Songs of 'Country Legends' join MSO in concert

HAGERSTOWN, MD. – More than 75 years of country music will be showcased during the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s “Country Legends” concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, October 15, at the historic Maryland Theatre.

Nashville recording artists Rachel Potter and Patrick Thomas will take the stage alongside Music Director and Conductor Elizabeth Schulze and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra to pay tribute to the greatest names in country music, such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Faith Hill and many more.

“Country Legends” has been performed by orchestras across the country. During this one night only concert event, audience members will experience the best of country music starting from the genre’s simple beginnings and ending with the blockbuster music of today. The concert offers a guided tour of country music history, from Hank Williams' "Hey Good Lookin'" and Marty Robbins' "El Paso" to Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" and Faith Hill's "Breathe."

Along the way there will also be songs by Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, John Denver, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, and, "The Gambler" himself, Kenny Rogers.

Rachel Potter is a Nashville- based country music recording artist and songwriter. She was also a top-12 finalist on the hit television reality show “The X Factor.” She has two albums, "Live the Dream" and "Not So Black and White" that are currently available on iTunes. Broadway credits include the Mistress in “Evita,” Wednesday in “The Addams Family” and Glinda in “Wicked.”

Patrick Thomas is a Nashville-based recording artist and was a finalist on Season 1 of NBC’s hit show “The Voice.” An accomplished pianist and guitarist, he was also a staff writer for Cornman Music/Warner Chappell from 2011-2013.  Currently, he stays busy writing music and touring as a band leader for a number of recording artists.

“We are constantly striving to present concerts that challenge the stereotype of ‘symphony orchestra’s’ in the most traditional sense.” says Michael Harp, director of marketing and public relations for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, in a press release announcing the concert.

“Country music is a great example of contemporary, popular music building a fan base from folks who enjoy many other musical genres." Harp said. "So, whether you are a country music fan or not, ‘Country Legends’ features two incredible vocalists alongside the extraordinary Maryland Symphony Orchestra musicians in an evening of music that has broadly influenced pop culture across multiple generations.”

Tickets for the concert range from $25 to $65 for adults and $15 to $55 for children and full-time students. To purchase tickets, call 301-797-4000 or go online at www.marylandsymphony.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the MSO Box Office, 30 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland. The Maryland Theatre is located at 21 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown, Maryland.