Rural Road Through Bluegrass in Autumn Near Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Adam Jones
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Louisville and Ohio River, Kentucky, USA
Walter Bibikow
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Click the following link for more Kentucky Art Prints and Posters.

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The following is the press release, which includes a couple of links at the end you’ll want to check out. Congratulations Natasha!

Natasha Neely brings smiles, talent to the stage of the Badgett Playhouse.

Just a small town girl with big dreams, Natasha Neely is working on making those dreams come true. “There is nothing like being up on stage with a live band, and stage lights performing songs with the sounds of steel guitar, country piano, the fiddle, and more,” says Neely. “I love that feeling!”
Neely, who grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky, is one of the many talented cast members at the Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Many may have heard the voice of Neely on the radio in a commercial for her father John Neely’s insurance company which has been in the family since 1903, in which she says, “Call Neely Insurance, ’cause I’m a high maintenance girl, and ol’ dad needs the business!” Neely’s mother, Dita Neely, is an elementary teacher. She credits her parents with getting her started in show business. “I think Mom recognized my ability to remember songs and carry a tune,” said Neely. At the age of three, her parents took her to Goldie’s Best Little Opryhouse in Owensboro and signed her up to sing at an open mic night, where she sang “God Bless America”. After performing at the opryhouse several more times, Neely was asked to be a part of the regular cast where she began performing on Friday and Saturday nights, where she continued to perform until the opry closed in 2008. “I chose to be in the show and sing my songs every weekend instead of doing the normal activities my friends would choose such as high school football games and bonfires,” commented Neely. “I loved my Opry family, and of course, being on stage! I still miss Goldie’s to this day. There is no place like it!”
To this day Neely still considers Goldie Payne, owner of Goldie’s Best Little Opryhouse, as one of her biggest inspirations. “Goldie is a mentor and a wonderful example of how to entertain and treat people,” she said. “I also look up to Dolly Parton, not only as a singer and entertainer, but as a Christian and as a business woman,” Neely continued.
Neely graduated in 2009 from Belmont University with a bachelor’s degree in music business. She also took voice lessons from Barbara Mandrell’s daughter-in-law, Christy Sutherland, in her spare time. “I wanted to learn the music industry and how it all works,” said Neely. “I wanted to be able to understand recording contracts and making good business decisions. I felt it was very important, and it has paid off,” she said.
Patrons at the Badgett Playhouse can see Neely perform in two different shows. Neely plays the diner waitress in the Fabulous 50s show. “It’s hard to beat the Doo Wop and harmonies in the good ‘ol 50′s era,” said Neely. She can also be seen in the Variety! Music, Memories and More show. “I get to perform as myself, singing and dancing to good ‘ol songs from various genres like country, gospel, 60′s, Motown, 70′s, Disco, and even some Beach Boys music. There is something to satisfy everyone in that show,” she said. Neely says she enjoys performing at the Badgett Playhouse for numerous reasons. “I am blown away by the character and professionalism at the Badgett Theater. Bill and Sarah Minihan, producers of the shows, are such wonderful people to work for,” she said. Neely also said she loves the enthusiasm of the audience members that show up in the Grand Rivers’ Theater plus wearing the multitude of costumes and performing such a variety of music.
The talented performer can also be seen at Barbara Mandrell’s Fontanel Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee where she regularly performs. The log cabin in which Mandrell raised her family, is now open for tours and boasts a gift shop, amphitheater, restaurant, and a new dinner show called Music City On Stage in which Neely performs. “It has been challenging learning and retaining three different shows, but very beneficial and also rewarding having the opportunity to share the stage and spotlight with such wonderful and talented people,” the young performer said. “I praise God for His many blessings and will never take the opportunities He provides for granted!”

For more information on Natasha Neely or to listen to some of her music, visit her official site at www.natashaneely.com. For more information on the Badgett Playhouse, visit www.grandriversvariety.com.

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First of all, I apologize for being absent for nearly a week. The outrageous storms here in Kentucky left us without internet service for nearly a week. The storms have left their mark on many parts of Kentucky, including the beautiful Land Between the Lakes region.

