When Paul Maloy turns 89 on Saturday, Feb. 7, the Plumb Theatre stage will be filled with something rare even in music-loving Longtown: five generations of Maloys singing together—and some of the finest guitar pickers around to celebrate the man who started it all. Paul and his wife Mattie spent years traveling the country as working musicians—Paul on guitar and vocals, Mattie on bass—before settling in Longtown and opening Plumb Theatre in 2003, just one month after Paul’s 66th birthday. For more than two decades since, the Maloys have kept the rafters ringing with toe-tapping gospel on Fridays and foot-stomping country on Saturdays.
Headlining the celebration will be Tony Matthews, blues-soulfunk guitarist and vocalist who toured the world with Ray Charles and later performed with Little Richard. Also taking the stage will be Dan Riley, who toured with Johnny Paycheck, and guitarist John Mathis—raising the tantalizing possibility of a spontaneous guitar showdown right on the Plumb Theatre stage.
As always, Paul will open the show on rhythm guitar with “God Bless America,” joined by Mattie’s steady bass line. But this night will be different. Standing with the audience— hands over hearts—will be daughter Teresa Esquivias; granddaughters Precellia Smith and LaTasha Royal; greatgrandchildren Justin Jr. and Esperanzo Smith; and great-great-granddaughter Saddie Powell, all singing along in a moment of family pride and shared history.
Plumb regulars will round out the night: Ken Vogt, trading drumsticks for guitar to harmonize with wife Sandy; Max Thompson, a 93-year-old banjoist; mellow-voiced Delores Eller; handclapping rhythm men Ron Hamman and Carroll Howell; and Cookie Eller, whose perky piano keeps everyone together.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m., a hearty cowboy supper will be served— brown beans, beef stew, chili, plenty of cornbread, and a BIG birthday cake—before the festivities wrap up at 9 p.m.
Plumb Theatre is located at 16505 SH-9E, Eufaula (Longtown), Oklahoma. No alcohol or drugs are permitted on the property. Admission is a love offering dropped in the can at the door.
Remember, it’s not a show without you.
