Performer Returns to Downtown Country for Fifth Season

TAHLEQUAH Break out your western wear and dust off your boots. Northeastern State Universitys Downtown Country is back featuring Jacob Oliver, of Keota, in Country Roots and Rhinestone Country.

I was a guest artist at Downtown Country from 2001 to 2003, said Jacob. I came to NSU for college, auditioned to become a cast member at Downtown Country and have been in the show ever since.

The 23-year-old artist is very happy to be a part of Downtown Country for the fifth straight year. While he has endured hardships off-stage, Jacob is thankful to have found stability with Downtown Country. During one of the performances of Downtown Country Christmas in 2006, Jacob and his family lost their home in a house fire.

We were actually in the middle of Christmas shows, said Jacob. Being a part of Downtown Country was very helpful at that time. The cast held a fundraiser for my family and were very supportive during that time.

Jacob, an avid country music fan, has performed for the past 14 years and has been a part of the Oklahoma Opry and Dixie Stampede. Jacob plans to move to Nashville to begin a singing career and break into acting.

How ya doin Tahlequah? says Jacob as he enters the stage with a kick and a punch. Come on out and see us at Downtown Country for a nonstop country music good time!

Downtown Country presents two shows this summer. Rhinestone Country brings to Tahlequah all the glitz and glam of Tinseltown, country-style while Country Roots pays tribute to legendary stars such as Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family and Bob Wills.

Downtown Country performances are at the NSU Playhouse located at the corner of Downing and Muskogee. Show times for Rhinestone Country are Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Show times for Country Roots are Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.

The NSU Stars in the Summer Series will also feature two shows from the River City Players. Twist and Shout this summer to the sounds of Motown to the craze of the British Invasion, or travel back to the 1950s with the River City Players in Rock Around the Clock and bop to the beat of Elvis, sway to the sounds of the Shirelles, and dream, dream, dream along with the Everly Brothers.

Twist and Shout runs Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Rock Around the Clock plays Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. River City Players will perform at the Shawnee Street Theater, located on the corner of Downing Street and College Avenue.

Tickets prices are $12 for adults, $10 for NSU alumni and employees, $8 for seniors and groups of 20 or more, and $6 for students and children. A special $1 discount is available for all June shows. To reserve tickets, call 918-458-2075.

6/11/2008

Published: 2008-06-11 00:00:00