CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta is well underway, and for the Capital City, it’s something to be proud of.

For the third night of entertainment, Regatta goers are putting on their hillbilly shoes to speed on down to Kanawha Boulevard for Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery. The award-winning country artist takes the stage at 8 p.m. Friday.

As with any concert, there’s one in every crowd who may be a familiar face, and for this show, that face will be up on stage with Eddie Montgomery.

The song “My Town” will take on a new meaning for lead guitarist Jeff Ray, as he is, in fact, playing in his hometown! The West Virginia native is originally from just up the road in Ripley, West Virginia, and his wife, Kelley Ray, is from Parkersburg.

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“He’s always played music from forever, and he’s one that would rather be on stage than behind the scenes. And, it’s just what he’s always wanted to do,” said Kelley. “He filled in a couple times, and then when they called and asked him to come on, it was pretty exciting.”

Ray tells WOWK 13 News he’s excited to be playing back in his home state. You could say he’s a lucky man.

“It’s going to be really cool. When you grow up in West Virginia, you always wanted to play at Regatta,” Day said. “Everybody always does, and now suddenly, I’m with the headliner. So, I’m really excited.”

As the band’s lead guitarist, Ray has traveled across the country for performances, including to the Grand Ole Opry. Ray says while it means he’s on the road a lot, his career is his passion.

“You have to take the bus time with the stage time, you know,” he said.

“That’s what he enjoys the most – feeding off the crowd,” Kelley said.

Montgomery Gentry first formed in 1999 as a duo of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry, both natives of Kentucky. The duo would go on to perform and record albums together until Gentry’s tragic death in September 2017. He was killed in a helicopter crash in Medford, New Jersey just hours before the pair was set to perform.

Following Gentry’s passing, Montgomery chose to continue a solo career, while still honoring Gentry’s memory with the “Montgomery Gentry” name.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOWK 13 News.