Jackson Free Press

Fondren's Duling Hall transforms into a honky-tonk club when country purists Dale Watson and Marty Stuart bring their authentic southern style to its stage.

Alabama-born and Texas-bred Dale Watson has been writing songs and picking guitars for more than 30 years. His latest release, 2013's "El Rancho Azul," puts his rich baritone voice and twangy guitar-playing to work. The album displays Watson's legendary influences, such as Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard, in catchy, traditional tunes like "I Lie When I Drink," which sounds like it could have been written in 1966.

Marty Stuart should be no stranger to Mississippians. He grew up in Philadelphia and has been a musical ambassador for our state and its country music heritage, starting as a young teen on the road with Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, later as part of Johnny Cash's band, then as an independent recording artist. Since 2008, he's hosted "The Marty Stuart Show," which airs on cable's RFD-TV. The musical variety program features talented upstarts and celebrated country-music performers.

Dale Watson and The Lone Stars play at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave., 601-292-7121) Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives perform Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Dale Watson and $30 for Marty Stuart. Purchase through ardenland.net. For more information, visit theconnextion.com/dalewatson and martystuart.net.