Tennessee Valley Authority and the Corps of Engineers are predicting the lake level for Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake to rapidly rise to 372 feet by May 2nd (13 feet over summer pool). The current lake level is 363.5 feet and is predicted to rise to 368 feet by Saturday. This will greatly impact LBL’s boat ramps, campsites (campgrounds, backcountry areas, and self-service areas), trails, and roads. Efforts are underway to barricade and close all impacted areas.

Visitors to Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) are encouraged to check the Alerts & Notices page on our website at www.lbl.org or to “Call Before You Haul,” 270-924-2000, for current information, closure lists, and details due to the recent storm damage and the predicted rise in lake levels.
Use caution on all roads and lakeside areas in LBL due to possible flooding from rising lake levels and overly saturated soil conditions. LBL staff warns visitors who use the trails, roads, camping areas, and boat ramps to be extremely cautious and observe all closures for your safety.

In addition, everyone is urged to use caution when crossing creeks, streams, or any areas with standing or flowing water. All low lying areas should be avoided whenever possible. Gravel roads have the potential to washout during these heavy rain events. Please use extreme caution when traveling on LBL’s gravel roads.

Wranglers Campground and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area will remain closed until further notice due to this week’s storm damage.

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There are countless wonderful things to do and beautiful things to see in Kentucky’s State Parks. Kentucky’s State Historic Sites are particularly fascinating, and a wonderful way to teach your children a little about history… without them even realizing they’re learning!

Children can get a good look at Kentucky history with a special offer from Kentucky State Parks. Children receive free admission to state park museums and historic sites with every adult admission purchased through Oct. 31, 2011.

The Kentucky State Park museums and historic sites cover topics such as Native Americans, pioneers, the Civil War, natural history, historic homes and other topics from the state’s fascinating history.

The coupon for the free admission for children age 12 and under is available by going to www.parks.ky.gov and clicking on the “discounts” heading. Here is a listing of the historic sites and a phone number. Guests should check in advance for hours of operation:

• Blue Licks Battlefield Museum, 800-443-7008
• Butler-Turpin State Historic House, 866-462-8853
• Columbus Belmont State Park, 270-677-2327
• Ft. Boonesborough State Park, 859-527-3131
• Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, 270-889-6100
• John James Audubon State Park, 270-826-2247
• My Old Kentucky Home State Park, 502-348-3502
• Levi Jackson State Park, 606-330-2130
• Lincoln Homestead State Park, 859-336-7461
• Old Ft. Harrod State Park, 859-734-3314
• Old Mulkey Meeting House, 270-487-8481
• Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, 859-332-8631
• Waveland State Historic Site, 859-272-3611
• White Hall State Historic Site, 859-623-9178
• Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, 270-335-3681
• William Whitely State Historic Site, 606-355-2881

Enjoy with no admission fees:

• Big Bone Lick State Park, 859-384-3522
• Boone Station State Historic Site
• Constitution Square State Historic Site, 859-239-7089
• Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site, 606-546-4400

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How can Kynt and Vyxsin NOT have their own reality show. There are gazillions of less-colorful, less-interesting, less-fascinating, and less-compelling people on air right now. With these two, whenever they’re on the screen, you sit as still and quietly as possible – afraid to miss the next thing they say.

They, along with Gary and Mallory, make all of us Kentuckians really proud. Below is kind of a tribute to this dye-namic duo. They’re helping to make this the most entertaining season of The Amazing Race ever. Thanks to the show for bringing them back – feel free to do so as often as you like!

Kentucky Pride

Kent Slaps Australian Surfer Greeter’s Bum

Get Me Children!

Amazing Race 18: A New Approach

$2.00 vs $30

The Amazing Race Season 12 Intro

Kynt: Do you like our dance, dear?

Kynt:Vyxsin, help me! I need you to go get children.

Kynt: I had it up to here with that old man (Ron) last time. I can’t wait to knock him out of this. (YES! Success!)

Vyxsin: It’s like World War III over here between us, and I don’t get it…

Vyxsin: And I don’t understand why he’s being so personal about everything, it’s making me kind of bananas.

