Poco and PPL Rock the House at Martinsville High School

Pure Prairie League performs in Martinsville

That special blend of rock 'n' roll and country twang that dominated airways in the 1970s was alive and well on Saturday night, as key pioneers of the sound Pure Prairie League (PPL) and Poco performed at Martinsville High School Auditorium as part of Piedmont Arts' On Stage! performing arts series.

Around 600 people filled the auditorium to hear familiar hits like, "Rose of Cimmaron," "Amie" and "Pickin' Up the Pieces," played by some of the original members from both legendary bands.

"With over 100 years of music between us and Poco," said PPL's Mike Reilly, "just give us a few hours and you're sure to hear your favorites."

Poco, fronted by original member Rusty Young (center)

Both bands played classics and new material, including Rusty Young of Poco's recent ode to mistaken identity, "Neil Young Is Not My Brother."

"I just don't have the heart to tell some people that we're not brothers," said Young. "So I wrote this song to set the record straight."

Poco and PPL's performance marked the season finale of the Piedmont Arts On Stage! 2011-12 season.