Opry to Feature Darrel Appelt, Kelly Hartsfield, And Mark Mach

The Fayette County Country Music Club will host their monthly Opry Monday, March 17, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in La Grange. The show starts at 7 p.m. and the doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $8.

This month the opry is featuring Darrel Appelt, Kelly Hartsfield and Mark Mach Darrel Appelt is a seasoned country music artist for over 40 years originating from Columbus. After many years of live band success in the dancehall and honky tonk scene and opening for many major artist, Darrel more recently took his career into the singer/songwriter/ recording artist scene. The 2019 release of his Long Time Good Time album featured the successful singles Blue Eyed Girl, My Baby Likes My Texas and Back Road. In 2021 he released his A Place to Go Album with the popular songs A Place To Go, Gruene, Texas and South Texas Beer Joint Blues.

Now in 2024 he is having great success with his latest alloriginal album titled Memory Lane. The new album features incredible upbeat songs with a good time honky tonk feel. With world wide distribution, Darrel Appelt’s music is available on all platforms. Darrel continues to write and perform live acoustic shows. Follow Darrel Appelt Music on Facebook or contact Darrel via email darrelappelt@hotmail. com.

Kelly Hartsfield was born in Houston and has lived in the small town of Trinity most of her life. She serves her community as a Math Instructional Coach. She’ll be starting her 25th year in education this fall. She has two adult daughters who reside in Houston and Mesa, Ariz. Kelly has loved singing in the church all of her life. During the past 10 years, she has started singing across Texas and several other states in many Opries and Jamborees to help preserve Real Country, Bluegrass, and Gospel music. Kelly Hartsfield is honored and excited to be performing at the Fayette County Country Music Opry for her third time this evening.

Mark Mach’s interest in music was sparked at a very early age. His grandfather and dad enjoyed playing the guitar their entire lives. Venues included dance halls, family reunions, and family living rooms where pickers would get together and play for hours. Mark’s fondest memories are those where he was allowed to play with his dad and others. He was also asked to play mandolin for his third grade class. In eighth grade, Mark played guitar and bass with a group of high school seniors who had a local band.

He continued playing in various bands throughout his life, including Sammy and the Midnighters out of El Campo, Dixie out of Bay City, and The Taylor Brothers Band out of Victoria. The venues he has played stretch all across south Texas, and each hall holds a different story that former band members love to talk about when reminiscing about good memories. With those bands, Mark had the privilege to be the opening act for many stars such as Ray Price, Asleep at the Wheel, Billie Joe Royal, Roy Head, Holly Dunn, and Steve Wariner.

Country music is what Mark has enjoyed playing his whole life. He continues to play at various locations, collaborating with other performers or as his solo act Mach One. He loves getting to work with his son Stephen who now also plays with him and runs sound for him at these shows. Mark has also stated that just getting together with other pickers for unrehearsed sessions is his greatest enjoyment.

Be sure to be with the Fayette County Country Music Club on Monday, March 17, 2025 for a toe tappin’ good time.