Mid-Week Opry Shows

Many of you who read this blog, also follow me on Facebook or Twitter. For those who follow on Facebook probably saw that my wife and I on Saturday night were at The Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia. 

For those who are not familiar with the Carter Fold, I share this from their website: 

The Carter Family Memorial Music Center, a non-profit organization, serves fans and supporters of old-time country and folk music through the presentation of weekly performances at the Carter Family Fold, in Hiltons, Virginia. It also honors the memory of the first family of country music, the legendary Carter Family (A.P. Carter, Sara Carter, and Maybelle Carter), whose first recordings (in 1927) are credited with giving birth to the commercial country music industry. The Carter Family Memorial Music Center was founded by Janette Carter, daughter of A.P. and Sara, who with Sara's cousin Maybelle, comprised the original Carter Family. The Carter Family Memorial Music Center is directed by Rita Forrester, daughter of Janette Carter.

Also included is the A.P. Carter Cabin, which was the birthplace of A.P. Carter, along with his general store, which now is the home of the Carter Family Museum. Both are only open on Saturday nights and are free. While relatively small, both are very well done. 

As to the Carter Fold, on Saturday night we saw Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out. As you would expect, it was a full house, and they were outstanding. The show lasted about two hours and the group included a number of instrumental numbers for those who wished to dance and clog. While the normal admission price is $10, it was $15 on Saturday due to Russell being the act, and frankly for the price, you will not see a better show. 

There are a couple of names on the upcoming schedule that will be familiar to many: Carson Peters and Iron Mountain on November 5 and Hogslop String Band, who were just on the Opry this past Saturday night, on November 19. 

As someone who has been to the Fold a few times, I highly recommend a trip up into the mountains to visit. And The Carter Family Fold is not the only attraction in the area as about an hour up the road in Clintwood, Virginia, is the Ralph Stanley Museum. Clintwood is also the home of the Ralph Stanley Memorial Hills of Home Festival, which takes place every Memorial Day weekend. I was at the festival this past May, and like the shows at the Carter Fold, I highly recommend a visit if you every get the chance.

Looking at the mid-week Opry shows for this week, Grand Ole Opry member Josh Turner is back on the schedule and will be in the closing slot on Tuesday night. Joining Josh will be Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett and Bill Anderson. Comedian Gary Mule Deer is also on the schedule, and he will also be appearing on Wednesday night. 

In addition to Gary Mule Deer, the Wednesday Night Opry has members Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith and Jamey Johnson on the schedule, along with someone many of us are hoping will be an Opry member someday, T. Graham Brown. 

Tuesday September 27
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Jameson Rodgers, Mandy Barnett, Randy Rogers Band
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer, Josh Turner

Wednesday September 28
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith, King Calaway, T. Graham Brown
Intermission
8:15: Elvie Shane, Gary Mule Deer, Jamey Johnson

Looking at Opry Country Classics this week, the lineup is outstanding as Gene Watson is going to be honored upon the release of his new album. Very solid lineup, as in addition to Gene, Opry members Rhonda Vincent and Lorrie Morgan are on the schedule, along with Larry Gatlin, who as usual, will be the host. 

Thursday September 29
Opry Country Classics
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Gene Watson
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, Lorrie Morgan, Erin Enderlin, Jake Hoot

Overall, a nice week of shows.