Hal Ketchum to kick off concerts

Hal Ketchum.

Singer-songwriter Hal Ketchum makes his first Central Oregon appearance when he kicks off this year's Sisters Starry Nights Concert Series on Saturday, February 2.

The fund-raising concert series supports the Sisters Schools Foundation.

Known as one of the most versatile of contemporary country artists, Ketchum covers a range of styles from traditional country to rockabilly to elegant pop balladry to rootsy Texas folk.

His 1990 debut album "Past the Point of Rescue" established him as a major star, propelled by the single "Small Town Saturday Night," which became the top radio song of 1991, according to Radio & Records Magazine.

His many subsequent hits include "I Know Where Love Lives," "Five O'Clock World," "Stay Forever," "Sure Love" and "Hearts Are Gonna Roll."

Sidelined in 1998 by a neurological disorder called transverse myelitis, which left him partially paralyzed, Ketchum underwent rehabilitation that required him to relearn motor skills including playing guitar.

He has since made a full recovery, and just last year released his latest album, the aptly named "Lucky Man," to rave reviews. It contains the hit single "She Is" and the Dolly Parton duet "Two of the Lucky Ones," which is currently climbing the charts.

He will be joined at the Sisters show by long-time percussionist Christopher Nieto and renowned guitarist Bill Cooley, who is also a member of Kathy Mattea's band.

Opening the show is comic Maryellen Hooper. Hooper was named "Best Female Stand-Up Performer" by the American Comedy Awards in 1998 and has been seen on such programs as NBC's "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," A&E's "Evening at the Improv," Lifetime's "Girls Night Out" and at comedy clubs across the country.

The 2001 series raised more than $60,000 in net proceeds, for a five-year total of $250,000. The revenues have funded a multitude of programs including music, art, science, athletics, reading, math, home economics, technology, outdoor school and other vital co-curricular and classroom activities that have faced budget cuts due to limitations in state funding.

Over the years, the Sisters Starry Nights Concert Series has brought a wide range of nationally recognized artists to Sisters, including Kim Carnes, John Hiatt, and members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Tickets for the February 2 show, as well as tickets for the March 1 show starring Karla Bonoff and Wayne Cotter, are priced at $30 each.

The February 16 show featuring Vince Gill and Amy Grant is sold out.

For information on ticket availability, contact Leavitt's Western Wear in Sisters at 549-6451.