The streets of downtown Martin were filled with laughter, games and music this past week as the Soybean Festival made its way back into town. On opening night Festival goers were in for a special treat as country music pioneers Shenandoah took the stage.

The Grammy Award-winning band performed many of their chart-topping hits such as: “Next to you Next to Me”,” If Bubba Can Dance (I Can Too)”, “The Moon over Georgia”, and “Ghost in this House”. They also played their Grammy Award-winning single “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart”. This song is a duet and was originally sung with members of Shenandoah and Alison Krauss. This ballad was a special treat for the audience because the band performed it with a new artist, Carly.

Shenandoah was a very popular group back in the ‘80’s. The group consists of vocalist Marty Raybon, guitarist Jim Seales, keyboard player Stan Thorn, bassist Ralph Ezell, and drummer Mike McGuire. The band had several number one hits throughout the ‘80’s, but hit a downfall in the early ‘90’s. The last time they released an album was in 2000. In between songs, the band announced that they would be coming out with another album soon.

As their music filled the air they grabbed the attention of every person out in the crowd. People young and old began to dance and sing along with the band. Children began to imitate the band as they created their own air guitars. Martin native Ron Guy said, “I think that this is one of the best groups that they have had since the festival started booking live performances.” With every note that was played the crowd danced and clapped more and more. The artists even showcased their comical side as they lightened the mood when Hurricane Katrina was brought up. They urged the crowd to give whatever they could to help the evacuees and their families. They also added if they had any money left over it could be donated to filling up their bus so they could get back home.