Discovering a jewel in Morehead City

y wife Ann and I enjoy live shows about anywhere we find them. We watch the famous and not so famous with equal enthusiasm. I appreciate talent — having none myself — and recognize that very hard work goes into most productions. 

Last week we "discovered" a great venue right here in our own backyard. We’d passed the place dozens of times on our way to the Sanitary Restaurant in Morehead City. 

We’d watched the marquee whiz by announcing different events and more than once mentioned we should check the place out someday. Well, I’m happy to announce that last Sunday was "someday." 

"The Crystal Coast Jamboree" turned out to be great. The outfit lives in what used to be a movie theater. I was last in that building in 1974 to see "The Longest Yard" with Burt Reynolds. Back then, both the building and Burt were a lot newer. Come to think of it, so was I. 

Anyway, a couple of months ago we heard Ronnie McDowell was to perform there and decided to go. We’re an "Elvis" family so — by logical extension — thoroughly enjoy anything McDowell does in that vein. 

He startled me one August morning in 1977, a few days after Elvis died. I was headed to work when I heard "The King is Gone" on the car radio. It spooked me. Had Presley pre-recorded his own musical eulogy for release upon his death? Holy Hound Dog! 

Well, of course he hadn’t. The voice was a guy from Tennessee named Ronnie McDowell. From then on, we’ve made it a point to see his show anytime he was anywhere close to where we were. I like him and his music. 

I’m happy to say Ronnie looks to be on top of his game, has kept his talent and gives a superb show. The whole production had a comfortable "family" flavor, which is surely no surprise. 

Most of his band is family. His oldest son is the drummer, nephew plays keyboards, youngest son sang and two obviously close friends on lead and bass guitars. And notwithstanding genetics, they’re all very, very talented musicians. 

In fact, the audience wasn’t completely unlike a reunion. Everybody was friendly and half of them appeared to know the other half. 

Obviously the whole place has been re-done. The interior and facilities are excellent. As I said, this was my first visit to that building in 36 years, but you can be assured it won’t be the last. 

In fact, we’re going back on Valentine’s Day to see The Embers. The Sunday shows fit me to a "T" especially in the middle of tax season. They kick off at 2 p.m., the perfect time for us to have a nice dinner afterwards. 

I’m embarrassed it took me so long to "discover" this jewel. You know the old saying about blind hogs. Well this blind hog found a very nice acorn in Morehead City. 

Otis Gardner’s column appears here each Wednesday. He can be reached at ogardner@embarqmail.com.