Special to The Leader

The songs have been selected, rehearsal is scheduled and the programs are at the printer. The Charlie Pruitt Country Music Show Reunion is just about ready to take the stage Saturday at the Jefferson Theater. The show was a Southeast Texas staple for 25 years from 1982-2007. It returns to the historic Jefferson Theater, where it all began, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. Not only will they celebrate Pruitt’s contribution to country music, but proceeds from the show will benefit the Humane Society of Southeast Texas for their building fund.

Pruitt began the show to give aspiring, but often unknown, country singers a safe, family friendly platform to perform and hone their skills. In the spirit of the original mission of the show, there will be performers new to show in addition to alumni.

Performers came from all over Southeast Texas and beyond to audition for the reunion show back in June at Benoit’s Louis Hall in Vidor.

The talent presented that night made the judges’ decisions tough to pare it down to 10 performers. Those new to the show are 12 year old, Daelyn Perry of Bridge City, Rex Harris of Beaumont and Kay Miller of Lumberton. Also Jeremy Williams joins veteran Ashley Riley in a duet called Jackson Town. Other veterans returning to the show are Regina Richards, Ashley Bradley, Mike Blakeney, Paige Price, Lana Anderson and Frank Davis.

Also new to the show will be a quartet, the Sabine River Bend Bluegrass Band, playing 20 minutes “in front of the curtain” before the show starts.

Charlie Pruitt and his wife Elizabeth, who now live in the Dallas area, will be in attendance as special guests.

The reunion show was an idea originating from some of the band members that were a long time part of the show. Area musician, Doug Childress, was part of the planning of the very first show in 1982 and was the leader of the original stage band for the show, the Blackwater Band. Childress not only heads up the reunion committee, he will serve as emcee for the show.

Britt Godwin, area singer, songwriter, was in charge of assembling the band for the reunion show from the many musicians that played through the years. Godwin got his start on the show at the age of 14. He spent many years on the road performing, but has spent the last several years playing locally and is a frequent participant in area fundraisers.

Those playing in the Country Pride Reunion Band are: Drums – Lonney Tate; Bass – Bubba Moore; Steel Guitar – Joe Rogers; Piano – Roy Rosetta; Fiddle – Huey Buxton; Acoustic Guitar – Larry Shelton; Lead Guitar – Britt Godwin. Sheryl (Wrinkle) Brocato will play Fiddle, plus sing back-up. Also singing back-up are sisters Linda (Granger) Crawford and Bonita (Granger) Eaves. Marshall Swift will serve as sound engineer and Benny Brocato will take the job of stage manager.

Tickets for the show can be purchased online at Ticketmaster or can be purchased in person at the Beaumont Civic Center Box Office. They can alos be purchased at the Jefferson Theater the day of the show. The box office will open at 5:30 p.m. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the preshow entertainment begins at 7:40 p.m.

People can also support the Humane Society by bringing pet food to the show. There will be a truck on hand to accept donations of Purina Dog Chow, Cat Chow, Puppy Chow and Kitten Chow. They will accept other brands, but those will be added to the nonprofit’s food bank. The Humane Society will also be on hand to accept cash donations.

This is a family friendly event suitable for country music fans of all ages. For more information, check out the Charlie Pruitt Country Music Show Reunion Facebook page.