Variety on Main at the Franklin Theatre is a captivating blend of entertainment that transcends generations. This vaudeville-style show seamlessly weaves together performances from seasoned artists and up-and-coming talents. It's a celebration of talent, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of community, all under the historic charm of the Franklin Theatre.
THE PRESENTERS
About Mandy Barnett: www.mandybarnett.com
Mandy Barnett, a Nashville treasure and Grand Ole Opry member, has left an indelible mark on the country music scene. Renowned for her soulful voice and versatile talent, Mandy rose to prominence as the original star of "Always... Patsy Cline" at the Ryman Auditorium. A veteran performer, she has garnered critical acclaim for her performances and recordings. Hailing from Crossville, Mandy's roots run deep, she stands as a respected figure and a favorite among critics. Whether captivating audiences with her Opry performances or exploring diverse musical landscapes, Mandy Barnett continues to shine as a luminary in the world of country music.
About Monica Ramey: www.monicaramey.com
"Now that the trend of aging rockers cutting albums of show tunes and standards seems thankfully to have run its course, we're back to vocalists with a real feel for and understanding of the jazz tradition doing them justice. Nashville's Monica Ramey is a shining example. Her delivery offers resourceful, soaring and engaging interpretations of material from The Great American Songbook." -Ron Wynn, Nashville Scene Monica is a native of Francesville, one of Indiana’s smallest towns. She moved to Nashville in 2000 after college, studying under some of the nation’s finest jazz musicians. Ramey is best known for her longstanding musical relationship with jazz pianist Beegie Adair. Together, they appeared on and produced multiple recordings and played sold out jazz clubs across the US, most often Birdland Jazz Club in New York.
THE GUESTS
About Darin & Brooke Aldridge: https://www.darinandbrookealdridge.com/
Darin & Brooke Aldridge have spent over a decade amassing a loyal, active fan base, reaping awards, becoming Grand Ole Opry favorites with over 50 Opry performances, and releasing a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums and Number 1 singles. Brooke is a four-time consecutive winner of the “Female Vocalist of the Year” for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Darin was a former member of the legendary bluegrass band The Country Gentlemen. He is an IBMA “Mentor of the Year” award winner and a truly gifted singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Darin and Brooke have also been recognized with IBMA’s nomination for “Vocal Group of the Year”. On April 18, 2023, they were named “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards in Nashville, TN. And in 2023 their smash hit single “Jordan “, featuring special guests Ricky Skaggs, Mo Pitney and Mark Fain was nominated for IBMA’s “Gospel Recorded Event of the Year” as well as the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award for “Bluegrass/Country/Roots Song of The Year” and spent time at #1 on multiple Bluegrass/Gospel charts. Since the songs release in early 2023 it has amassed over 1 million combined views and streams and will be a staple in their setlist from now on. Their current album, “Talk of the Town” was released in April 2024 and debuted at #1 on the distinguished Billboard Top Bluegrass Album Chart and remained there in the Top 5 for more than 5 weeks. It has produced 3 singles through August 2024 that reached the top of the singles chart in various industry charts. Darin and Brooke, native North Carolinians, live in Cherryville NC where in 2023 their hometown honored them with a mural on Main Street as part of the famed N.C. Musicians Trail.
About The French Family Band: https://thefrenchfamilyband.com/
Anyone who’s afraid that true country music is disappearing from the modern world needs to discover The French Family Band. Originally from Australia and now based in Nashville, The French Family Band takes inspiration from the country and Western swing icons of decades past, creating and performing American roots music that’s most assuredly vibrant and fully alive. The group appeared on the legendary Grand Ol’ Opry four times in 2023, which is all the proof of life any fan should need. Ringing endorsements from folks like Marty Stuart and Connie Smith don’t hurt, either. The core lineup of the band is an actual nuclear family that just happens to be incredibly talented. Guitarists/vocalists Stuie French (Dad), Camille French (Mum), and Sonny French (Son) are a clan of uncommon gifts and display skills that rival the stars of country’s Golden Age. Their combined sound is smooth, sweet, and ferocious. Echoes of Chet Atkins, Anne Murray, and Merle Haggard can be detected but their style and spirit are all in the family. Their sophisticated twin guitar harmonies and blended vocals set them apart from practically everyone. “Stuie and Sonny French have invaded Nashville with the best country guitar playing the town has heard in years.” - Marty Stuart Stuie, Camille, and their three kids moved to Nashville in 2019 after building a strong reputation back home. Over the course of nearly 20 years as the duo Camille and Stuie, they became one of Australia’s best-loved musical acts. They won three Australian Golden Guitar Awards, which are equal to the CMAs, and won another one in 2023 as The French Family Band. When Covid hit, The French Family Band pivoted from playing traditional gigs to doing Facebook Live concerts from home. This turned out to be a winning strategy that exposed their music to the world. They built a Facebook following of nearly 180,000 people and created a new, global fan base that loves their music. Their outstanding songwriting, amazing playing, and tight family harmonies seem to have an unlimited appeal. Currently, The French Family Band is working on a much-anticipated new album. When asked about their growing popularity, Stuie said “We think people connect with us because we are a family band who have a common love of harmony (vocals or twin guitars) and old-school country music. Coming from Australia adds a bit of a twist because our influences are so diverse.” “The French Family Band are simply great musicians and singers who know what a good song and a good sound means! They are as pure as music can be”. - Tommy Emmanuel CGP All fans of classic country and Western swing music are destined to flip for The French Family Band. They’re a world-class outfit and true masters of their craft. If you’re smart, you’ll find your dancing boots right now.
