Bluegrass and barbecue Saturday night at Kelly’s Ford

Celebrated Louisiana-bred country star Alecia Nugent plays northern Culpeper Saturday night at a benefit concert in support of the State Theatre.

The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Inn at Kelly’s Ford in Remington and includes a barbecue dinner.

Also known as the Hillbilly Goddess, the title of her new album, Nugent grew up around traditional bluegrass and has two other albums besides.

Her music is boldly country, her voice soaring above the lyrics of sad love songs.

“Music is therapy for most people,” Nugent says. “They want to hear music that touches them, that means something to them. That’s what I like to sing.”

Named 2007 Female Vocalist of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music, she is hailed as one of the foremost interpreters of contemporary, country-flavored bluegrass. Her video, “Don’t Tell Me” is in regular rotation on CMT.

Nugent has appeared at mostly every major bluegrass festival and is a Grand Ole Opry favorite. The Wall Street Journal called her “the most riveting new female voice and stage presence in bluegrass.”

The Dark Hollow Bluegrass Band, a group of local guys from the Piedmont, opens for Nugent Saturday night.

Tickets include dinner and are $35 in advance or $50 at the door. Pick up tickets in advance online at culpepertheatre.org or: The State Theatre Foundation office on Main Street, Bonnie Reb Boot Shop, Culpeper Pharmacy, the Depot, The Music Store in Ruckersville, Petersen’s Jewelers, StellarOne Culpeper and Southern States in Luray. Call (540) 727-7979 for information.