That show will be Kasey Tyndall’s September 28 performance at the venue.

While the show is free, donations for Battalion Chief Kevin Hawkins, who in July was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, will be collected the night of the show.

"All the support from the fire department, family, friends and this wonderful community of the Roanoke Valley has been overwhelming,” Hawkins said last week when the video announcing the show, which is embedded with this story, was posted to the theater’s Facebook page. “I appreciate everything. Everyone has done so much. Words just can't express the love I feel. God has truly blessed me during this time of sickness. It is through my faith in God along with all the love and support I have received from everyone that gives me strength to win this fight."

Roanoke Rapids Fire Department Chief Stacy Coggins said, “It is great to know the new owners are showing a genuine interest in the community, especially for a city employee. When they took ownership that’s what they said they were going to do and they are holding true to their word.”

Coggings described Hawkins as “a dear friend as well as a loyal co-worker who is always putting others before himself.”

Said Coggins: “Being a leader on B shift, he sets a great example for his shift to follow. My thoughts and prayers go out daily to Chief Hawkins and his family. The entire organization as well as the community are pulling together to help Chief Hawkins win this battle.”

On the morning of the show, there will be a barbecue sandwich fundraiser to benefit Hawkins.

The fundraiser will be held at Builders First Source on Tenth Street from 11 a.m. until sold out. The menu consists of two barbecue sandwiches, a bag of chips and coleslaw. Food is being prepared by DIRT Ministries in conjunction with the Roanoke Rapids Fireman’s Club. Tickets are available at the fire department or by calling Kenneth Hollowell at 252-532-7136 or any club member. Cost is $8.

Theater fall lineup

In a statement released this morning the venue said it “continues to book a diverse and star-studded lineup for the 2018 Fall Entertainment Series. In just over a month since the city sold the facility to new owners Tom and Evon McLean, the theatre has quickly attracted national talent to one of the state’s premier performance venues.”

Uncle Kracker

Uncle Kracker will be the first national act to take the stage on September 14.

The chart-topping artist, who has performed with Kid Rock and at the American Country Music Awards, rose to fame with hit singles including Follow Me, Smile and others.

He was selected by the theater owners to “set a tone of Friday ‘Fundays’ at the high-profile entertainment destination.”

Uncle Kracker’s live show is “very interactive," he says. "It's meant to be a party, and I want everybody involved. Each time we go on stage, I want people to leave smiling.”  

Tyndall

September 28 is the Kasey Tyndall show.

Tyndall is a rising country music star who hails from eastern North Carolina and already has several hits under her belt. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and music begins at 7 p.m.

The Embers

The Embers, a beach music staple in Carolinas and Virginia since 1958, will be on stage at the theater twice, first appearing on Wednesday, October 10 and again on Thursday, December 13.  Both shows are expected to sell out the 1,500 seat theatre quickly.

Charlie Daniels Band

The Charlie Daniels Band will headline a grand opening performance on Saturday, November 10.  

Daniels, a southern rock icon and North Carolina native, will bring his vocal patriotism back home with countless hits and familiar favorites.    

Parmalee

Parmalee is slated to perform on Saturday, December 8. The band gets their name from their hometown, Parmele, located an hour south of the venue.

Their 2013 single Carolina turned into a platinum-certified #1 hit while Close Your Eyes and Already Callin’ You Mine landed in the top 10 of Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

“We love bringing people together for a good time and we hope they’ll clap, sing along, and raise one up — that’s what this party pack is all about,” says lead vocalist Matt Thomas.  

Social media

Future events are posted on Facebook and Instagram, or the theatre’s website — RRTLive.com.