Published: July 18, 2008 10:28 am            

Large crowd, high hopes greet Chuck Mathena Center

PRINCETON — It was definitely worth the wait. After three years of planning and more than 15 years of dreams, the Chuck Mathena Center celebrated its grand opening weekend with large crowds and shows to fit nearly any taste.

The Del McCoury Band brought its unique brand of bluegrass Friday on opening night. During the day, workers and volunteers feverishly rushed to get last-minute chores done before the opening curtain.

Cars lined the parking lot of the CMC and that of surrounding areas during the opening weekend festivities. Little was said Friday night before the band took the stage, other than Executive Director Spring Turner’s welcome and rules and regulations of the theater and information from the fire marshal. Then, it was all systems go for a night of mountain music.

Ticket sales were brisk as soon as they started, and those working the box office on Friday reported that business was brisk.

Joyce Fanning, was working the ticket office Friday afternoon.

“Ticket sales have been good. The phone has been ringing off the hook,” she said.

The feeling was electric as people arrived early for the concert. The Grand Hall quickly filled, while people patiently waited for the theater doors to open at 7:30 p.m.

Teresa Pauly, one of the volunteers at the CMC, said Friday was nerve-wracking.

“It’s come together really well. It’s going to work,” she said.

Before the doors opened at 6 p.m., the volunteers dressed in white shirts and black pants received their instructions from Turner. They quickly went to their stations, greeting visitors and making sure the opening night ran smoothly.

Charlie Mathena, who along with his wife Marquetta, is the driving force behind the CMC, was out in the parking lot Friday and Saturday helping make sure the parking situation went smoothly. He said it was a bittersweet affair.

The CMC began as a dream of the Mathenas to honor their son, Chuck, who was a lover of the fine arts. He was killed in a car accident in 1992.

“We have a lot to be thankful for. To see this come to fruition is overwhelming,” Mathena said. “It’s bigger than I ever dreamed or thought about. The only thing I can say is thank you.”

People traveled from miles away to hear the traditional bluegrass sound of the Del McCoury Band. Travis Kleinman, of Ironton, Ohio, clutched a McCoury record from 1975 that he hoped to get signed. “I drove down here with some friends. Del’s unique. There’s nothing else like it, and I just love it.”

One group had a bluegrass tailgate party out in the CMC parking lot. Mike Mitchem played the mandolin, while his friends sat around joking and relaxing before the show. The group traveled from Myrtle Beach, S.C., to hear the music.

Jason Sizemore, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., said he’d heard McCoury and his band before.

“They are really good. We had an opportunity to come visit cousins and hear a good bluegrass show. It’s good to get back in the hills.”

Rick Myers, of Lindside, also made the trip to hear Del McCoury.

“I like his style of bluegrass. I grew up listening to it,” he said.

Close to 700 tickets were sold for Friday’s opening night. Saturday’s show had an even larger turnout, Lisa Altizer, marketing director for the CMC, said. They sold 777 tickets for The Spencers: Theater of Illusion magic show.

Vrginia Terry, of Athens, came out Saturday night to see the Spencers perform feats of illusion. She said she wanted to support the CMC.

Another visitor said she simply came out Saturday to see some magic performed.

One visitor was present Friday and Saturday, but he had more than just the performances on his mind. Weldon Agnew, of Lake Bottom, wanted to see the shows, as well as make sure the air conditioning in the CMC was working properly.

Turner said the weekend went “absolutely perfect. It went very smoothly.”

Altizer reported ticket sales were down for Sunday’s gospel show with Ethel Caffie-Austin, with ticket sales over 260. She said the show was fantastic.

“People who are fans of gospel show who didn’t attend missed out,” she said.

The CMC has several more shows and events planned for the rest of 2008. The Little Buddy Luau will be Sept. 13, with a luau at 4 p.m. and the concert by Parrots of the Caribbean, a Salute to Jimmy Buffett starting at 8 p.m. Naturally7, an accapella group, performs Saturday, Sept. 27 at 8 .m. The Richmond Ballet makes a stop at the CMC in October, and Spotlight West Virginia features an evening of performing artists from the state. That show will be in November.

For more information on the CMC, go to www.chuckmathenacenter.org or call 425-5128.

— Contact Mark Blevins at mblevins@ptonline.net.

        

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