Farmers bring experience to Downtown Country lineup

One of the reasons Downtown Country is a hit every summer is the performers' familiarity with each other.

As husband and wife, Shannon and Kelli Farmer have plenty of experience playing music together and their talent helps the show run smoothly.

Shannon began his musical career at age 7. He plays the guitar, steel guitar, bass and drums and has performed with Downtown Country for four years. The show has helped Shannon direct and teach band members, and he hopes his knowledge will help them pursue their musical aspirations.

Kelli began her musical career at age 5 with the piano, and violin lessons followed. She celebrated her 10th year with Downtown Country on May 29. She has watched performers grow and move on, and she enjoys having her family by her side throughout.

Brynn, the Farmers 2-year-old daughter even has a couple of roles in the show.

Shannon has performed in all the contiguous 48 states with shows in Nashville, the George W. Bushs presidential campaign party at the Pentagon and sporting events such as NASCAR, the NFL and the NHL.

Of all the things I've done, places I've seen, people I've been blessed with knowing, the highlight of it all has been performing for our troops overseas," he said. "I wish everyone could be blessed enough to go over and see how much those folks do for us and how committed they are to doing it.

Kelli has performed at the Dixie Stampede in 1997, the Urban Cowboy band since 1998 and at the Grand Ole Opry in 2006. She has also performed at numerous civic and church shows.

I believe that all performers learn from each environment in which they are placed," she said. "My experience has helped me to create a different perspective on how shows should run and how well they do once the stage lights up and the show begins.

With their combined talent, the Farmers help bring the show to its potential. Locals and tourists are invited to the NSU Playhouse to see what the cast and crew of Downtown Country can do. Each performance is unique and every second is exciting.

Check out Downtown Country through August 7 at the University Playhouse located on the northeast corner of Muskogee Avenue and Downing Street. Their productions of Destination Country can be seen Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and If This Ol Dock Could Talk can be seen Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.

River City Players can be seen through August 7 at the Shawnee Street Theater located on the northwest corner of College Avenue and Downing Street. Their productions of Hollywood Hits can be seen Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Oldies But Goodies can be seen Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are adults $12, NSU alumni and employees $10, seniors 60-over and groups of 12 or more $8, children and NSU students $6. For tickets or reservations call 918-458-2075.

The Stars in the Summer Series is made possible by NSUs College of Liberal Arts and sponsored by the Tahlequah Area Tourism Council.