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A season of recognized entertainment begins at the Newberry Opera House.

Mac McAnally will make his debut on the Newberry Opera House stage for a special performance, Sept. 28 at 8 p.m.

If McAnally never sang or played another note of music, his place in music history is more than assured. Mississippi singer/songwriter, producer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and all around musical sage, McAnally’s songwriting attracted Jimmy Buffett and Hank Williams, Jr., both of whom cut McAnally songs.

Alabama took his Old Flame to No. 1. Reba McEntire, T.G. Sheppard, David Allan Coe, Shenandoah, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Ricky Van Shelton, Charley Pride, Randy Travis and Steve Wariner are just some of the artists who cut McAnally’s songs.

Over the next 20 years, McAnally became an in-demand producer, along the way working with Ricky Skaggs, Restless Heart, Chris LeDoux and Little Feat, among others. He produced the band Sawyer Brown through their biggest successes and penned their signature hits including The Cafe On The Corner, The Boys And Me and Thank God For You. His guitar and vocal skills weren’t confined to the studio as he joined Buffett’s touring Coral Reefer band, an association that continues to this day.

His accomplishments were recognized in 2007 when he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The following year, the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame and then named by the Country Music Association Musician of the Year.

All this is with a humble spirit mixed with a jester’s sense of execution and timing. Anybody who likes country music is going to walk away and say—when can I have some more of that.

Tickets are available at the Newberry Opera House box office. For reservations call 276-6264 or visit our website www.newberryoperahouse.com