Grand Ole Opry Line Ups 8/12 & 8/13

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line ups for the shows this weekend. There is one show on Friday night and one show on Saturday night. The highlight of the weekend will be Vince Gill celebrating his 20th year as an Opry member. It will be a family affair on Saturday night, as Vince will be joined by his wife Amy Grant, and his daughter Jenny Gill. Also appearing on Saturday's show will be The Time Jumpers, who Vince regularly performs with, along with Opry member Martina McBride.

The Friday Night Opry will feature Opry members Diamond Rio, along with guest artists Hunter Hayes, Carter's Chord and Andy Griggs. Bill Anderson is scheduled for both nights, which will be his first Opry appearances since his 50 year anniversary weekend, and Jimmy Dickens is scheduled for both shows, even though he missed the Tuesday Night Opry.

One more mention regarding Vince and his 20 years as an Opry member. I like the fact that the Opry is recognizing anniversary dates for its members. But, they need to do it for all members and not just a selected few. Ideally, I would like to see the Opry do a special mention for a member when they reach the 10, 20 and 25 year mark, and then every 5 years after that until their 50th year. After 50, I would like to see it mentioned every year. It does not have to be a big production, but it would be nice if management came out and gave the artist a little love and praise for a job well done. But, like I said, they need to do it to everyone. Jimmy C Newman reached 55 years last week, and no big deal was made. Be consistent!!

Friday August 12
7:00: Mike Snider(host); Jimmy C Newman; Hunter Hayes
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jan Howard; Diamond Rio
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson(host); Jack Greene; Carter's Chord
8:45: Jean Shepard(host); Jesse McReynolds; Andy Griggs

Saturday August 13
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); John Anderson
7:30: Bill Anderson(host); The Whites; Jean Shepard; The Time Jumpers
INTERMISSION
8:15: Emmylou Harris(host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; Martina McBride; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Jenny Gill; Amy Grant

I would not be surprised to see Vince on stage earlier than his 8:45 segment. Maybe with The Time Jumpers and maybe with Emmylou. And, I would hope that the Opry does dedicate the shows to Billy Grammer, which I do fully expect.

Now, for those keeping score at home, Friday night there are 12 artists listed, of which 9 are Opry members. Saturday night, of the 12 artists listed, with one slot to fill, 8 are Opry members.

Finally, here is the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry, August 16

7:00: The Whites; Randy Montana
7:30: Jimmy Dickens; Danny Gokey
INTERMISSION
8:15: Pam Tillis; Randy Houser
8:45: Ricky Skaggs; Charlie Daniels Band

Not a bad line up for the Tuesday night show.

I will be in Nashville on Saturday for the Opry show and I will offer my observations after I return, the 1st of next week. Hopefully, it will be a good one.