About Charlie McCoy: https://www.charliemccoy.com
There are numerous super-session musicians in Nashville, but very few with the longevity of Charlie McCoy. In addition to being a fixture in Nashville studios for 60 years and has recorded 44 solo albums. Charlie McCoy began working sessions in the early 60s, one of the first being “Candy Man” by Roy Orbison. Shortly after, Charlie became one of the in-demand session players in Nashville. His session credits are literally a who’s who of country music and is credited to more than 14,000 sessions to date. He’s predominately known as a harmonica player, but his musical prowess encompasses other instruments including guitar, bass, mallet percussion, (vibes, marimba, bells, etc.), keyboards, and various wind instruments. In addition to country sessions, Charlie was a mainstay on Elvis Presley recordings both in Nashville and Los Angeles, along with several record dates with Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkle’s iconic record “The Boxer”. He won the Grammy in 1972 for his album, “The Real McCoy”. He won CMA’s “Instrumentalist Of The Year” two times and the Academy Of Country Music’s “Specialty Instrument Award” seven times. He’s had 10 country chart singles and 14 charted albums. Among his highest honors, Charlie is a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He is a member of the International Musician’s Hall Of Fame and the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame an honorary degree of Doctor of Musical Arts from the West Virginia University School of Music. In October, 2009, Charlie was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame along with Roy Clark and Barbara Mandrell. He served as the music director for eighteen years for the syndicated television series, “Hee Haw” and a music director for other television shows including “The Colgate Country Showdown” and “The Arthritis Telethon”. He was in the house band for the TNN show “Music City Tonight” with Crook and Chase.
About Little Ozzy https://littleozzybites.com/
The Nation's biggest Ozzy Osbourne tribute band with the shortest frontman (4'8" tall)! He looks and sounds just like OZZY! Little Ozzy appeared on A&E and The History Channel with Ozzy Osbourne himself and his son, Jack! Little Ozzy was a part of "Ozzy and Jack's World Detour" and was told by Ozzy himself, "You really do sound like me honestly." and “You are very good!”. The show included recommendations by Sharon Osbourne, as he performed for her on an episode of NBC's "America's Got Talent". Little Ozzy sang the song that Ozzy wrote for his wife, Mama I'm Coming Home, to Sharon Osbourne in front of 14 million people on NBC’s "America's Got Talent". The producers were searching specifically for a pint-sized, Ozzy impersonator. Little Ozzy knew from the beginning that he wasn't there to compete. He was there to put a smile on Sharon's face, and he did! Little Ozzy and his band have performed all over the country, and they pack the house! Little Ozzy also appeared on SPIKE TV's "Tattoo Nightmares" in Los Angeles. He has become known worldwide and is recognized every day! Little Ozzy follows Ozzy's lead and always makes time for autographs and pictures! Little Ozzy has been featured in Rolling Stone, E Hollywood, TV Guide, Revolver Magazine and Blabbermouth. The night he aired on NBC, he was Twitter's fourth most searched name in the entire WORLD! He has also appeared in countless newspapers, TV shows, and on radio interviews all over the USA. Including a major Hollywood film with Kevin Nealon and Tom Arnold.
