Paint Valley Jamboree celebrates 50th anniversary
By Caitlin Ryan
Managing Editor
The Highland County Press
BAINBRIDGE – Under new management, one of southern Ohio's longest-running institutions is getting a makeover, as the Paxton Theatre, home of the Paint Valley Jamboree, will incorporate a renovated theatre and new shows while remaining faithful to the program's history.
As the theatre prepares to celebrate the Paint Valley Jamboree's 50th anniversary – making it the state's oldest country music show of its kind – new owner Tim Koehl is looking forward to making progress and building Bainbridge as a "destination" location.
"The idea is to move the theatre into a performing arts center," Koehl said.
Koehl said that the theatre's primary objective is to have "everything based on hospitality."
He said he has "always been in the hospitality industry" in some form, although his former occupations aren't traditionally classified as such, working 20 years in an iron foundry and 20 years with Edward Jones Investments.
"But it all centered around people," Koehl said. "It all centered around meeting the needs of others."
The Jamboree shows recently slowed as the theatre's former owners battled poor health, but Koehl knew that the theatre was very important to the community.
"We saw the devotion and the dedication of the performers and the dedication of fans and the people who supported the show over the years," Koehl said.
Extensive renovations have been done to the interior and exterior of the theatre, located at 125 East Main St. in Bainbridge, including new paint and brick, building repairs and remodeling to the entry foyer and concession areas.
Technical repairs have been made as well, including the installation of a new sound system and video system, with repairs to the curtains and lights. Koehl said the new video system will allow the theatre to show movies, as well as video commercials for the theatre's advertisers.
In addition to revitalizing the building, there are plans in the works for new programming. The theatre is making plans to showcase the uniqueness of Bainbridge, Ross County and what Koehl calls the "very specific brand of country music in 'Buckeye Country,'" including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and parts of Arkansas, Kentucky, Kansas, Texas and Tennessee.
"There's a very specific brand of country music that's played in that area," Koehl said. "It's different than bluegrass. It's different than the country music that they would play in Florida or California or even west Texas.
"There's one instrument that's unique to the area, and that's the steel guitar, so we're going to build on that brand going forward."
To "build on that brand," Koehl said they hope to introduce new shows and programs in addition to the Jamboree, but "not lose the tradition and the history to build on local talent."
A grand reopening for the theatre is set for the weekend of Sept. 12-13, after which a variety of other events aside from the Jamboree will be held.
The theatre is planning a show based on the "Valley of the Kings," as the Paint Valley region is nicknamed. They also plan to show Sunday matinees, introduce local theatre programs and additional concerts aside from the traditional country music shows. A number of weddings have been performed inside the theatre, and Koehl said it will continue to be equipped for weddings and receptions.
The Paint Valley Jamboree continues to be held every Saturday night at 7 p.m. inside The Paxton Theatre, and it will remain important to the theatre and the community, as it has long been a venue for local entertainers to develop their talents to a dedicated and receptive audience.
"The theatre and the Jamboree are much more than a building," Koehl said.
Koehl said that the Jamboree has been a "launching pad" for many local artists, including popular 1970s country music singer Johnny Paycheck; the Adams Brothers, who were famous songwriters and backup singers for George Jones; Darrell McCall, a friend of Paycheck's who was a Nashville recording artist for several decades; and current country music singer Eric Huff.
Koehl said "at least two performers" with the original Jamboree band, Jeanette McCoy and Dayne (Woop-Woop) Puckett (who also appeared on "Hee Haw"), are still playing music.
Koehl said they plan to have a "big celebration and reunion of musicians" from the Jamboree's history during the Fall Festival of Leaves, set for Oct. 17-19 in Bainbridge. Koehl said that the theatre will be "very active" with the annual festival, providing entertainment and shelter.
A 50th anniversary celebration is planned for November.
In addition to the Jamboree performances, Koehl said that they are "always looking for new talent" to perform a variety of music genres at the theatre.
Those interested in attending or being involved with any of the Paxton Theatre's many upcoming programs can visit http://paxtontheatre.com, email tim@paxtontheatre.com or call (740) 634-3333 for further information.