The Shelby County Exhibition Center is often thought of in conjunction with the county fair and rodeos, but Nov. 6 the center will play host to country star Marty Raybon, formerly of the band Shenandoah.

Raybon is scheduled to play with his new band Full Circle and the group Joyful Hearts Ministry.

With hits like “Church on Cumberland Road,” “Next to you, Next to me” and “Two Dozen Roses,” Raybon and the band Shenandoah made quite a name for themselves.

But he said they made a point to not let the fame get to their heads or affect their music.

“We wanted to sing music that didn’t glorify drinking or partying –– we wanted people to identify with the music,” Raybon said. “Our aim was to put out music that said something to somebody.”

Raybon said people can expect the same from his new band Full Circle.

The band’s most recent album was titled, “This, That and the Other,” and they are currently working on another album for 2010. After the band Shenandoah broke up, Raybon went on to put out numerous bluegrass, country and gospel tracks.

Raybon also became a born–again Christian in 1991. He said he believes his success in the music business and in life is blessing from God.

“I really believe if God can help me, it can help anybody,” Raybon said.

Raybon said he wants to make sure people aren’t scared off by thinking the concert will be a church service.

“I’m a Christian that sings music whether it be country, bluegrass or Christian,” Raybon said. “We want to give people a mixture of stuff and hopefully let the music do the changing.”

The Nov. 6 concert at the exhibition center is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling: Ben King at 305–9499 or Isom Dawson at 445–3076. Children under 10 get in free. Tickets can be purchased the night of the concert.

Proceeds go to purchasing bibles for military and under privileged children in the area.