Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011
Opry Continued from P. 76 The 1972 thriller film, “Deliverance,” is said to have raised bluegrass music to new heights in popularity. After falling back down, the music genre once again rose in popularity when the 2000 adventure comedy starring George Clooney, “O’ Brother, Where Art Thou?” put it back into the mainstream. Eric Cain, the other event cocoordinator, performs with Clark in Old Dixie Highway, a bluegrass band. He said he uses his music contacts to select performers each month at the Acworth Opry. “Most of them are local and that’s what we want,” Cain said. The opry’s venue at Logan Farm Park is a great asset, said Clark. Entertainers perform on an old hooded, flat bed stage on one end of a grassy field. “By the time our event starts, it’s already shady and people have an opportunity to just enjoy the night,” Clark said. Acworth Mayor Tommy Al-
legood said the opry offers something unique, which may explain why folks from other cities and counties attend the monthly event. It’s a part of what allows Acworth to live up to its status as an All-America City, he said. “Quality of life is what brings people to a community,” the mayor said. “The recreation is such an important part of that quality of life.” Though the Acworth Opry began in 2001 after moving from the Depot in downtown Kennesaw, it didn’t stay in Acworth very long. But three years ago, it was started back up when Clark approached Acworth Parks and Recreation Director James Albright and Jeff Chase, Acworth’s recreation coordinator, about resurrecting it. “I said, ‘I know this is something that people really enjoyed back in the past and would like to see it if it could come back,’” recalled Clark. “So we talked about it. Jeff and I got involved with it with James, and came up with the best scenario that would work.” Some of the improvements
include an earlier start time to give bands more performance time and the addition of sponsors. Albright said the support the event receives from such organizations as the Acworth Business Association and Acworth Downtown Development Authority is critical to the Acworth Opry’s success. He said the city seeks partners in every event it does. “This is a segment of the population that we want to serve and people that we want to bring into this community,” Albright said. Sponsors of the Acworth Opry include: City of Acworth, Acworth Business Association, The Bright Side, NorthStar Church, AroundAbout-Acworth, Signs & More, Day’s Chevrolet, Vidsouth Communication and Fontis. To get to Logan Farm Park from Interstate 75, take exit 278 /Glade Road. Go west on Glade Road. Cross over Highway 92 (Lake Acworth Drive). Turn left at the second road (Logan Road). Logan Farm Park is on the right.
MDJ file photos
Pathfinders Bluegrass vocalist Denise Etheridge of Powder Springs enjoys an evening of singing at the Acworth Opry.
Paint the Town
33 West Park Square on historic Marietta Square
770-419-7332 www.paintthetownmarietta.com
COME AND ENJOY a GREAT evening of FUN! JUST BRING YOURSELF (and YOUR FRIENDS) We supply everything you will need for your Masterpiece... You can relax with your friends and take home your finished artwork to hang in your home or give as a GIFT!
Acrylic Masterpiece Canvas Painting - $35 / person Every Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday, Friday & Saturday 7-9:45pm Open Studio on Sunday from 5-7pm and 7:30-9:30pm (2 hr. sessions)
Marietta is Non-BYOB… we offer 7 different wines, cokes and water for your enjoyment.
Painting + Wine = FUN Must be 21 years or older to purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages
We also can make your next party a fun painting experience! Adult and Children parties are available. You must call to reserve a date on our calendar (minimum 10 people to reserve)
Courtney Kotowski of Kennesaw sings along to the music. MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM
We will guide you through each step of painting your own Masterpiece to take home and proudly display! Call today and Get your PARTY STARTED
Check us out on FACEBOOK & TWITTER! P. 83