Kynt: I feel like, right now, the internet is reaffirming information that we’d already decoded…

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The Kentucky State Parks Golf Trail is offering something new for golfers in 2011.

A Golf Discount Card is being sold at all 18 courses at Kentucky State Parks. The cards provide substantially discounted fees that include cart. The cards are course specific and can be purchased for $20-$25.

A cardholder receives four discounted rounds including cart and the fifth round is free!

There are savings of more than $50 for 18-hole courses and over $30 for 9-hole courses (including purchase price of card). The Golf Discount Card has both weekday and weekend pricing and tee times are available five days in advance.

Cardholders will receive a 20 percent merchandise discount at state park pro shops. Golfers who live near state park courses can use this discount card for reduced rates on great golf. The card also makes for an excellent gift idea for your favorite golfer.

For more information, please contact your local state park golf course and inquire about details or visit our website at www.parks.ky.gov/golftrail

Listed below are the Kentucky State Park golf courses and pro shop phone numbers:

Barren River Lake Golf Course (800) 295-1876

Carter Caves Golf Course (606) 286-8881

Dale Hollow Lake Golf Course (866) 903-7888

General Burnside Island Golf Course (606) 561-4104

General Butler Golf Course (502) 732-4384

Grayson Lake “Hidden Cove Golf Course” (866) 905-7888

John James Audubon Golf Course (270) 826-5546

Kenlake Golf Course (270) 474-2211

Kentucky Dam Village Golf Course (800) 295-1877

Kincaid Lake Golf Course (859) 654-8555

Lake Barkley “Boots Randolph Golf Course” (800) 295-1878

Lincoln Homestead Golf Course (859) 336-7461

Mineral Mound Golf Course (866) 904-7888

My Old KY Home Golf Course (502) 349-6542

Pennyrile Forest Golf Course (866) 427-7888

Pine Mountain “Wasioto Winds Golf Course” (800) 814-8002

Rough River Dam Golf Course (270) 257-2311

Yatesville Lake “Eagle Ridge Golf Course” (866) 906-7888

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First of all, let me say this: I LOVE hearing from all of ya’ll in my e-mail!  They’re like little visits with friends and family, so keep them coming.  I get a lot of ideas for posts from these wonderful e-mails, including the one you’re reading now.

I got an e-mail recently from a very friendly lady who also happens to be a fellow fan of Grand Rivers, Kentucky and Grand Rivers Variety.  In fact, if I’m not mistaken she, too, saw the recent Johnny Cash show at the Badgett Playhouse.

She and her husband stay in the area when they visit and she raved about the friendly people in Grand Rivers.  They are, almost without exception, extremely friendly and warm.  Apparently Patty’s is a favorite place for the couple to dine when they’re in Grand Rivers, but she wanted to know if there was anyplace in the area where they could get a good breakfast.  My husband and I put our heads together and the following suggestions came to mind.  Not all are in the city limits of Grand Rivers but they’re very, very close and well worth the drive.

Docker’s Bayside Grill at Green Turtle Bay: Home of the Famous Sink Your Boat Omelet!

When I started thinking of where I’d eat breakfast if I were in Grand Rivers in the early hours, the first place to spring to mind was Docker’s Bayside Grill at Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina.  You don’t have to be a registered guest at Green Turtle Bay to eat at Docker’s – you only have to be hungry!  We have never actually eaten at Docker’s in the morning, we’re normally in the area around lunchtime.  You see, I have a bit of an obsession with their onion rings.  I dream about them, I write poetry for them, I hold every other onion ring in the world up to them….

Although we haven’t yet (I know we will soon – once the hubby sees the omelet pictured at the top) had breakfast at Docker’s, we HAVE heard about and read about their outstanding breakfasts.

One thing in particular keeps the locals smiling: The Sink Your Boat Omelet.  Apparently it’s a monster… and I mean that in a good way.

If the lunch food is any indication, their breakfasts are extraordinary.  These people know what they’re doing.  What’s more, the view is breathtaking – just absolutely gorgeous.

Visit Green Turtle Bay’s website for directions and hours of operation.

