By DAVE FAIRCHILD

Danville Rotary

Chris Brummett drove from Anchorage, Alaska, to come home to Kentucky. He came home to bring exciting changes in his hometown, and found a lot had already changed.  There are 16 different businesses in Perryville. Eight of the businesses are owned and operated by people under the age of 30.  About 6,800 cars a day pass through the two stop lights on Main Street, and that doesn’t count the 300+ 18-wheelers trying to avoid the weighing station in Simpsonville.

Brummett is the Director of Operations for the Perryville Entertainment Center, home of the Perryville Jamboree. The entertainment center is located on North Bragg Street, in the former Perryville Furniture Warehouse, which was built by Brummett’s father. The venue boasts superb acoustics, a stage built out of 85-year-old barn lumber, and seats for more than 300 at tables.

The family-friendly atmosphere is alcohol and smoke-free. Every Saturday evening a scrumptious dinner is available at 6 p.m., along with a weekly jamboree of classic country, and rock and gospel music that starts at 7 p.m. Hot supper is available at 6 p.m. with a wide variety of concession fare that suits any budget.

General admission is $10 per person, and reserved seating is available for groups of eight or more. Patrons who enjoy shaking a leg to work off dinner are accommodated by the 68 Drifters band, which plays for more than two hours. The center is also available for civic events, family and class reunions and wedding rehearsals and receptions.

Brummett said the Perryville Jamboree is intended to be central Kentucky’s new home for classic country and rock music, with a mix of Bluegrass and gospel favorites. The Jamboree offers Opry-style shows every Saturday night. All shows are family friendly.

During December, the Jamboree is presenting a Christmas Spectacular with special guests Clinton Spaulding, Christy Miller, Tiffany Puckett and Todd Bodenheimer.

Clinton Miller blends the sounds of his country roots and gospel upbringing to create his music and has served four years as an entertainer, emcee and producer at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. His self-produced concerts have sold out numerous concert halls across Kentucky and his 2014 album, “I Am Free” is still at the top of local music charts.

Christy Miller from Hudson was born into a musical family. Growing up, family functions were always full of various members of her family sitting around singing and playing every instrument made. Her love for performing started in high school and has become her passion. Her heart is in country music but with her soulful voice, she is no stranger to blues, rock, R&B, Bluegrass and gospel.

Tiffany Lynn Puckett has appeared on the cover of Forbes Magazine and has done countless entertainment venues over the years. She has backed artists such as Vern Gosdin, Confederate Railroad, David Allan Coe, Connie Smith, Little Texas, and has performed at Tom T. Hall’s home at Christmas numerous times.

Todd Bodenheimer pays tribute to Elvis Presley, the greatest Rock n’ Roll singer of all times. He  was born and raised in Louisville. He has been performing as an Elvis Tribute Artist for almost 14 years. It is evident that he has a love for Elvis and his music, and enjoys bringing back the memory of such a great entertainer. He is a multi-award winner, entering numerous Elvis contests and competitions over the years.

Other talented musicians make guest appearances. During a 30-minute intermission, Hee Haw-style Comedy and weekly prize drawings are mixed into the three-hour experience.

December 2018 scheduled events at the Jamboree include: Dec. 8 — Loose Change Band (classic country music); Dec. 15 — Neon Knights with Natilie Berry Barshall; Dec. 22 — Neil Diamond Tribute and Elvis tribute artist Todd Bodenheimer; Dec. 29 — The Girton’s Rockabilly Group (50s and 60s); and Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve gala featuring Mike Archer and Power Play.