About Charles “Wigg” Walker https://charleswiggwalker.com
Charles Walker was born in Nashville, Tennessee on July 12, 1940. Charles or “Wigg,” as he is known by his friends (his mother nicknamed him when he was born with a full head of hair), began singing at an early age in church and school. He cut his first record in 1959 for Ted Jarrett’s legendary Champion label. One cut, “Slave To Love,” was credited to Charles Walker and the Daffodils. In fact, there was no such group as the Daffodils. The backup singers on the record were label mates the Kinglets and Larry Birdsong. In 1960, Charles moved to New York City where studios and nightclub work were plentiful. 1962 found Charles recording with Chess Records out of Chicago, and soon he signed on as lead singer with the J.C. Davis Band. This band began touring the country opening for the greats of the era including James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Etta James, Wilson Pickett, Little Willie John, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke. The J.C. Davis Band recorded some real barnstormers for Chess like “Sweet Sweet Love” and “The Chicken Scratch.” In 1964, Charles formed his own group, Little Charles and the Sidewinders. They became one of the most in demand soul bands in New York City’s nightclub scene, performing at the Apollo Theater, Small’s Paradise and venturing out to Las Vegas and Atlantic City. They subsequently recorded for Chess and Decca labels. The Sidewinders stayed together through the 60’s, and in 1969 Charles cut some sides for Botanic Records. The Sidewinders reformed in 1973 and worked as a show band in hotels, nightclubs, and casinos without the benefit of a recording contract. In 1979, Charles signed on with Motown as a staff writer. Early in the 80’s, Charles recorded in England and re-issued many of the Sidewinders classic sides. Realizing that there was a market for soul music in the U.K., he formed his own label P.R.G. and released the single “See Me” in Europe. Charles spent most of the 1980’s in England and Spain and worked steadily and recorded occasionally, but this wasn’t enough. In 1993, he moved back to Nashville to do some serious recording, since Nashville’s blues and R&B scene was really booming. His solo releases include “I’m Available,” “Leavin’ This Old Town,” “In the House” (live with Johnny Jones) and “Soul Stirring Thing.” He also released an album on the U.K. label Zane records called “Number By Heart” in 2003. Charles most recently was the featured singer for a band called “The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker”, and three records were released since June of 2007 on Outtasight Records. The band toured frequently in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. Charles frequently performs with his group featuring Pat Bergeson (guitar), Pete Abbott (drums), and Charles Treadway (organ). He is one of the few remaining original soul singers from back in the day when old school R&B/soul was brand new on the music scene. There has recently been a resurgence of this style of music, and it is finding a younger audience while rekindling memories for the old school crowd. Wigg is still delivering this style of music at a very high level, and his experience and maturity in the field of soul music gives him a perspective that is unmatched.
THE MAINSTAYS About Pat Coil: www.patcoil.com
Pat is an accomplished pianist, composer, producer, arranger, teacher, and highly respected studio musician. His credits span the musical spectrum of jazz, R&B, pop, country and gospel. His touring and recording credits include Michael McDonald, Carmen McRae, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Woody Herman, Larry Carlton, Natalie Cole, Nancy Wilson,Trisha Yearwood, George Strait, Peter Cetera, Barry Manilow, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt and Olivia Newton John. Additionally, Pat has taught jazz piano, improvisation and combos at MTSU and served at Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the renowned University of North Texas. We’re honored to have Pat at our Musical Director for Variety on Main. The Mainstays include Brian Allen (bass), Larry Aberman (drums) and Sam Hunter (guitar).
About Brian Allen: www.brianallenonbass.com
Hailing from Columbus, Indiana, Brian started playing the bass at age eleven. His playing won him several awards throughout high school, including the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz award. Brian has toured and recorded with a diverse range of artists, including The Oak Ridge Boys, Brandi Carlisle, Lori Mckenna, Jason Isbell, Keb Mo, Christopher Cross, Miranda Lambert, Sturgill Simpson, Zac Brown, Jamey Johnson, Shooter Jennings, Dolly Parton, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sara Bareilles, John Scofield, Natalie Cole, Four Tops and the Temptations. Brian has taught at the world famous Musicians Institute (MI) and private lessons and live playing workshops.He plays all types of basses, from a standard four string to a six string fretted and fretless. He also plays upright bass and cello.
About Larry Aberman: www.larryaberman.com
Larry Aberman is a drummer whose career has taken him from the stage of Avery Fisher Hall as a percussion soloist with the NY Philharmonic to the studios of Memphis to record the Grammy winning CD "Family Style" with Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan. A graduate of The Eastman School of Music, Larry has recorded and toured with artists like Wynton Marsalis, David Lee Roth, Lionel Richie, Dianne Reeves, John Hiatt, Ben Harper, Aaron Neville, Paul Williams, Joe Sample, Marcus Miller and Foreigner, just to name a few. Larry worked in Las Vegas with Cirque du Soleil’s “Zumanity” at the New York New York Hotel and Casino. He is an adjunct professor of applied drum set at UNLV as well as a sub percussionist for the Las Vegas Philharmonic. He continues to compose and record drums remotely via the web for numerous album, TV and film projects.
About Sam Hunter: www.sammusicsongs.com
Sam Hunter is a Nashville based singer, songwriter, session and producer. The multi-talented musician’s writing credits include hits for Ronnie Milsap and Willie Nelson and for TV shows for CMT and Fox. Additionally, Sam has written songs for movies like “Bad Roomies”, “The Confirmation” and “Dial a Prayer". His session credits include Willie Nelson, George Strait, Ronnie Milsap, Mandy Barnett, , Bob Babbitt, Amy Grant, Luke
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