Music Jamboree reopens in New Paris

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NEW PARIS — The Music Jamboree, located along South Washington Street in New Paris, has re-opened the doors for old country music fans.

The longtime music mecca in the village had recently been converted to an antique shop, opened by Lonnie and Ginni Huffgarden.

The two decided to get the building back into the show business world though, closing down their antique store a few months ago and converting the space back into the Music Jamboree.

And on Saturday, Oct. 3, several crowded into the building to watch bands play on the business’ opening day.

“People wanted it back,” said owner Lonnie Huffgarden. “People just keep coming in and missing it and walking through. We decided we’d bring it back.”

The Jamboree will be opened every Saturday and will feature house band Bodacious along with guest musicians – ranging from gospel groups to country music.

“I think what it will do is what it did before, and that is bringing unity to a lot of the people here. They get to talk with each other and spend time with each other and turn the town into more of a family,” said Huffgarden.

The building has seen several large acts, such as Michael Twitty – Conway Twitty’s son – and Mel McDaniel through the years.

Original owner Clay Huddleston had to close up shop because of health issues, not because the business wasn’t succeeding. The new revival hopes to embody the same spirit that he brought to the jamboree.

“It’s really neat to see this place finally coming together,” Huffgarden told the crown on Saturday night. “We are just going to try to keep on making things better as they go so you guys can have a good time, have some place to go, and make memories.”

The business will be opened every Saturday night starting at 5:30 p.m. for dinner and desserts – nearly all the food being homemade. The entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. and run through 8:30 p.m., with a half-hour intermission and music resuming from 9 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

The outside of the newly rennovated Music Jamboree located on S. Washington Stree in New Paris.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2015/10/web1_IMG_0034.jpgThe outside of the newly rennovated Music Jamboree located on S. Washington Stree in New Paris. Jeremy Erskine | The Register-Herald

The Music Jamboree’s house band, Bodacious, performs for the crowd on opening night.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2015/10/web1_IMG_0035.jpgThe Music Jamboree’s house band, Bodacious, performs for the crowd on opening night. Jeremy Erskine | The Register-Herald

By Jeremy Erskine

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Jeremy Erskine may be reached at 937-683-4061 or on Twitter @jerskine_RH

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