BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Okie from Muskogee, who's really from Oildale, performed two shows Wednesday night at the Fox Theatre with the proceeds going to offset the costs for renaming Seventh Standard Road to Merle Haggard Drive.

Before the concert Merle talked about his upcoming tour and his two new albums, including a blue grass album with Willie Nelson and Ray Price, who Merle will go on tour with later this year.

Merle said it was an honor to have a street renamed for him in his hometown of Oildale and Wednesday night’s concerts were a way to not just pay for the renaming, but for all of those who helped it happen.

Wednesday night’s concerts were the first time in 15 or 20 years that Merle has played two shows in one night, he said.