15 and can be purchased at Abstract & Appraisal, Inc. For more information call 256-332-3270.