Renfro Valley, a historic music venue in Kentucky, celebrated Elvis Presley with a tribute concert while embracing its rich musical heritage and preparing for a promising future.
In January, Renfro Valley in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, hosted “The Concert of Kings,” a three-part tribute show dedicated to Elvis Presley, featuring performances that honored different eras of the iconic artist’s career. The event, which took place at the venue’s New Barn, attracted a lively audience that filled the space with enthusiasm, particularly during crowd favorites such as “Viva Las Vegas.”
Renfro Valley has long been a celebrated location for live music, known for its intimate atmosphere and rich heritage in Appalachian culture. Often compared to Kentucky’s Grand Ole Opry, the venue has been a beloved destination for music fans from various locations, including Canada, California, and Ireland. However, the majority of its attendees are local residents and those from nearby states. Brittany Asher, a staff member, expressed that many visitors return repeatedly, reflecting the venue’s welcoming environment. “It’s a smaller, more intimate venue, and there’s not a bad seat in the house,” Asher stated.
The establishment has a storied history, serving as a performance hub for prominent artists in country, Southern gospel, and mountain bluegrass music, with legendary acts such as Loretta Lynn, George Jones, and Keith Urban gracing its stage over the decades. Despite maintaining its roots in traditional genres, Renfro Valley aims to broaden its appeal by incorporating a wider variety of musical styles into its programming, an evolution that has contributed to its longevity.
The origins of Renfro Valley can be traced back to John Lair, a Mount Vernon resident whose passion for Kentucky music led him to Chicago in the 1930s. Lair was instrumental in launching the WLS “Barn Dance,” which featured folk humor and local musicians, effectively paving the way for his vision of an entertainment hub in Renfro Valley. Lair’s project took shape with the establishment of the “Renfro Valley Barn Dance” in Cincinnati before solidifying its presence in Mount Vernon in 1939.
Upon opening, Renfro Valley included original attractions like honeymoon cabins and a show barn, which has since been renamed the Old Barn. Initially met with skepticism from local residents, Lair’s success was supported by the burgeoning popularity of radio broadcasts. Over the years, the venue expanded its offerings, transitioning from a single-show format to hosting numerous weekly performances and such notable programs as the “Renfro Valley Gatherin’,” incepted in 1943, which became one of the longest continuous radio broadcasts in the United States.
As television became more popular, Renfro Valley gradually shifted to focus on live music, continuing to thrive even after Lair’s death in 1985. Ownership passed through several hands, evolving further under Warren Rosenthal and later Don and Vera Evans, devoted fans who steered the venue towards fresh opportunities. Their daughter and son-in-law, Julie and John Enneking, took over in 2010, continuing the legacy of family involvement in the venue’s operations.
Julie Enneking commented on her family’s connection to Renfro Valley, stating, “My dad was a farmer but loved Renfro Valley. He poured his heart and soul into it, and we are carrying on the family tradition.” The Ennekings actively involve themselves in the daily operations; their children contribute by managing marketing efforts and booking artists.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to live music venues across the country, including Renfro Valley, which remained closed for two years. However, the venue is poised for a resurgence, with plans for the 2025 schedule already highlighting reputable country music acts like Travis Tritt and the Oak Ridge Boys. In an effort to diversify, the programming will also include tribute acts from other genres, reflecting the evolving musical landscape of the area, which is increasingly regarded as “The Music Capital of Kentucky.”
To enhance its appeal, Renfro Valley is updating its facilities, including expanding to a 7,000-capacity outdoor amphitheater and reimagining the Old Barn to create a standing concert space. These changes will attract a younger generation of music enthusiasts while still honoring the venue’s deep-rooted history in live music and its tradition of warmth and hospitality. As it approaches its 85th anniversary, Renfro Valley remains committed to adapting and evolving, ensuring its relevance in the competitive music industry landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
