Thomasville Center for the Arts (TCA) kicks off the year country style with another toe-tapping, intimate evening of Rhythm & Roots, TCA’s singer songwriter series. The event, which originated at TCA’s Due South Festival, has grown into its own series due to its popularity and originality. This January, TCA welcomes Wyatt Durette and Jim McBride to the stage, and patrons can expect to hear not only the songs, but the backstory behind some of country music’s number one tunes like Luke Combs’ “Beautiful Crazy,” Zac Brown Band’s “Chicken Fried,” Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” and more. TCA is thrilled to bring such immense talent to Thomasville — grab your tickets and save the date for January 31.

Songwriting started early for Wyatt Durette. He penned his first song at 11, trying to imitate the sounds and stories of his father’s country favorites. Today, his tone is unique — a mix of bluegrass, island and country, with country bringing him back to his Virginia roots, back to a seat in his father’s car. As an aspiring songwriter, Durette worked as a bartender in Atlanta, and met an aspiring musician, Zac Brown. The two hit it off, both as friends and as songwriting partners and soon, “Chicken Fried” launched both to stardom. To this day, Durette has written countless, award winning, number one songs with Zac Brown — like “Colder Weather,” “Sweet Annie,” “Toes,” “Homegrown,” and many more. Recently, his lyrics caught the attention of country star Luke Combs. Together, the two penned “Crazy Beautiful” which just won this year’s CMA’s “Song of the Year” and SESAC’s “Song of the Year.”

Jim McBride has been in the songwriting industry for 30 years and has had countless hits by his hand. He has worked with many of country music’s legends like Alan Jackson, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Reba McEntire, Travis Tritt, Randy Travis, Alabama and more. Some of his most famous songs include Conway Twitty’s “A Bridge that Won’t Burn” and Waylon Jennings’ “Rose in Paradise;” his most successful collaborations came with a young musician at the time – Alan Jackson. He and Jackson wrote multiple number ones like “Chasing that Neon Rainbow,” “Someday,” and then their smash hit “Chattahoochee” which also won the CMA’s Song of the Year along with many more awards.

Durette and McBride will share the TCA stage on January 31 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. 

“Rhythm & Roots gives a glimpse into part of the creative process not usually seen by the general public,” said TCA performance manager Traylor Roberts. “The evening gives a voice to part of the process traditionally kept behind the scenes in a fun and intimate way. We are excited to bring this exceptional talent to Thomasville — it will be a great night!”

Rhythm & Roots is presented by Flowers AutoGroup in partnership with TCA; Tickets are $30 and guests will have access to a cash bar. There is also a Roadie ticket at $55, with up close VIP seating and two complimentary drinks. Both are available at thomasvillearts.org or call TCA at (229) 226-0588 for more information.

Thomasville Center for the Arts serves as a catalyst for artistic expression, arts education, and creative economy in Thomasville, Georgia and the surrounding region. The Center has two locations: the historic East Side School building at 600 E. Washington St. and in the heart of the creative district at 209 W. Remington Ave. For more information visit thomasvillearts.org.