If you're a fan of the "Dukes of Hazzard" television show then you know who Cooter is. He's Cooter Davenport, the scruffy auto mechanic portrayed by Ben Jones in the farcical, action-filled program, and he's also the namesake of Cooter's Place, a haven for "Dukes of Hazzard" fans that's located in Luray, Virginia. Jones will be among the numerous "Dukes of Hazzard" cast members appearing at the festival to meet fans; notably, also appearing will be show heartthrob Tom Wopat, who portrayed Luke Duke on the show.
Besides being a successful actor Wopat is also a music star. He'll be on hand all three days of the festival and he'll perform in concert on Saturday, July 20. Since "Dukes of Hazzard" Wopat has kept busy with Tony Award-nominated performances on Broadway, roles in feature films like "Django Unchained" and the release of his 13th album, Simple Man. That effort finds Wopat covering the Graham Nash oldie that gives the album its title, interpreting a couple of James Taylor songs ("Frozen Man," "Copperline"), performing Lin Manuel Miranda's "Wait for It" from the musical "Hamilton" and a soulful mashup of the Bill Wither's chestnut "Use Me" with the Stephen Stills penned "For What It's Worth." The album also contains the Wopat original "County Line," a funky and somewhat eerie cut set in the hills of North Georgia that also has to do with moonshine (sound familiar?) and the Wopat co-write "Step in the Right Direction," a rollicking dance tune about the vagaries of love relationships. With 13 album's worth of material to choose from there's no telling what Tom will throw into his set.
The first day of the Cooter's 25th Anniversary Festival will take place, appropriately enough, at Cooter's In Luray. The fun moves to the Page Valley Fairgrounds in Luray on Sat. July 20 and final day Sunday July 21. Along with Wopat, musical performers on July 20 include The Legendary Pacers, Spencer Hatcher, Nathan Stanley and Cooter's Garage Band. Sunday's lineup features Confederate Railroad, Whey Jennings (grandson of country music outlaw Waylon Jennings), The Legendary Pacers, Cooter's Garage Band and The Deanes. Among the other "Dukes of Hazzard" stars set to appear at meet and greets is Catherine Bach who played sexy country girl Daisy Duke in the show. The festival will also feature the Hazzard County Car Show and lots of family fun. Here's really good news for fans who want to see Wopat's show and have a chance to meet him: Admission to the festival is free. Tickets however must be reserved in advance. For more information about Cooter's 25th Anniversary Festival and to reserve tickets go here.
For information on other fun things to do in Luray go here.
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