Sometimes, adventure takes you to a place you’ve never been before – like a historic buiding filled with classic music.
There’s one place that will certainly supply a compelling soundtrack to a Saturday night adventure: the Jamboree Music Hall in New Paris, Ohio.
This isn’t any ordinary venue. People come to the Jamboree from places as far as the backroads of Kentucky.
The building was built in 1837 as a Brethren Church, and carries many of its original features to this day. When making the journey here, you’ll drive past some of Ohio's smallest towns and most breathtaking country roads. You’ll walk through the historic front entrance to the sound of lifelong friends or those who have just met, and will be instantly welcomed by the Huffgarden family.
Owned and operated by Ginni and Lonnie Huffgarden, the Jamboree offers you a chance to go back in time and truly experience what country music is all about.
Full Circle, the house band, plays country’s greatest hits throughout the evening, accompanied by a few of their own original tunes. The band kicks off the show, and then a few independent singers will join them. Many of these musicians have been playing at music halls for most of their lives, while others aspire to use the opportunity to get their voice out there.
Throughout the night, the crowd cheers on Full Circle as they take on their next rendition of classic hits, but arguably the loudest cheers come from the Huffgarden granddaughters as their grandfather, Lonnie, brings down the house on the drums.
With Lonnie at the drums, Ginni takes over the cafe downstairs, where she sells her homemade goods with the help of her granddaughters and sons. It isn't a night at the Jamboree without a bowl of Ginni's famous chicken noodle soup and a slice of homemade pie. No matter how hungry you are, it’s hard to have one without the other.
The Huffgarden pair never fail to remind guests that the night would not be possible without the incredibly talented members of the Full Circle band, including Terry Pullon ("Aquaman") on bass, Lonnie Huffgarden ("Dr. Rhythm") on drums, Carl Hoeflich ("The Keyboard Killer") on keyboard, Fred Utt ("Excalibur") on lead guitar, and Wayne Smith ("Music Man") on lead vocals.
We get it, Dayton. New Paris seems like a far drive, but it’s more than worth it. The show starts at 7 p.m. every Saturday night, and the doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Get ready to take your next adventure back in time. We'll see you Saturday.
Want to go?
WHAT: Jamboree Music Hall
WHEN: 7-10:30 p.m. every Saturday night
WHERE: 308 S. Washington St., New Paris
COST: $7 per ticket
INFO: jamboreemusic.weebly.com | 937-733-3421
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