Cracker Barrel in Calvert City, Kentucky

When I asked my husband for other restaurants in the area where a lovely couple could find a good breakfast (truth be told, once I started thinking about Docker’s onion rings, my brain was worthless), the first thing out of his mouth was Cracker Barrel in Calvert City.  Michael and our oldest daughter Emily are ALL about Cracker Barrel’s breakfast menu, so I shouldn’t have been surprised.  They even eat off the breakfast menu for supper half the time!

Calvert City’s Cracker Barrel is located at 314 Kennedy Avenue.  This Cracker Barrel is about 6 – 7 miles from Grand Rivers (a little less than 10 minutes driving time).  Click HERE for the map, courtesy of Cracker Barrel.com.

Waffle House in Calvert City, Kentucky

Calvert City (incidentally, home to an outstanding Willow Pond Catfish Restaurant) also has a Waffle House. It’s at 468 Kennedy Lane (about 6.8 miles from Grand Rivers).

There’s also a Waffle House in Benton, Kentucky at 397 Ash Street, which is about 12 – 13 miles from Grand Rivers.  If you visit Waffle House’s website and click on Restaurant Locator, you’ll have the opportunity to enter the city of your choice.  They’ll then give you a very detailed map to the Waffle House of your choice.

Lake Barkley Lodge’s Windows on the Water Restaurant

I saved this one for last simply because Kentucky State Parks have a special place in our hearts.  We always encourage anyone and everyone to visit Kentucky’s beautiful, very special state parks and state resort parks every chance they get.  We’re very lucky to have these parks and we should support them all year long. The state resort parks have wonderful restaurants with outstanding food and there’s always something to do, see, and enjoy.  I’d just love to see more Kentuckians (as well as our friends from out of state) supporting these special places and the special people who run them.

Okay, I’ll step down off the soap box now!

The Windows on the Water Restaurant in the gorgeous lodge (3500 State Park Road, Cadiz) at Lake Barkley State Resort Park serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. What’s more, it’s a very, very short drive from Grand Rivers.

From Parks.ky.gov:

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Kentucky is on the brink of getting all dressed up for spring. Kentucky is always a beautiful state but when she dresses herself in Spring, it’s a breathtaking sight.

Make that many sights!

One such place you can see Kentucky showing off her spring wardrobe is Pine Mountain.

Glorious spring adorns the vaulted slopes of Kentucky’s Pine Mountain in a cloak of green and the lush forest enters an enchanting period of flowerings. By late April, the blooming of wildflowers is nearing its peak, and an assortment of warblers can be observed migrating through Kentucky. Now, there’s an adventurous weekend opportunity to celebrate the occurrence of both!

Pine Mountain State Resort Park

will host its Flowers and Feathers Weekend April 29-30.

Guests will enjoy guided outings that will include seek-n-find wildflower hikes, a misty morning bird walk and a how-to wildflower photography field trip. Enjoy Breakfast with the Birds by the dining room windows as the park’s naturalist directs observation and build your own take-home bluebird box in a hands-on workshop session. Feature evening programs will showcase spectacular wildflower photography, lovely native wildflowers and shrubs, and an up-close live birds of prey show featuring barn owl, great horned owl, peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk and others. Don’t miss this outdoor celebration of the arrival of spring to the mountains.

The registration fee for participation is $10 for adults, $3 for youths 13-17, and children 12 and under are free. Pre-registration is encouraged; combined packages that include lodging, select meals and all event programs are also available. Registration fees are waived for those purchasing packages. To request additional program information e-mail Dean.Henson@ky.gov. To book a combined package, phone the Guest Services Desk at (800) 325-1712.

Pine Mountain State Resort is located south of Pineville, Ky. on US 25E and 10 miles north of Middlesboro, Ky. From I-75 South or North, take exit 29 at Corbin onto US 25E, then travel south on 25E, approximately 34 miles to Pineville, Ky. Continuing on 25E south, to the park entrances are located about 1.5 miles south of Pineville. Buses and larger vehicles should use the south entrance, just past Wasioto Winds Golf Course. The Herndon J. Evans lodge is located 4.5 miles from the park entrance; park signs mark the route.

