Son of country music legend playing in McConnelsville

McCONELSVILLE – Marty Haggard, son of country music legend Merle Haggard, will perform two shows at 4 and 8 p.m. Aug. 15, at the Twin City Opera House in McConnelsville.

Marty grew up traveling with his father playing guitar and singing harmony for shows. Through this work, Marty was able to meet Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan and beame friends with the likes Johnny Cash, Bob Wills and Lefty Frizzell among others.

He formed his own band and was nominated for best new male vocalist by the Academy of Country Music in 1986 on the strength of the single "Trains Make Me Lonesome." The song was covered in 1992 by George Strait.

In 1999, Marty and his wife, Tessa, formed Marty Haggard Music and he began singing and writing songs of faith.

For the past few years, Marty has been working on tribute albums to his father, covering some of his best loved hits. Volume one came out in 2010 and the second volume in 2011, which led to Marty having extended stints at theaters in Branson, Missouri.

Also performing at the Aug. 15 show will be The Clark Family, Mike Morrison, Beth Sigler, Matt Coleman, The Rays and comedian Uncle Doofus.

Tickets are $10 to $15 and are available by calling 740-525-9218 or going to ohiovalleyopry.com.