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Opry meets the Ivy League

By JORGE SANCHEZ
Published February 3, 2007

Harvard University and Cowboy Junction Flea Market Opry may not cross paths often, but the singing cowboys will be helping the Ivy League institution today.

The flea market, home to the Cowboy Junction Opry, will host a fundraiser today for Harvard University.

Why?

"They sent me a letter," said Opry stalwart Buddy Max. "They have several good programs there."

So, beginning at 2 p.m. today, the pickers of the Cowboy Junction Opry will play and sing their hearts out to help a needy Harvard student. Other Opry entertainers are Freeland Sneden, Leo Vargason and Woody Faltinowski.

Helping out others is nothing new to Buddy Max.

"I've had fundraisers before that sent $245 to the Salvation Army, and we sent $179 to the children of Chernobyl," he said.

It seems Max will sing for a cause. Often, just because. Max said he doesn't personally know anyone who has attended Harvard.

Max said whatever money is raised will be sent to the Harvard admission office for use as it sees fit.

"It's for nobody in particular," he said. "But every penny will be going to help the students of Harvard University to further their studies."

Max has written hundreds of songs and says his current favorite to perform on stage is Take Me Down and Spin Me Around.

"I wrote it for my wife, Freda," he said.

The Cowboy Junction Opry is at the flea market at State Road 44 and County Road 490 in Lecanto. Admission is free, and people can help Harvard University by tossing a few bucks into a collection basket.

In other entertainment activities this weekend:

- Folk-rock musician The Wiz will give a concert at 8 p.m. tonight at Playhouse 19, 865 U.S. 19 S, Crystal River. The Wiz will perform some songs while accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, others with recorded tracks to sound like a full rock band. All songs are originals. Admission at the door is $10. Call 563-1333.

- The 12th annual Inverness antiques show continues today and Sunday at the fairgrounds auditorium, U.S. 41 S, Inverness. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4.

- Nameless, an Inverness jam band, performs at 8 p.m. tonight at Sabah Restaurant and Nightspot on U.S. 41 N, Inverness, near the post office. Free admission; food and drink available.

- Guitarist B.J. Bear leads his country/rock band BJ & Co. from 2 to 6 p.m. today and Sunday at the outdoor stage at Col. Frog's barbecue restaurant, 3171 S Stonebrook Drive, Homosassa Springs. Free admission. Call 628-1076.

- Victor/Victoria continues through Feb. 18 at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson. Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and some Thursdays, and at 3 p.m. Sundays. Doors open two hours before each show for cash bar and buffet. Shows are also at 1:15 p.m. some Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for cash bar and buffet. Dinner and show, $42.50; show only, $31.45; age 12 and younger, $24.95 and $19.95; tax and tip not included. Call toll-free 1-888-655-7469 for information.

Jorge Sanchez covers arts and entertainment in Citrus. Contact him at sanchez@sptimes.com or 860-7313 or toll free at 1-800-333-7505 ext. 7313.

[Last modified February 2, 2007, 20:15:41]