The Grand Ole Opry will say goodbye to what has probably been it's most challenging year in history on Friday night, while on Saturday, they will welcome in 2011. This week also looks like the return of Jimmy Dickens to the Opry stage, as he is scheduled for both nights. Jimmy has missed the last couple of weeks after being hospitalized with pneumonia. Emmylou Harris is also scheduled for both nights this weekend. Saturday night will feature the annual appearance by Jett Williams, giving the Opry a chance to honor the memory of her father, Hank Williams, who died on January 1, 1953. And I see that Charlie Louvin is also scheduled on Saturday night.
Friday December 31
7:00: Mike Snider(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Jack Greene; Craig Campbell
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jean Shepard; Michael Cleveland & Flamkeeper
8:00: Riders In The Sky(host); George Hamilton IV; John Conlee; Elizabeth Cook
8:30: Emmylou Harris(host); The Whites; Old Crow Medicine Show
Saturday January 1
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jean Shepard; Jett Williams
7:30: Riders In The Sky(host); Troy Olsen; The Bowling Family
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Restless Heart; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Emmylou Harris(host); Charlie Louvin; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Buddy Miller
It does look like the Opry is covering itself in case Jimmy Dickens cannot make it. The options on Friday night include having either Jean Shepard moving up to host, or sliding John Conlee over from the 3rd segment to host. On Saturday night, Jean again could step into the host role.
You never know with the Opry, but I find it interesting that this week they list an intermission for Saturday night, but not for Friday. I am sure there will be an intermission both nights, but maybe they wanted to get the folks out a little earlier on New Years Eve.
After the 1st of the year, I will post my annual recap of the Opry's year, including the number of Opry shows during 2010 and number of Opry appearances by each artist.
Byron, I believe they are having a New Year's Eve concert at the Ryman after the Opry with the Old Crow Medicine Show, so that may explain the lack of an intermission on the schedule Friday.
ReplyDeleteAs always, you are right. I should have checked. The Old Crow Medicine Show starts at 10pm. Thanks for the explanation.
ReplyDeleteCharlie Louvin has been taken off the schedule for Saturday night. Hopefully it is nothing more than he is not feeling well, but it could also mean that he has suffered a setback.
ReplyDeleteIn listening to the Friday Night Opry last night, they really must have been under a deadline to have the show done either early or on time. The 1st segment with Mike Snider ended about 7 minutes early, and Mike did not do a 2nd number. Even the Jimmy Dickens segment was done on time, and Jimmy usually runs over.
ReplyDeleteThe last 2 segments also came in under. Also, it seemed like, except for George Hamilton, there was less talking than usual between the songs.
Finally, Jimmy Dickens was back on last night, and his singing just did not sound good. Even talking, he sounded hoarse. He did make a reference of being in the hospital over the last several weeks. It will be interesting to see if he shows tonight.
I did hear The Potato and while he was a bit hoarse, he sounded all right to me--not much better or worse than he has been.
ReplyDeleteI was there for the Friday Night Opry and it was a much better show than I had seen in a while. It was kind of encouraging, because I had just about given up on the Opry.
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