The nine lives of Rockabilly continue with "Rockabilly Circus 2," a multi-generational concert event Friday night at the Northern Lights Theater. Legends Jack Scott, Narvel Felts and Huelyn Duvall will be joined by their successors Marti Brom, Chris Casello Trio and Slim Jim Phantom.

When he began performing in the 1950s, Jack Scott said there were no labels for the music. "I was raised on the Grand Ole Opry, country and Western and hillbilly music," he said. "We’d play a square dance and then some rock and roll.

"In the ‘70s, I did a tour of Europe with Warren Smith and Charlie Feathers, and it might have been Charlie who came up with combining hillbilly and rock and roll as the name Rockabilly. Before that, it wasn’t really labeled. They didn’t fine tune it like they do today."

Scott says he never looked for a hit record, but success followed. He was later discovered by a new generation when The Cramps covered his song "The Way I Walk." He is working on a book about his career in music.

Marti Brom said she always directs fans to the legendary acts.

"I tell them, ‘If you have a choice, see the older performers.'" Brom said. "It is amazing to the see the originals while they are still around."    

Slim Jim Phantom agreed, "Jack Scott is an artist who’s had an impact. When your songs are covered all these years later, it means you’re the Real McCoy. Narvel Felts recorded on Sun Records; to me, that is the official stamp of rockabilly royalty."

Brom grew up influenced as much by Chrissie Hynde and Billie Holliday as much as The Porter Waggoner Show and Hee-Haw. As a performer, she found her niche with roots music.  "I always gravitated toward older styles of music," she said.

Her energy and style strikes a chord with the Rockabilly fanbase. Brom is currently working on a new album that focuses on her original material.

"These shows are important both to show a connection to past and show appreciation to the classic artists who have inspired all the rock and roll music that has come since they launched it," Phantom said, "but mostly, it’s a fun night out with a lot of great songs."

Pre-party featuring music from Carmen Lee & The Tomorrow River Two begins at The Fire Pit's side bar from 5 until 7 p.m. The show begins at 7. Tickets range from $25 to $35.