Congress of Country Music opens Thursday

Congress of Country Music opens Thursday

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Marty Stuart is anticipating a big community-wide celebration as ribbon-cutting ceremonies are set Thursday for his Congress of Country Music at the renovated Ellis Theater downtown.

And while a large crowd is expected, Stuart said numerous out-of-town guests are as well.

“There are people coming not only from all over the nation but international points as well,” Stuart said. “This is something that is huge in a lot of people’s minds.”

A parade will be held starting at 3:30 p.m. that will end in front of the Ellis. An opening ceremony and ribbon cutting will begin at 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

“This speaks to the hometown spirit,” Stuart said. “The thing that thrills me is that all parts of our community are in on it. This whole place is meant to bring everybody together.”

The parade will feature the Choctaw Dancers and Choctaw Indian Princess. Mississippi’s Distinguished Young Woman, Miss Neshoba County Fair, Miss and Little Miss Black Neshoba County, Miss and Little Miss Hospitality, and the East Central Community College Band. The Congress of Country Music Bus with Marty Stuart, Chief Cyrus Ben, Mayor James A. Young, and other VIPs will also be present for the parade and ribbon-cutting.

This wraps up a year-long renovation of the historic theater which was Phase I of a $40 million project. The next phase will create a space that will house a museum for Stuart’s collection of country music artifacts.

It also marks the start of four nights of performances on the Ellis Theater stage.

Stuart and his band, the Fabulous Superlatives, will headline the opening night Thursday with two performances at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Ricky Skaggs will perform two Friday night shows at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Vince Gill will put on two shows next Saturday night starting at 7 p.m and 9:30 pm.

The Bill Gaither Vocal Band will close the busy weekend Sunday afternoon with a show at 3 p.m.

A tent will be set up next to the Ellis Theater where local singers and performers will be featured Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Stuart said he is looking forward to the time when he performs on the Ellis Theater stage.

"The Ellis is spot on to what I envisioned,” Stuart said. “There have been so many talented people who have contributed.

“I am very grateful. I am grateful to God. There is no way this could have worked out without divine intervention. I am looking forward to looking into the face of the people, especially of our community, and hopefully I will see smiles of people who will understand this is a gift back to our city, our state and our nation. It belongs to Philadelphia.”

Call the Ellis Theater box office at (601) 653-5358 for ticket information or go to congressofcountrymusic.org.






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