Marietta, GA (October 24, 2010) — Marietta boy Billy Joe Royal, the crooner nationally known for his 1960s hits “Down in the Boondocks” and “Cherry Hill Park,” will perform New Year’s Eve at The Strand Theatre.
A Valdosta native who grew up in Cobb, Royal worked for The Strand as a teen, placing the letters of movie titles upon its marquee. Royal also performed late-night rock shows with his band “The Corvettes.” He has helped The Strand in its fundraising efforts since 2008 and this performance will be Royal’s third New Year’s concert on The Strand’s stage. It also marks the last show of Royal’s touring career.
“As far as official going on the road, Billy Joe Royal said this is his last hurrah. He’ll do a few charities from time to time, but the bus trips and country-wide tours are over,” said Rupert Raines, a close friend of Billy Joe Royal who helped organize the concert. “I’m so glad to be a part of it and live to see it. It’s been a good ride. He’s one heck of a guy.”
Raines reminisced that Billy Joe Royal and his friend, Rupert’s brother, Carrol Raines, went to James Zimmerman, manager of The Strand in the 1950s, and talked him into letting Royal perform a concert while Carrol Raines emceed it.
Raines said that Billy Joe Royal is going to make this show a family affair. His mother will attend and Royal plans to fly in his teenage daughter from North Carolina as well. Royal is trying to prepare himself; he knows it will be an emotional show.
PARADOCS, opening for Royal, are no strangers to The Strand’s stage. This band made up of local doctors and Wellstar staff covers new and classic rock, southern rock, country, and blues.
The show starts at 8 PM and Billy Joe Royal will bring in the New Year with the patrons on Friday, December 31, 2010. Tickets are $35 to $45 and are on sale.
The historic Earl Smith Strand Theatre is a multi-use performing arts and events facility. The theatre is governed by the Friends of The Strand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and depends on the financial support of private and corporate donors. It is The Strand’s mission to serve the community with cultural entertainment for a diverse audience and to promote economic health in the City of Marietta and Cobb County. For more information, tickets, or to join The Strand’s email list, visit www.EarlSmithStrand.org or call the Box Office at 770-293-0080. The Box Office is located at 117 North Park Square, Marietta, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 4 PM; and two hours before the show.