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It’s always the right time to…

• Eat chocolate
• Tell someone you love them
• Drink coffee
• Laugh
• Yell, “GO CATS!!!” (Except perhaps in downtown Nashville)
• Play with your pet
• Watch baseball
• Grab life by the lapels and say, “Let’s have a little fun!”

There you have it.   Joi’s words to live by.  There are more, but we’ll save those for another time.  We’re here, right now, to focus on having fun with laughter and laughing at having fun – so get ready to grab life by the lapels and maybe even ask it out onto the dance floor.

In a world where we’re faced DAILY with drama, catastrophes, and heart-breaking stories in the news,  I’m certain we’d all be in therapy if we stopped making time for laughter.  When we “escape” into a world of music and humor, we basically tell the nasty side of life, “We’re stronger than you are!”  Make no mistake about it, laughter is stronger than anything in the world.  It’s also good for you. Seriously!  One of my other websites is an online Self Help magazine (Self Help Daily).  I  review a lot of  books for this website and self improvement authors (as well as those in the fields of happiness, mental fitness, and health) all agree: Laughter truly is the best medicine.

That’s right, it’s time for a little Pickin’ and Grinnin’ in Grand Rivers, Kentucky at the Badgett Playhouse! Time to tap your toes, do a little seat dancing, sing along, and laugh so hard that funny noises come out of your nose. LOVE when that happens.

From Grand Rivers Variety.com:
Join us for a tribute to all those great country-themed variety shows! Featuring classic country hits, comedy sketches, a five-piece band and three singers performing the hits of such artists as Buck Owens, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Charlie Pride, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Floyd Cramer.

Classic comedy sketches and corny jokes help to recreate the feel of the by-gone era of the variety show format.

“We are going to have a lot of fun with this show,” said Bill Minihan who co-produces the show with his wife Sara. “The band is one of the best we have ever put together for a show. These guys have been playing this music all of their life and it shows. I think our audience will really appreciate their musical talent,” he added. Minihan concluded by saying, “When you combine all of the hilarious skits and all of the great music, you create a great way for people to bring back some nostalgic memories of the golden age of television.”

Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office toll free at 1-888-362-4223. Box office hours are 12-5 Tuesday through Thursday and 12-7 Friday through Saturday. Click HERE for showtimes and dates.

Show times for 2010 are as follows: Evening performances start at 7:00 PM CST and matinees are 2:00 PM CST. Doors open thirty minutes before each performance.

Do yourself a colossal favor and call the box office right now. Grab tickets for yourself and everyone else you think could use a laugh or twenty. Just remember, you’ve been warned. The nose thing isn’t just a possibility, it will happen.

To read more about the other wonderful shows at Grand Rivers Variety, visit the website today. It’s the perfect “escape button” for a life that can sometimes overwhelm you with its drama (speaking of which, please keep the beautiful Japanese people in your prayers).

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Saturday night, my husband and I took a couple of friends to see Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show in beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky at the Badgett Playhouse.  If you’ve read Genuine Kentucky for any length of time, you know that we frequently see shows at the Badgett Playhouse.  They’re always a lot of fun and this show was no exception.

Before I launch into Ring of Fire, I just want to rave a little bit about Badgett Playhouse, Grand Rivers, and the Variety! Music, Memories, & More shows and cast. My husband (Michael) and I also frequently go to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. We see shows at the Opry as well as the Ryman. We always have a great time – Nashville restaurants, combined with the great talent keep us coming back.

I’d love for more Kentuckians (as well as people in other states) to realize that we have a “baby Nashville” in our own backyard. No, Grand Rivers doesn’t have as many restaurants as Nashville (Thank goodness! Who needs the traffic?!) – but many would say that the infamous Patti’s Settlement more than makes up for it.

