Things are finally coming together for the Round Barn Opry.

After a year of planning,the Round Barn Opry will be finally making their debut in The Times Theater, 618 Main St in Rochester, on February 17 at 7 p.m. Kicking off a new tradition for historical theater, following their debut, Round Barm Opry will be making use of the stage by holding an Opry show the first and third week of every month on Thursday and Friday evenings. 

Katie Stewart is excited to bring her love for music back to her hometown. The Round Barn Opry isn't her first rodeo in the music industry. Playing in Florida for the Orange Blossom Opry and going by the stage name Kate Karter, she has performed all over the southern portion of the United States, even releasing a debut single 'Party in the Sticks' this past September. Now living in an apartment above the theater, planting the roots of her career in her hometown was a jump Kate was eager to take. 

Lead guitarist Larry Shepherd, bass player Paul Sadler, and drummer Jared Lewis will be joining Karter on stage, along with her own father, local musician and pastor Thad Stewart who will be playing rhythm guitar.

Sometime in the near future they also plan on holding auditions to showcase other local talent as well. 

Stewart said not only has the band been working hard, but so has the community. Between the murals and paintings done by local volunteers, to the donations and more, Stewart hopes the theater's contributions to the community is something that will continue to open doors for Rochester, in turn giving back to Rochester. 

Drummer Jared Lewis said he was happy to bring the memories of the theater back to life. Kate Karter even shared one memory she had in The Times Theater lobby. 

(Pictured from left, Thad Stewart, Katie Stewart "Kate Karter," and drummer Jared Lewis on the Times Theater stage recently.)