Fourth Show in 2009-2010 First Farmers and Merchants Bank Performance Series - Tickets On Sale

Anyone who has ever sat around a campfire knows how much fun it can be - singing songs, telling jokes, and of course sharing stories. Columbia State Community College will present "Toe Roaster," the fourth show in the 2009-2010 First Farmers and Merchants Bank Performance Series on Thursday, February 25 at 7 p.m. in the Cherry Theater.

"I think everyone would enjoy a cozy evening around the campfire listening to the stories spun by these great song writers," said Monteia Moore, director of evening and community services at Columbia State.

"Toe Roaster" is an original play-musical involving three normal guys. Modern-day cowboys of sorts who fight to reconcile in their own minds the struggle between their own priorities and modern day ills. Laced with humor and music, Hamlet, Chuck and Big Daddy spend time telling tall tales, reminiscing, and philosophizing. They deal with everything from why everyone seems to be 'up at Wal-Marts,' cell phones, swimming with sea creatures, and finally, world peace.

The cast of the play is composed of three familiar songwriters - Bryan Kennedy as "Chuck," Wynn Varble as "Hamlet" and Troy Jones as "Big Daddy."

Kennedy has written nine hits that appear on numerous Garth Brooks records, including three #1 radio hits, "Good Ride Cowboy," "Beaches of Cheyenne," and "American Honky Tonk Bar Association." In addition, he opened for Garth Brooks from 1996 to 1998, performing many of the songs heard in "Toe Roaster."

Varble, a well-known songwriter who resides in Maury County, wrote several songs heard in "Toe Roaster" that have also been heard on the records of national recording artists such as Brad Paisley and Garth Brooks. His biggest song writing credit to date is "Have You Forgotten," which he wrote with Daryl Worley. The song remained number one on the country music charts for seven weeks. He also wrote "Waitin' On A Woman," recorded by Brad Paisley, which debut at #51 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart in June 2008 and was named NSAI Song of the Year - Varble netted NSAI Songwriter of the Year honors as well. Varble's hit "A Little More Country Than That," recorded by Easton Corbin, is currently #14 on Billboard's Country Chart.

Jones, a successful songwriter of more than 10 years, has written songs such as "The Shade Comes Free With The Tree" for country music star Joe Nichols, and Kenney Chesney's self acclaimed favorite song on "The Road and the Radio" album titled "Like Me." Recently, Jones' "People Are Crazy," recorded by Billy Currington, reached #1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and #27 on Billboard's Hot 100.

Tickets for the performance may be purchased by calling or visiting Columbia State's ticket office during ticket office hours. Columbia State's ticket office is open Monday through Thursday between the hours of 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. in room 103 of the Waymon L. Hickman building, and between 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. in room 109 of the Warf building. Tickets may also be purchased on Fridays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. in Warf, room 109.

The ticket office will be open one hour prior to the performance in room 103 of the Waymon L. Hickman Building. The Cherry Theater is located in the Waymon L. Hickman building on Columbia State's Columbia Campus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are accepted.

To purchase tickets by telephone, call (931) 540-2879 during office hours.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.