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Some changes are in store for the entertainment lineup at the Historic Calumet Theatre. The venue is under new management and is proud to announce its full schedule for the 2019 entertainment season, including several well known headline acts.
“We like to think we’re upping the ante a little bit in theater patrons and theater members as they wanted to see a few more marquis-type artists,” said Calumet Theatre Executive Director Marlin Lee.
With a new director, comes a new direction for the venue, and a noticeable change will be evident to show goers who would normally come to see tribute acts, but this year will enjoy familiar tunes by familiar voices.
Lee said, “We have two-time Grammy winner and legendary singer/songwriter Rodney Crowell will be here. Again another multiple Grammy nominee, Lee Roy Parnell, who’s music spans the spectrum from blue-eyed soul to country, but he’s had quite a few country hits. If you’re a fan of old school rock and roll and the blues, four-time Grammy nominee Kim Wilson and the Fabulous Thunderbirds will be here and Kim Wilson is one of the greatest harmonica players on the planet.”
Marlin, a Texas native, has recently moved to the area to accept the Executive Director’s position that became available when previous director Laura Miller left for retirement.
“My wife and I have been coming up here since 1996. We fell in love with the area many years ago and we kept coming back here on vacation and finally in 2016 we were up here in the fall and that’s when we seriously started discussing do we want to make this move? Can we make this move? Low and behold, the opportunity came up and here we are and we’re loving it. And there’s a definite Texas influence in this lineup, by the way, because Lee Roy’s from Texas, Rodney’s from Texas, the Thunderbirds are from Texas, so yeah, there’s a little but of that in here.”
In addition to bringing fellow Texans to the Coper Country, this year’s roster also includes some up and coming artists including finalists from The Voice and America’s Got Talent.
“I consider it a privilege to be Executive Director here because this place is quite the jewel of the Copper Country and I think anybody that walks in this theater is amazed by the architecture and history and so forth. We want folks to find this place welcoming and a place that they know they are always going to see quality entertainment and we’re real excited about our 2019 season schedule,” said Lee.
Local performances like the Red Jacket Jamboree will be unaffected and will still be offered throughout the year, including a March 9th show.
Lee said, “Still a lot of local stuff going on. It’s going to be busy pretty much every month, especially once we get into summer and early fall, this place will be hopping. There will be multiple events going on every week.”
