The Philadelphia music scene will soon ramp up with the announcement of Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music winter lineup at the Ellis Theater.
Built in 1926, the Ellis Theater originally opened as a silent movie theater before converting to sound in the 1930s. After famous Philadelphia-born country star Marty Stuart and the Congress of Country Music renovated it, the theater reopened in 2022 and has since become a gathering place for Mississippians. Now, another season of music is coming to celebrate the venue’s 100th anniversary.
“The Ellis Theater was built to bring people together around great music, and this season will do exactly that,” Stuart said. “As we celebrate the theater’s 100th anniversary, it’s exciting to celebrate that history by filling the stage with artists who have shaped country, Americana, blues and roots music.”
The winter season begins Saturday, Nov. 21, with The Oak Ridge Boys. The gospel-country vocal quartet has been around for over 50 years and has won Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards over the years.
Jumping over two months later, on Friday, Jan. 29, 2027, country singer Lyle Lovett and country-folk artist Hayes Carll will perform onstage together for an evening of acoustic stories and songs. The following night, both will return to the stage for separate performances.
On Thursday, Feb. 25, blues and rock fans will have Tab Benoit and Duane Betts to look forward to. Following them will be solo acoustic artist Martin Sexton on Thursday, March 18, who will blend a plethora of genres ranging from soul to R&B.
Houston, Texas-based country artist Robert Earl Keen will keep the ball rolling on Friday, April 9, at the Ellis Theater. The winter lineup ends Friday, April 16, with country legend Larry Gatlin and special guest The Nelons.
“I’m excited for this next season and the opportunity to bring something special to the Ellis Theater,” Stuart said. “This lineup represents the range of artists and experiences we want audiences to find here, from legendary groups and country icons to incredible songwriters and musicians. As we celebrate 100 years of the Ellis, there is no better way to honor this place than by continuing to make it a home for great music.”
Season ticket holders will have early access to tickets during a presale that lasts through Oct. 1. Tickets go on sale to the public the next day. For more information, click here.
