Grand Ole Opry Line-up 3/27 & 3/28

The Grand Ole Opry has announced the line-up for this weekends shows.
Friday March 27th:
7:00: Jeannie Seely(host); The Whites; Trent Tomlinson
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Connie Smith; Billy Currington
8:00: Jim Ed Brown(host); Mel McDaniel; Johnny Counterfit; Del McCoury Band
8:30: Mike Snider(host); Ray Pillow; Jack Greene; Rodney Atkins

An "ok" line-up for Friday night. Nice to see Jeannie Seely and Jim Ed Brown hosting segments after not having done so for a couple of weeks. Also, good to see Johnny Counterfit on. His appearances are rare anymore on the Opry. Another legend on this week that we do not see much of is Ray Pillow, who sounds as great as ever. Regarding some of the non-Opry talent on this week, Rodney Atkins is one of the hot new stars in country music now. Trent Tomlinson has had some success but is still looking for that breakout hit. The bluegrass segment will be spotlighted with Del McCoury. On a final note regarding Friday night, nice to see Mike Snider hosting again. He seems to be in the regular rotation of hosting and has been back at the Opry almost every weekend in 2009 after making only a few appearances in 2008. He is always a great host with lots of humor.


Saturday March 28th:
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Mike Snider(host); Jack Greene; Love & Theft
8:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top Express; Keith Anderson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); The Whites; Ronnie Milsap

9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
10:00: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Mel McDaniel; Ronnie Milsap
10:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Jessie McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Love & Theft; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown(host); The Whites; Keith Anderson

The highlight of the Saturday night Opry shows is the return of Ronnie Milsap. He did not appear on the Opry at all last year and in fact, his last appearance on the Opry was during the birthday celebration in 2007. I am sure he will be singing songs off of his new gospel CD, which I have heard and think it is great. Saturday also features bluegrass with Del McCoury, Bobby Osborne and Jessie McReynolds. I know Bobby has a new CD coming out very soon. Keith Anderson has appeared before and has done a fine job. The mystery guest this weekend is Love & Theft. I don't know much about them other than they are a newer group that will be taking another spot from an established veteran. I know you have to promote young talent, but I still hate to see it at the expense of the legends of the business. Finally, Jan Howard is hosting the Ernest Tubb midnight jamboree, which with free admission, is always a great value. I know that Jan will put on a great show and will sign autographs and do pictures after the show.