The Paint Valley Jamboree is back on the historic Paxton Theatre stage in Bainbridge this Saturday.
Now in its 53rd season, the Paint Valley Jamboree will return to the stage Saturday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. The fall lineup includes both veteran and new performers and will continue to bring the best of country music to the quiet village of Bainbridge.
The Jamboree happily carries the distinction of being the longest-running country music show in the state of Ohio.
In the November election of 1907, the residents of Paxton Township in Ross County marked their ballots in support of erecting a new township hall on the corner of Main and Maple streets. The new Paxton Township Hall featured a large theatre seating over 500. Early shows included live theatre, movies, minstrels, vaudevilles, magic shows and other entertainment. During the 1940s, the decade that saw the creation of “Casablanca,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Maltese Falcon,” the Paxton proudly projected the movies of the time to area residents. The early ’60s brought the start of the Paint Valley Jamboree. Today the Paxton Theatre offers a variety of live, family-friendly entertainment to audiences young and old.
Headlining the Sept. 2 performance will be Dee Penn, a veteran member of the Paint Valley Jamboree Band and a wonderful entertainer. Also featured during the evening’s performance will be area entertainer Jack Lewis and emcee Audie Wykle. Lewis was last years winner of “Jamboree Sings,” the annual spring competition featuring talented local individuals vying for a spot on the Paxton stage.
The fall lineup of the Paint Valley Jamboree includes Paul Blankenship and Beverly Grover on Sept. 16, LeighAnne Cooper and Brad Butler with 2 of a Kind on Oct. 7, Scott Dawson and Stephanie Stanley on Nov. 18, Andrea Riddle Call and Mike Hutchinson on Dec. 2, and Audie Wykle and Cheryl Ford on Dec. 16.
The Paint Valley Jamboree continues to grow and looks to be a staple at the Paxton for years to come. The Jamboree holds a special place in the hearts of Paxton Theatre owners, Tim and Deb Koehl.
“I grew up with the Paint Valley Jamboree. It’s such a special place. Many of my fondest memories include the stories and people behind the music. We’re excited to carry this tradition well into the future” said Deb Koehl.
Tickets are $10 and are available at the door one hour before each performance.
Additional information and the complete schedule can be found at PaxtonTheatre.org.
The Paxton Theatre is located at 133 E. Main St., Bainbridge. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit: www.PaxtonTheatre.org.
Wade Hamilton is the publicity director the Paxton Theatre.
