A family affair: Rader brothers holding string of winter concerts in Panama City Beach

PANAMA CITY — Two local brothers and long-time musicians are preparing for their latest round of winter shows coming soon to Panama City Beach.

Dennis “Moonshine” Rader and Billy Rader, who is also a Panama City commissioner, are continuing their family legacy as musicians after they have had several performances at one of America’s largest opries.

The annual Billy Rader Winter Visitor Appreciation Show takes place at the Laketown Wharf Event Center at 9902 S. Thomas Drive. He has invited special guest star Clyde Foley Cummins, who has performed in several shows at the Comedy Barn Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Cummins is the grandson of the late Red Foley.

Panama City Beach: What COVID-19 pandemic? Snowbirds flock to Panama City Beach this year in 'droves'

More: Who's up for tacos and margaritas? New El Rodeo Mexican restaurant opens in Panama City Beach

The show will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 15, and tickets are on sale for $20 for adults and $10 for kids. For tickets, contact Billy Rader: 850-866-0450 or billyrader56@yahoo.com.

Also, Dennis Rader has three different shows for this year’s Winter Concert Series at the Todd Herendeen Theatre on three dates: 2 p.m. Jan. 21, 6 p.m. Feb. 14 and 2 p.m. March 4. Tickets are on sale now for $20 for one show and $15 for multiple shows. For tickets, contact Dennis Rader: 850-814-8373.

The Rader family owned and operated the Ocean Opry, a 1,000-seat music theater, from 1978 until 2005 when it was sold. The venue sat on 10 acres of land on Front Beach Road and was constructed by the family, which transported seats from a closed movie theater in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to Panama City Beach.

Family patriarch Wayne Rader, the late father of the Rader family, passed down his legacy of music through many generations.

The Ocean Opry booked several Country Music Hall of Fame members to perform, including The Oakridge Boys, Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, George Jones and Mel Tillis. In addition, three generations of the Rader family performed on the same stage as opening acts for the stars, as well as full performances during the whole show.

“We still host these shows because it’s a part of our family’s heritage and music is therapy for us,” Billy Rader said.

Over the years, both of the Rader brothers have put on separate music shows in Panama City Beach, similar to the shows in Pigeon Forge.

Dennis Rader, also known as "Moonshine," is preparing for his 12th year hosting his own shows as a solo artist and hillbilly comedian. This is his fifth year performing at the Todd Herendeen Theatre, with most of his performances tailored to audiences of country music, gospel music, old-time rock n’ roll and the local community.

Dennis Rader's two oldest sons, Danny and Brent, are in the music industry in Nashville, Tennessee. Danny recently completed 10 years as Keith Urban’s lead guitar player, with previous experience working with country singers Jason Aldean, LeAnn Rimes and Gretchen Wilson. Brent has worked closely with Billy Dean, Jo Dee Messina, Collin Raye and several other 1990s country artists.

Panama City: UNDERCURRENTS: Local artist painting 100 foot-long mural downtown

Dennis Rader said people could expect anyone to perform at his upcoming shows. For instance, his mother, Patsy Rader, 84, performed in his show last year. He said he is confident his audience will be thoroughly entertained from beginning to end.

“After closing the Ocean Opry, I didn’t want to quit doing it. It’s a great time of reunion for me to see old friends and fans,” he said. “I’m so driven to do this for the memories, it’s a rich relationship between the audience and myself.”

Last October, Billy Rader performed 15 shows at Dollywood during Harvest Fest in Pigeon Forge, and he is already booked to perform in this year’s festival. He’s played the fiddle, banjo and the guitar during his shows and does tributes to country stars such as Willie Nelson, as well as late musicians such as Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings.

“It was a great experience to perform there and I’m so blessed to say I’m able to do this again and have good health," Billy Rader said.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Beach Florida to host winter concerts by Rader brothers