Need a little mid-winter pick-me-up?

If your chops are up for a little rock 'n' roll, or maybe a touch of gospel, folk rock, country rock, Celtic, blues, jazz, and traditional music -- not to mention a whole bunch of amazingly beautiful original tunes -- grab a ticket and plant your feet under one of the plush seats at the Sunrise Theater for "Raising the Roof 8" on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and are available at the Sunrise Theater office (the office is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.) or you can pick a great seat and buy your tickets online at www.sunrise

theater.com.

From its humble beginnings eight years ago, Raising the Roof, a gathering of local musicians who support the Sunrise Theater with their time and talent, was bound to be a tradition -- and a hit. Music lovers and theater regulars have sold out the Sunrise for the benefit -- more than 2,200 folks have attended the performances -- to enjoy the amazing array of musical talent that would do any big city proud.

Craig Fuller of Pure Prairie League and Little Feat fame; Jimmy Jones who penned and sang "Handy Man"; the Randy Hughes Band; Danny and June Infantino; Bland Simpson of the Red Clay Ramblers; Pure Prairie League (the entire band); and a slew of other talented folk have graced the Sunrise stage for earlier versions of Raising the Roof.

And this year, the theater is holding a raffle the night of Raising the Roof, tickets for which will be on sale before the show for $1 or 6 for $5. Some of the raffle prizes are Sunrise movie tickets,tickets to Seth Walker -- the theater's next Sunrise Concert -- lunch for two at Sweet Basil, Easter dinner for 6 to 8 from Fresh Market, a Cafe Iano gift certificate, a signed Panthers football, a Best Buy gift certificate, a Jefferson Inn gift certificate, golf at Talamore and more.

This year's show offers an amazing lineup of local talent.

If you haven't heard the McKenzie Brothers, you're in for a sweet treat. These guys are a hoot. And they've been playing the Sandhills and all points on the compass for years, so they have a large following. If you need a good laugh and you want to hear some great music, the McKenzies are your boys.

Patrick Fuller is a freshman at UNC, and at 18 is already an accomplished musician. He's been performing with his father's band, Pure Prairie League, all over the map, and he's writing his own songs and playing lead guitar when the opportunity presents itself.

Lord knows he has the correct genes, and he has a natural knack for kicking back on the electric and playing his heart out. Or hushing the audience with a simple ballad. And he's fearless! You'll want to catch this up-and-comer so you can say you were there way back when.

Stoney Creek will take the stage again this year. Shane Bufmeyer and his two sons, Erik and Jake, will be joined by vocalist Courtney Voss, who also plays fiddle and completes the Stoney Creek foursome. The band has recently released its second CD, "Lonely Traveler" -- and they continue to be one of the area's most popular "new" grass performers.

Eck McCanless unknowingly developed his interest in music at an early age, watching his dad, "Fiddlin' Al McCanless," sawin' on a fiddle with the "Bluegrass Experience" He got used to hearing music being played regularly and was always encouraged to tinker with his dad's instruments, be it fiddle, guitar, bagpipe, hurdy gurdy, whatever.

He formerly performed with Red Radio, who enjoyed some success winning numerous battles of bands, opening for Dave Matthews, and producing a fantastic album, "Thoroughly Modern." Sadly, this too came to an end due to creative differences.

McCanless has gone solo but still maintains a working relationship with most of the artists he's backed, but now focuses on his own solo acoustic act and "speaking in third person."

The Java Mules are a six-piece old-time string band with an eclectic flare and a strong Appalachian influence. Their songs range from creative renditions of 1920s fiddle tunes and traditional old-time songs, to country blues, and even original songs with the flavor of the old mountain life.

They play in a variety of venues, from churches to theaters to wine shops. The band comes with an array of instruments and three vocalists to accommodate the lively variety of tunes.

The Covenant Christian Youth Praisers are a gospel group made up of third- and fourth-generational descendants of former and present members. The choir tries to bring the message of the gospel and God's love to the people through singing and interpretive dance, and they provide funds to overseas and statewide missions, including Cameron Morrison Correctional Facility in Hoffman.

They perform programs at churches, health care facilities, retirement homes, etc.

And a rip-roaring grand finale is promised.

The profits from Raising the Roof go to support the Sunrise Theater.

For more information about Sunrise events, go to www.sunrisetheater.com or call 692-3611.

Contact Stephen Smith at travisses@hotmail.com.