Published: May 15, 2008 12:09 am      

A hometown stage for a homegrown star

Rigsby, Midnight Call in Louisa on Friday

Louisa — Don Rigsby will have a chance to entertain a true hometown crowd Friday evening when he and his band, Midnight Call, take the stage at the Garden Theatre in downtown Louisa.

Rick May, host of the ‘‘Rick May in the Morning, Howdy Neighbor Howdy Show’’ on WZAQ radio, said the opportunity to have Rigsby and his band perform in Louisa reminded him of seeing Flatt and Scruggs perform at the Garden when he was a youngster.

“When I heard them it just tore me up,” he said recalling the inspiration of seeing the band’s Martha White bus out front. “I ain’t never been the same since.”

Rigsby, he said, is quite capable of inspiring another generation of musicians to pick up instruments.

“He just keeps getting better and better. He’s played with everybody,” May said. “He is a tremendous singer. He’s got a pure mountain voice.”

Rigsby has paid his dues and become known as one of the finest singers and musicians in the world of bluegrass music. Considering the number of talented musicians in and around Lawrence County, Garden owner Tim Robinson said it is crucial to provide a place for their music.

“Lawrence County and specifically Louisa is in the heart of the Country Music Highway. Country and bluegrass music are a proud part of our heritage,” Robinson said. “There are so many great musicians who got their early training here, or from someone from here. It is important that Lawrence County have a venue to bring them back to share their music with neighbors and family and friends — and to encourage our young musicians.”

Don Rigsby and Midnight Call will perform at 7 p.m. at the theater at 123 S. Main Cross St. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $12. For more information, call (606) 638-9203.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.