A few quick facts about Patti’s Settlement (from Grand Rivers.org)

• VOTED #1 Restaurant for Tourism by the State of Kentucky
• Blue Chip Award given by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Pork Producers Award
• General Manager was voted Manager of the Year by Kentucky Restaurant Association
• Voted #1 by Southern Living Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Small Town Restaurant in Southeast United States

Other outstanding restaurants in the area include Willow Pond (Calvert City and Eddyville), Lake Barkley State Resort Park Lodge’s restaurant, Catfish Kitchen (Draffenville),  and Majestic Pizza and Steakhouse (Draffenville – some of the best pizza anywhere!).

Trust me, I can vouch for each of these restaurants – they’re excellent.  If you’re lodging in the area, and time isn’t a problem, you can find even more restaurants in Paducah, Benton, Murray, and Aurora.  If you ever get a chance to eat at Aurora’s Willow Pond, do so. The hush puppies will blow your very mind.

The Variety! Music, Memories, & More shows are as entertaining as the shows we see in Nashville.  Each time I leave, I wonder, “Why aren’t these singers, comedians, musicians, and dancers in Nashville?”  I don’t say it out loud, of course, because I don’t want Nashville to know they’re here.  Why spoil a great thing?!

Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show

Have you ever raved about something (a restaurant, movie, tv show…) to someone, then when they watch it – held your breath, hoping they liked it as much?  With most things in life, it sort of plays out like that.  However, whenever we take friends or family to a Variety! Music, Memories, & More show, I’ve never held my breath once. I KNOW, beyond a hint of doubt, that the people involved will never let us down.

Never have. Never will.

The friends we took were from Nashville, so they’ve seen, and heard, some great entertainment.  It was wonderful to know that they’d see great entertainment on this night as well.  One minute into the show, they were laughing, tapping hands on their legs, and having a great time.  Honestly, there was never any doubt in my mind that the rock would roll just like that.

The show was one that every Johnny Cash fan will want to see.  Not only do the ridiculously talented singers and musicians do the songs GREAT justice, you’re treated to precious footage and memories of Johnny Cash, his life, and his childhood.  It all blends together perfectly to celebrate the life and music of the Man in Black. It’s a 2 hour tribute that you wish would last a couple of more hours.

The show included “regulars” that we know and love: Sara Minihan, Scot Durham, Eddie Holland, Thomas Michael, and Stephanie Jo Newton. I was reminded, again, of how much Stephanie Jo Newton’s voice reminds me of one of my favorite country star’s, Lee Ann Womack. Thomas Michael, who is consistently a crowd favorite, was featured heavily in this show and it was a stroke of genius. His rich, beautiful voice was ideal for Johnny Cash songs. The musicians were, as always, outstanding. Unfortunately, the website (Grand Rivers Variety) doesn’t have the Cast list featured for this particular show, so I can’t give the name of the drummer – but he was really something special!

Fortunately, my husband and I were so impressed with two new faces that he took my notebook and asked Bill Minihan for their names! Barry Jobe and Chad Mullins blew us away. Suffice to say, they were two more performers who had me wondering, “Now… just why aren’t they on stage at The Grand Ole Opry or in Nashville making country music?!” Of course, this was wondered silently. Many times over. Shhh, we don’t want Nashville taking them away just yet.

Barry Jobe did quite a few vocals and did so beautifully. Chad Mullins also did vocals, in addition to playing the banjo unlike I’ve ever heard it played before. I was mesmerized. If either is ever in concert, I’m so there.

Front row.

The whole night was memorable, fun, and very entertaining. One of my favorite moments was the song Jackson by Thomas Michael and Stephanie Jo Newton.  Their voices were wonderful together and each did their parts perfectly.  Stephanie Jo, at a young age,  is outstanding at something that many performers (even veterans) don’t quite get: You don’t have to “oversell” great songs, great writing, and great talent.  You just let it flow.   It’s something I’d noticed before about her and, when I realized that she’d be singing Jackson with Thomas, I thought, “This will be a true test..” After all, the song is so spirited and fun, it would have been really easy to go overboard with facial expressions and try to FORCE the audience to have a good time.

Stephanie Jo and Thomas each realized that the song, the lyrics, and the story they told were the real stars, and they gave them center stage.  By doing so, they showed their own star power.

I hope you’ll make your way to beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky and see Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show.  The show will play through mid-May.

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