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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I | ||||||||||||
| In August 1993, Don Wax, then owner of WAXM radio decided to move the station's studios from Big Stone Gap to Norton in order to be near the business center of the area. He purchased the Cohen building on main street and began major renovations. Wax's plan was to operate the radio station in one half of the building, and in the other half, build a small country music theater to showcase and broadcast live entertainment by local artists. WAXM began broadcasting from its new studios in early spring 1994. The VA-KY Opry had its grand opening on January 21st, 1995 to a full and enthusiastic house, while WAXM, with its 50,000 watts of power, was broadcasting the show live throughout a five-state area. Since that date, the theater has provided continuous stage for hundreds of area performers, featuring a variety of music which includes country, gospel, bluegrass and occasionnaly even "big band" sounds. Special shows have included nationally known bluegrass artists such as Ralph Stanley and Larry Sparks and country-rock legends Goose Creek Symphony. Since october 1995, both WAXM and the Opry have been under new ownership but continue to play an integral part in the life of the community. It is becoming a landmark in area entertainment and lasting attraction for both local fans and tourists. |
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