Commerce Street isn’t Broadway.

Greenville is more of a sleepy, little town that enjoys naps rather than staying up all night like the Big Apple.

But on Monday night the Camellia City showed some big-city flair when it lit up the Ritz Theater as the Greenville Area Arts Council kicked off its 30th season with a performance of “Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience.”

An hour before the nation’s top Buddy Holly performer, Billy McGuigan, took the stage at the historic theater to belt out he legendary rocker’s hit songs, the GAAC held a reception at Whitney Bank where local theater lovers had the opportunity to mingle and hear rock-n-roll hits from days gone by, and even do a little twisting and shouting.

Like the songs that floated out of the bank’s front doors and onto Commerce Street, the Ritz’s heyday may have been in days gone by, but today the theater is alive and well as it serves as the home to a number of fantastic performances brought to the area by the hard work of the GAAC.

As a community we are fortunate to have a group that is dedicated to making the arts a part of our city, and GAAC Executive Director Nancy Idland and the rest of the crew have a full slate planned for the upcoming year, including a performance by the Missoula Children’s Theatre in December that will feature Greenville’s own on stage.

We’d encourage everyone to come out and show appreciation and support for the GAAC and enjoy a show, or two or three in the process.

For more information on the GAAC and its upcoming season or to obtain season tickets/membership, visit www.gaac-ritz.com.