The Main Stage of the 42nd Annual Marion Popcorn Festival will again feature three nights of free live entertainment, including a high-energy Thursday Popcorn Block Party, a Country artist with 16 #1 hits on Friday, and closes out on Saturday with some Hard Southern Rockers from Kentucky visiting before their September LP release and European Tour, on September 7-8-9 in downtown Marion, Ohio.
COLLIN RAYE will be taking the mainstage Friday, September 8.
Born Floyd Elliot Wray on August 22, 1960 in De Queens, Arkansas, country artist Collin Raye was one of the true hit makers of the 1990’s. Collin still continues to crank out soulful, heartfelt material with the honesty and richness that is signature to his vocals alone. With 25 top ten records, 16 #1 hits, and having been a 10 time male vocalist of the year nominee (5 CMA and 5 ACM), this truly electrifying performer of his era remains one of the great voices of our time.
Collin Raye is nothing if not passionate. His soulful delivery has set country standards in such searing ballads as “Love, Me,” “In This Life,” “Not That Different” and “If I were you”. Always an energizing showman, he has also blazed through such vivid rockers as “My Kind of Girl,” “That’s My Story,” “I Can Still Feel You” and “I Want You Bad.” Collin shot to fame with “Love, Me” in 1991. Listeners were so moved by this golden and pure voice that this song set the cornerstone for a career built on meaningful and emotional songs that have often been used for weddings, anniversaries, memorial services and funerals. When “Little Rock”, an anthem for those struggling with addition recovery, hit the chart in 1994, its video led to over 100,000 phone calls to Alcoholics Anonymous from folks seeking help in their addictions. “Not That Different” was a song that pleaded for tolerance. “In This Life” became a wedding favorite, and “I Think About You” won awards for its song and video which exposed the exploitation of women and children. His latest release “Scars” features the title song duet with Miranda Lambert, and additional tracks with Vince Gill and the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.
Collin Raye has consistently used his stardom to advance social causes. Among the organizations he has supported are Boys Town, First Steps, Al-Anon, Special Olympics, Country Cares About AIDS, Catholic Relief Services, Parade of Pennies, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, The Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence, The Emily Harrison Foundation, Childhelp USA, Silent Witness National Initiative, Easter Seals, The Life and Hope Network, and Make a Difference Day. It came as no surprise when in 2001 at the Country Radio Seminar, Clint Black presented Collin Raye with the organization’s Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition of Collin’s issue-oriented music and his tireless charity work.
For more info on Collin Raye, visit: www.collinraye.com
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Thursday’s Popcorn Block Party entertainment will start at 6:30 PM, with the Friday and Saturday headliners performing at 8:30 PM, following a 6:00 PM opening band (to be announced later) and the recognition of sponsors during the festival’s Opening Ceremonies.
The 2023 dates of the Marion Popcorn Festival are September 7, 8 and 9. All performances on the Festival’s main stage are free of charge. A limited number of Kernel sponsorship seats are available for any of the Main Stage performances by calling 740-387-FEST.
Other festival events and activities include the Popcorn Parade on Thursday with over 300 units, a 5K Run, the return of a Popcorn Golf Outing, a Fine Arts show, crafts and vendors, a corn hole tournament, the Community Showcase Stage, a new Christian Stage, a Poppin’ Party stage beer garden, a Popcorn Matinee musical performance at the historic Marion Palace Theatre, and much more.
For more information, visit our web site at www.popcornfestival.com or call 740-387-FEST. The Marion Popcorn Festival is thankful for its many sponsors including the City of Marion