In August 2018 I entered the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center for the first time since it was a simple movie theater during my childhood. After many years of sitting empty and falling into disrepair, a renovation was spearheaded by a talented architect who I just so happen to have graduated high school with once upon a time. Since that day nearly six years ago I have attended 100 performances at the venue…everything from old movies to Broadway plays, music legends to tribute bands, magic shows to stand up comedy. I have complained for decades that “there’s nothing fun to do around here”, a criticism that The RG has thankfully mitigated to a degree. I live a mile from the theater, and accessibility (a significant concern for me) isn’t a problem at all. I live alone and have no discernible social life, so the Robinson Grand has become one of my favorite places. This is my attempt to give The RG some well deserved praise and reflect on some of the more pleasant times of the past half decade+ by ranking the Top 25 Favorite Shows that I have attended (so far). I look forward to much more in the future.

25 A Bronx Tale: A One Man Show Starring Chazz Palminteri – April 2024

The opportunity to watch an Oscar nominated actor perform a one man show doesn’t occur often in my neck o’ the woods. In case you’re unaware, Palminteri wrote the play in the late 1980’s, and it was only after Robert DeNiro saw a performance that it was adapted into the 1993 film.

24 Diamond Rio – December 2022

It was actually a holiday show, so in addition to performing hits like I Believe & a great cover of The Eagles’ Lyin’ Eyes there were Christmas tunes.

23 Constantine Maroulis & Foreigner’s Journey – September 2022

American Idol fans will recognize Maroulis as a contestant from 2005, a season that saw him finish 6th while Carrie Underwood won and became a country music superstar. Since then he has found success on Broadway (including a Tony nomination in 2009 for Rock of Ages) and fronts this really cool tribute show. I was a little surprised that it wasn’t a sellout, which is why it’s not ranked a bit higher.

22 Holiday Dreams: Cirque Spectacular – December 2021

It’s special not necessarily because of the show itself (although it was fun enough) but due to the circumstances. I’ll spare you the full details which are meaningful to only me, but suffice to say that I forgot to order my ticket, the website indicated it was a sellout, but I attended anyway thanks to an extraordinary person who always went above & beyond and whose thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.

21 Side Door Club – April 2024

The powers-that-be came up with the creative idea to turn the stage of The RG into a speakeasy. A limited number of tickets were sold and attendees literally entered thru the side door of the theater. We were treated to delicious food catered by a local eatery, adult beverages, and amazingly soulful live music. I believe the plan is to repeat the concept at regular intervals in the future.

20 Bill Engvall – November 2018

I’ve always hoped for a comedy club to open around here, but that’s probably a pipe dream for this small town. Fortunately The RG has hosted a few comedy shows thru the years, and this one was a sellout. As a matter of fact I believe he did two shows. You might remember Engvall as part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour (with Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, and Ron White), his guest appearances on Tim Allen’s sitcom Last Man Standing, or his own short-lived sitcom on TBS about 15 years ago (Jennifer Lawrence portrayed his daughter). He’s the “Here’s Your Sign” guy.

19 Grand Opening (Jay Leno & The Guess Who) – October 2018

It speaks well of the venue that it’s Grand (Re)Opening doesn’t merit a higher spot. They were just getting started!! I always enjoyed Leno’s comedy and his skillful hosting of The Tonight Show. The Guess Who is a 70’s rock band known for hits like American Woman and These Eyes.

18 The Oak Ridge Boys – April 2022

The country music legends have actually performed at The RG three times. The first time I talked myself out of going due to my weird work schedule. After all, the Oak Ridge Boys peaked when I was a little boy and I only know a couple of their hits. However, when it was announced that they were coming back to town a year later my favorite high school teacher, who I ran into with some regularity at my place of employment, talked up how good the first show had been and convinced me to check them out. The Oak Ridge Boys recently came back for their third visit, but I decided to leave the memories alone.

17 Amici – June 2020

Fearless Fools – April Fools’ Day 2021

We all remember 2020, when a global pandemic brought the world to its knees. During that time I was dealing with my own separate medical issues, and one particular Friday night, as I was languishing in a local hospital, a virtual concert featuring a beloved local band livestreamed from the empty Robinson Grand lobby provided a welcome respite from my affliction. I become just a little verklempt recalling how I made sure my phone was fully charged and prayed that medical staff would allow me a couple hours of peace to enjoy the music. Then, after a year+ pandemic hiatus, The RG reopened its doors, and it was also the first time I was able to get out & about in all that time. Once again we were permitted to gather together for fellowship & laughter provided by a well regarded local comedy group. I despise Covid for many reasons, one of them being all the wonderful entertainment we were robbed of during that time. That being said, April Fool’s 2021 was a much needed catharsis.

16 Lights Out: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Tribute – November 2023

I’ve actually seen the real Frankie Valli at our local Italian Heritage Festival, as well as John Lloyd Young, who portrayed Valli in the Broadway musical Jersey Boys. I really enjoy the music and this was a fantastic tribute show.

15 Steve Vai – June 2023

It’s not often one gets to see a legendary Guitar God live. Actually, how many performers fitting that description are still around?? It was an unexpected opportunity for which I am thankful.

14 Jazz Night – February 2024

Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra – November 2023

The WV Jazz Society has had a few lovely local events, and I hope to see more at The RG in the future. Jazz Night was essentially an indoor jazz stroll featuring several West Virginia artists, while the Smithsonian Orchestra is exactly what it sounds like. I’ve developed an affinity for jazz & blues music in my adult years and would like to see more friends & neighbors appreciate it as well.

13 Landau Murphy: Home for the Holidays – December 2021, 2022, & 2023

Landau Eugene Murphy is a West Virginia native who won The Voice competition on TV in 2011. I’ve never watched that show, but since Murphy is a crooner in the style of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Michael Buble, et al, I have become a fan. He’s been coming to The RG during the Christmas season the past few years and it’s always a fun evening.

12 Motown All-Stars Christmas – December 2023

Okay, so I like Christmas!! These guys are so freakin’ talented and exhibited more energy in one concert than I have in my entire life. It is important to note that it is not a tribute band, but a group consisting of former members of groups like The Temptations, The Contours, and The Miracles, meaning that they’re all around my Dad’s age, which makes their vitality even more impressive.

11 Michael W. Smith – November 2022

Colton Dixon – April 2023

We Are Messengers w/ Ben Fuller and Cochren & Co. – November 2023

Rend Collective – April 2024

One might not think of your local performing arts center in the same way as you do your church, and rightfully so. That being said, The RG has provided a plethora of quality entertainment for the spiritually inclined thru the years. I am right at an age that I generally prefer the old familiar hymns we all grew up listening to on Sunday mornings, but also try to be open-minded. These were very cool shows with The Holy Spirit very much in the house.