Famous Kentuckians | Genuine Kentucky

Michael and I went to the beautiful Lake Barkley Lodge last night for the Lake Barkley State Resort Park Presents Comedy Dinner Theater featuring Marty Pollio. The food was delicious and the laughs were constant.

Marty Pollio is a tremendously talented Louisville comedian. You can read more about him in my previous post and learn even more by visiting his website. In fact, I insist that you visit Marty Pollio’s website. Not only is he a total riot – he apparently shares one of my own great passions: cooking! He has tons of delicious-sounding recipes on his website. I’ve actually been saving a lot of them this morning to print out and try. Italian food… come on, it doesn’t get any better.

I am so grateful to the Lake Barkley State Resort Park for putting together this Dinner and a Show evening. What a brainstorm! I’d love to see more of Kentucky’s wonderful state parks doing the same. And if they bring in Marty Pollio, I’ll want a ticket to each and every show.

As you know, I’m a huge fan of the Variety! Music, Memories, and More shows in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. On the way home last night, I thought how amazing it would be if they’d bring Marty to the Badgett Playhouse. I nearly laughed out loud at the thought of him interacting with Bill Minihan and Steve Sherling. I’d give up 6 months of Starbucks to see the three of them on stage together.

If you know me, you know that’s almost like offering up your first born.

Marty Pollio has “it” – that certain something that a comedian either has or doesn’t have…. He doesn’t just have it, he owns it.

As luck would have it, my husband was one of the faces in the crowd that Marty interacted with. My husband, who is as big a ham and character as anyone, played along beautifully. As a mother who loves her daughters more than her next breath, I do have to clear something up. When he asked Michael how many children he had and if he was proud of the way they turned out- he shook his head NO! For anyone there, know that he was (of course) playing around.

He also said he wasn’t there for their births – he was there (and green) for all three. Liar.

Anyway, aside from getting my husband into all kinds of trouble, Marty was just spectacular. He had everyone laughing hysterically and his juggling and miming were simply unreal. How does anyone juggle like that? I’d struggle with 1 ball, let alone 4.

If you are reading this article and are looking for a hilarious clean comedian for an event or show – here’s your guy. Just promise me one thing: Let me know when he’ll be there because I’ll be headed that way. I might even let “you know who” come along. And sit in the back.

A few links you’ll love:

The Pollio Folio

How to Juggle and Other Cheap Tricks (Marty’s How To)

Marty Pollio’s Italian Recipes

Minnie Pearl

I preach, teach, and admonish everyone to keep their money in their own state whenever possible. My family delights in doing just that as well. However, there are a few exceptions to the rule, you know, and the Grand Ole Opry is one of them. We try to go as often as possible and have had the supreme pleasure of seeing Montgomery Gentry, Jack Black, Martina McBride, Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood, The Oakridge Boys, Pam Tillis, Marty Stuart, Little Jimmy Dickens, Kellie Pickler, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Lonestar, and many others. Several Kentuckians in that impressive group, I’m proud to say!

Each time we’ve gone, we’ve had an absolute ball. Getting to see artists such as these in such historical surroundings is something I’d highly recommend to everyone. You should head over to the Grand Ole Opry’s web site and take a good look at the schedule. You won’t believe some of the artists coming up. The hilarious Steve Martin will be making his first Grand Ole Opry appearance at the end of May, that should be something worth seeing! He’s scheduled to appear on the same night as Vince Gill and Amy Grant. I also notice that Miss Taylor Swift will be making an upcoming appearance.

Some Grand Ole Opry performances are at the historic Ryman Theater in downtown Nashville while the rest are at the more modern (and spectacular) Grand Ole Opry house. Personally, I prefer the Grand Ole Opry House for several reasons. The employees are friendlier, the parking is easier, and there’s a mall within walking distance (!!!). Having said that, every country music fan should visit the Ryman at least once.

Never make the mistake of thinking you won’t have a great time – or that your kids won’t enjoy themselves. Everyone, young and old… country fans or not…. will have the time of their lives.

The last time we went, we took our 3 daughters and their boyfriends. Afterwards, one of their boyfriends talked about getting goosebumps during a Vince Gill song while another one said it was hard not to cry. The third young man said he had a new role model: Little Jimmy Dickins!

All 8 of us had a day we’ll never forget.

There’s just something special about the Grand Ole Opry, a certain kind of magic that surrounds you and lets you know that you’ve just become part of something historically beautiful and beautifully historic.

Head over to the web site and schedule just such an experience for yourself!