An event that got its roots back in 1956 – the Reilly Springs Jamboree – will once again be hosting a star-studded lineup of talent with headliners Tony Ramey and local Brad Davis as well as The Haystacks Teen Choir, Victor Casad and Shea Birdwell.
Organizer Enola Gay Mathews was brimming with excitement over the upcoming event this Saturday night starting at 7 p.m.
“I consider this to be the Hopkins County original music venue,” said Enola Gay Mathews, on her 20 years experience with the shows. Musical talents are displayed at the Jamboree once a month to crowds as large as 100 in the historic auditorium of the former schoolhouse. “We like to offer family entertainment.”
She turned through the pages of a scrapbook compiled by Francell Burnett on the many famous artists who have graced the stage at Reilly Springs. Prized possessions are autographed photos of Burnett with George Jones and Johnny Cash.
Price of a ticket is just $10 per person and $5 for children under 10 years. They even provide (at an additional cost) the option for a meal.
“We serve up the best homemade desserts by the slice,” said Mathews, a KSST radio personality.
This week’s highlight will be Ramey and Davis, who just wrapped a performance at the Crossroads Music Company concert held at Sulphur Springs City Hall.
“This is awesome. It will be an honor to be a part of history,” said Tony Ramey, in a phone interview. He had just played at a stage where Elvis Presley performed. “It is such a huge treat. You can feel a cool vibe in these historical venues.”
Ramey said he plans to play a few oldies and perform some songs with Davis, who he considers to be a great talent.
“I am enjoying Texas – the music part of the country,” said Ramey, traveling from the Nashville scene. He said he cherishes connecting with people and gathering experiences in life. During their concert last Saturday, Ramey played songs from his CDs, “Once Again,” “Places,” and “Throwback,” with songs he wrote on his real life background.
“I have been writing stories since I was eight years old. Most of my songs are story-driven,” said Ramey. His work has been featured in movie soundtracks and most recently in the movie The Last Ride, which depicts the last days of Hank William Sr.’s life.
Mathews encourages citizens to make the drive to southeastern Hopkins County this Saturday for a good evening of fun.
