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Music City back at The Mac

The sound of Music City is back at The Mac Wednesday, Sept. 6, as the Arcola Optimists welcome Nashville singer-songwriters Victoria Banks and Phil Barton to the stage.
Arcola Concert

            The sound of Music City is back at The Mac Wednesday, Sept. 6, as the Arcola Optimists welcome Nashville singer-songwriters Victoria Banks and Phil Barton to the stage.

            Banks and Barton first performed in Arcola at a show in 2014 with fellow singer-songwriter Emily Shackleton. That event -also sponsored by the Optimist Club – was a near sell-out and all three performers were unanimous in their praises of The MacMurray Theatre's charm, authenticity and acoustics.

            “We're really fortunate to get them back for a show,” says Glen Lawson of the Arcola Optimist Club. “They plated a show here at The MacMurray Theatre a few years ago. This time, we're lucky enough to get them here to perform because they'll be on their way to the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs).”

            “When they performed here in October 2014, the theatre was still undergoing renovations,” says Lawson. “These artists said they loved performing in such a unique and historic venue and they were so supportive of our project, even donating a portion of their CD sales to the restoration fund.”

            “This time, when Victoria and Phil return, they'll find that the theatre renovations are all done.”

            Banks and Barton often write together in Nashville and have individually and collectively composed a catalogue of hit songs that have been recorded by Sara Evans, Johnny Reid, Doc Walker, Terri Clark, Jessica Simpson, the Eli Young Band, Washboard Union, Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch, Chad Brownlee, and more. And recently, Barton's song 'Cowboys Duty' was part of the Oscar-nominated score for the film 'Sicario', starring Emily Blunt.

            “They put on a really good show last time,” says Lawson. “We're expecting a good crowd, so I'd encourage people to buy their tickets in advance. But if they show up at the theatre, we'll get them in.”

            “We're looking forward to a great season at The Mac and a great show.”

            Tickets are $20 each and are available by calling: (306)-577-9904 or (306)-577-3250 or by contacting a member of the Arcola Optimist Club.