Tuesday Night Opry 9/14

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, which will be at the Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday September 14.

7:00: Diamond Rio; Jack Greene
7:30: Emily West; John Conlee
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson; Joe Diffie
8:45: Jimmy Dickens; Dailey & Vincent

The Opry has not posted the entire line-up for this Thursday's Opry show but one change that has already been made is that it will not be an Opry Country Classics show but instead be a regular Opry show. Why the change? For one reason and one reason only. Carrie Underwood was originally scheduled to be on this upcoming Friday Night Opry, but due to a change in her schedule, she had to switch her appearance to Thursday night. And since Carrie Underwood does not fit into the definition of the Opry Country Classics show, Pete Fisher and the gang has decided just to make it a regular Opry show. While I hate to see the classic show get the short end of the stick, I can see why Pete made the change. From my own personal experience and what I have heard from others, the Thursday night show at the Ryman is not drawing too many people. But by switching it to a regular mid-week Opry show, featuring Carrie Underwood among others, the attendance will probably be more than double from a typical Thursday night. And, with the Opry hurting right now, it makes sense.

From this point forward, the Opry will be at the Ryman Auditorium until returning to the Opry House for October. Done will be the visits to War Memorial Auditorium and Two Rivers Baptist Church. This past weekend while listening to the Opry, which I do most weekends, it just didn't seem right. Don't get me wrong. The performers were all fine. I enjoyed Sam Bush, Dailey & Vincent, The Whites, Jimmy Dickens (who actually sounded better), and the others. But, you could tell that the crowd was down and so was the enthusiasm. The excitement over the radio was just not there. Perhaps it was the layout of the church or the setup. Perhaps it was the missing square dancers, who do bring life to the show. Perhaps it was because it was in a church and the crowd was just afraid to let loose. All understandable. But also perhaps, everyone is just getting tired of moving all over town and everyone is ready for the Opry to get back to the Opry House. The Opry is a national institution. And it just didn't seem right that the best the Opry could do was to be at a church. I know the options were limited. But, I am glad it is almost over.

Finally, a very happy birthday to Grand Ole Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer, George Jones. On Sunday he turned 79. I for one would not have believed for a minute that he would have lived this long. And he is still active and touring. I do wish that he would play the Opry more. I know that we complain about the younger members not playing the Opry enough, but George is right up there with them. I have seen George several times at the Opry and a couple of times in concert. Each time I saw him, he put on a great show and was well received by the audience. I know that his voice has been questionable of late. But I for one am glad that George is still out there and performing and continuing to draw good crowds. Happy Birthday George!!!