The late Mike Parsons, pictured, will be honored at a concert Friday, 7 p.m., at the Lincoln Theater in New Martinsville.

A concert to honor the memory of the late Mike Parsons will be held Friday at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater in New Martinsville.

The concert will feature many local musicians as well as performances by nationally acclaimed musicians Don “Poohbah” Mealer and Roguie Ray Lamontagne, who is the father of Grammy Award winning musician Ray Lamontagne. Parsons was a close friend to both Mealer and the elder Lamontagne from his days of living in Nashville, Tenn.

A Paden City native, Parsons was a well known and respected musician in the Ohio Valley for many years. He entertained countless people with his renditions of country, gospel, rock, and original tunes. Parsons was a mainstay at both the Paden City Labor Day Celebration and Sistersville’s Marble Fest, where along with close friend Steve Racer they had performed for numerous years.

Parsons’ nephew, Robby, who organized the concert was also a regular member of Mike’s band. “I often times said that playing with my Uncle Mike was the most enjoyable time I had playing music professionally. I grew up on his music and when the time came that I was good enough to join him, not only was it a pleasure, but it was also a privilege and an honor. Now, we are going to honor my Uncle Mike the only way I know how, by playing his music.”

Robby will be joined by local musicians Thomas Tharp, Bob Gibb, Jessica Schoonover, and Racer in the house band at the concert. Not only will they perform some of Mike’s original tunes, but they will be backing up other local musicians throughout the evening. Other musicians scheduled to perform include Dr. David Bridgeman, Rodney Sands, Richard McMullen, Buzz Haught, and Robby’s son Dylan, among others.

“I’m very excited that my son asked to be a part of the show,” Robby stated. “My Uncle Mike was always proud that I was part of the fifth generation of musicians in my family. Now we’re on to the sixth generation.”

Admission to the show is $8. Food and beverages will be available during intermission at the Florentine Arts Center, owned by Mike’s brother Dana Hall, located across the street from the Lincoln Theater. Also, the first 100 people through the door will get a copy of Mike’s original CD at no cost. Doors open at 6 p.m.