The Sunrise Theater presents "Raising The Roof 9" Saturday, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m., at the historic theater in downtown Southern Pines.

This year's event, which showcases a variety of regional talent, features Joe Frye, Hard Travelin', Steve Menendez and the Lost Marbles, New Buffalo Thunder and the Randy Hughes Band.

Joe Frye, of West End, plays the Delta Blues. He has performed locally at Flynne's as well as at First Friday in Southern Pines. Hard Travelin' is a Southern Pines-based blues band that includes Jeffrey Lomax, Dan Ouimet and Tim Kendig. Steve Menendez is a well-known local musician who has been musical director of several local productions.

New Buffalo Thunder includes Anthony Parks, lead guitar; Tom Compa, guitar and vocals; and Bob Howell, bass and vocals. Their original songs and versions of the classics cover a wide range of musical genres.

The Randy Hughes Band plays an eclectic mix of popular music from the 1960s and 1970s. A typical evening with the band runs the full gamut from the folk-rock classics (like James Taylor and Paul Simon) through country rock (The Eagles and Pure Prairie League), country (Hank Williams Sr. and Rodney Crowell), British invasion (The Beatles and The Stones), Southern rock (Little Feat), California rock (The Band and The Grateful Dead), Motown (Temptations and Foundations), rhythm and blues, (Van Morrison) and blues (B.B. King and Eric Clapton).

Past Raising the Roof concerts included Jimmy "Handyman" Jones, Bland Simpson, as well as Craig Fuller and Pure Prairie League. The first concert was indeed held to "raise the roof" - the theater needed a new one.

Seated is reserved. Tickets are $25 each. Visit www.sunrisetheater.com or call (910) 692-3611 for information.

The Sunrise is located at 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines.

"This is a sell-out every year," says a spokesman. "Get your tickets early."