Roanoke’s Shed Stimulus

The Roanoke Rapids Amphitheatre in North Carolina is taking its maiden voyage nice and easy, including a recent $1 show, despite a controversy that peripherally involves Dolly Parton’s brother.

The N.C. General Assembly has shelved a bill that would tack on $3 to each ticket sold to the redeveloped shed, once known as the Carolina Crossroads Amphitheatre.

The money was expected to help pay off $21.5 million in debt the city incurred developing the Roanoke Rapids Theatre, according to the Rocky Mount Telegram.

The venue was previously known as the Randy Parton Theatre, where Dolly’s brother performed to half-empty rooms until he was let go. The city expected the show to be a major tourist attraction.

Rocky Mount-based Atlantic One Entertainment is reopening the shed with a new stage, restrooms and other buildings. The first performance was a daylong “stimulus” show featuring Zapp, The Adam Stone Band and Maurice Wynn. Frankie Beverly Experience was expected to perform May 30.