CHOCOWINITY — One thing Angie Lewis has learned is the importance of giving the people what they want.

In her case, the people are those who attend concerts and specialty shows at Tar Heel Variety Theater, the Chocowinity entertainment theater her family has owned and operated since May 2002.

The Lewis family first opened the theater under the name Grand Ole Gospel, and while they met with some degree of success they wanted to expand their client base to include fans of traditional country and bluegrass music. It was a difficult decision, Lewis recalled, but one thing the family remained adamant about was keeping to their old-school values and only offering entertainment suitable for all ages.

The theater has been on summer hiatus for a few weeks, but the Lewis family will throw open the doors once again Saturday with a concert featuring The McKameys, a gospel group founded in 1954 and recipient of several music awards over the ensuing decades. The group will perform many of its 30 number one songs during the concert, which begins at 7 p.m.

This weekends’ concert kicks off the second half of the Tar Heel’s 2015 season. And while the theater has played host to a number of country and gospel legends — headliners have included Roy Clark, Ronnie McDowell, Rhonda Vincent, Gene Watson, Connie Smith, Dailey & Vincent, The Issacs and Ivan Parker — Lewis is making a small tweak to the upcoming line-up by featuring more local entertainers.

“We have so much talent here in eastern North Carolina, so I just think it’s a good idea to feature our local artists,” she said.

To that end, the Tar Heel will hold a George Jones tribute performance Aug. 8 featuring Eric Strickland & The “B” Sides, with special guest Dana Lewis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime at 7:30 p.m.

The music of the late, great Elvis Presley will be in the Tar Heel spotlight Aug. 15. Hosted by Allen Vick of 105.9 and 107.9 radio stations, the concert stars Greenville-based singer Nicky Harris, a familiar name to Tar Heel Variety Theater fans. Joining Harris will be Willie Nelms, Mark Gray and Lenny Waters, the latter billed as North Carolina’s original Elvis tribute artist. Lucky audience members can register for free Elvis souvenirs to be awarded throughout the event, according to Lewis. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Amateur and up and coming singers are invited to compete in September’s Tar Heel Talent Show, a karaoke event. Contestants will perform first Sept. 12 when judges will choose the finalists. Another round is scheduled for Sept. 19 when a winner and two runners-up will be named. Contestants will be judged on voice quality, stage presence, appearance and audience reaction.

The musical celebrations continue in October, according to Lewis. On Oct. 3 the theater will present its popular A Night at the Opry series, a tribute to country music legends including Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Loretta Lynn. Lewis herself will perform during that show, along with her daughter Dana, Chad Delph and Brian Williamson. And Oct. 17 will feature a Bringing Back the Oldies event with classic rock and roll and Motown tunes.

Other events at the Tar Heel in the coming months include an arts and crafts bazaar Oct. 24. The A-Z Doll Club of Washington will hold its traditional doll, bear and toy show and sale at the theater Oct. 31.

The Malpass Brothers, popular with Tar Heel audiences, will be back on the stage Nov. 21 with a concert of traditional country favorites. The theater’s season will wind down with Christmas shows scheduled for Dec. 5 and 12.

“We are so excited about the second half of the year,” Lewis said. “We have a lot of great talent coming.”

For more information or to reserve tickets, call 252-975-2117 or visit www.tarheelvarietytheater.com. The theater is located at 485 Carrow Road, just off N.C. Highway 33.