Here are the posted lineups for the mid-week Opry shows:
Tuesday October 10
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Kelly Lang, Priscilla Block, Victoria Shaw
Intermission
8:15: Rhonda Vincent, Gary Mule Deer, The Isaacs, Carly Pearce
Wednesday October 11
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, LANCO
Intermission
8:15: Shane Profitt, Gary Mule Deer, Mandy Barnett, Exile
Thursday October 12 (Opry Country Classics)
Host: Larry Gatlin
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Carlos DeFord Bailey, Rhonda Vincent, Gene Watson, The Bellamy Brothers
If I added it up correctly, there are 11 different Opry members appearing on the mid-week shows this week, with Rhonda Vincent and Gary Mule Deer the only repeats.
The Tuesday Night Opry is the annual "Opry Goes Pink," which will be sponsored by Humana and Vanderbilt Health. This show is an annual tradition at the Opry where those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and those who have survived, are honored at the Opry. At the start of the show, a big switch will be thrown that will change the backdrop to pink. Also remembered are those who lost their lives to breast cancer.
Among those appearing that night will be Kelly Lang, who many know is a breast cancer survivor, and is the wife of T.G. Sheppard. Surprisingly, for as long as she has been in country music, this is being advertised as her Opry debut.
Exile will be making another Opry appearance on Wednesday night. They have been celebrating their 50th year as a group and in a recent interview it was stated that they would hope to become Opry members someday. If that is their dream, a nice start is making more Opry appearances.
I know some have asked about my thoughts regarding the 98th Grand Ole Opry birthday week/weekend, so here are a few random notes, in no particular order:
While there was no "superstar" on the lineups, all of the shows were solid. In fact, I thought each night was very good with a nice group of Opry members. The highlights: Lainey Wilson on the Wednesday Night Opry, the Opry induction of Sara Evans, and Randy Travis making a surprise appearance to close out the 2nd Saturday show.
Speaking of Lainey Wilson, I, among a few others, had actually thought for a minute that when Lauren Alaina came back out at the end of the Wednesday show, that an Opry invitation might be coming as they were closing out the show singing "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Each time Lainey has been on the Opry, she has expressed her love of the Opry and how much inspiration she has received each time she appears. She is currently the one of the biggest acts in country music, and I think it is no secret that an Opry invitation will probably be coming soon.
I thought Sara's induction was well done. It was wonderful to see the old video clips of Sara making her Opry debut while still a teenager and seeing her has she grew into her career. Her entire family was there and she made sure to mention them several times. She was very appreciative, and I think we will see her support the Opry and make appearances on the show.
I do want to say something about Chris Young, who closed out the Friday Night Opry. His portion of the show was taped for a future broadcast on Circle TV's Opry Live. Let's just say that there were a few of those in the audience who had a little too much to drink and were very disruptive during his appearance. Sadly, in my opinion, Chris played into them, and I think egged it on a bit. There is nothing wrong with a lively crowd, but this was not an outdoor festival and I think the screaming and yelling could have been toned down a bit. And, as I wrote, I think Chris encouraged a bit of it.
Speaking of the crowds, it looked like Wednesday, Friday and the first show on Saturday were sold-out, or close to it. The classics show on Thursday night was over half full, and I would say the second show on Saturday came in at around 2,000.
Finally, there was a lot of talk about the Opry's 100th birthday/anniversary in 2025. There are already a lot of plans underway. It's going to be a big deal and I know many of us cannot wait. Hopefully there are a lot of you who will be making plans to be there. It will be historic.
Byron,
ReplyDeleteNice photo with the cake!
Did Bill get a standing ovation or partial at the end of his set on the first Saturday show?
Beer. I've ever like the idea of it being in the house. It's not a honky-tonk, it's a family show. I know Bill joke when he opens the second half about them sounding better after they have got their beer but I still don't agree with it. I didn't know what was going on but I just wasn't impressed with Chris Young and this just drives it home.
Sometimes I think the Opry is trying to be too many things to too many people. I understand the bottom line.....is the bottom line, profit. Integrity counts for something, at least it used to.
To end on a positive note, I really enjoyed the Friday night show until Chris showed up.
Jim
Jim, there were some in the front sections that stood, but that was pretty much it. Maybe a fourth of the audience. He did receive a wonderful round of applause.
DeleteBuck Trent passed away this morning at 85. I don’t think I have to go over his career here but I don’t think there’s any doubt that it was a “Hall of Fame” career. His passing takes him out of contention for next years voting but, if you ask me, if Bob Moore or Ray Edenton don’t get the nod this round there is no justice in the world. Aside from Brother Oswald or Don Rich there are very few musicians who you instantly think of when you think of their boss. He was an innovator and a star in his own right which puts him in another class of elite musicians. One of his banjos and Wagonmasters uniforms is currently on display at the Hall of Fame. I expect to see him elected at some point but the current system is leaving a ton of great musicians behind and at the rate it’s going, many of them will be forgotten by the voters and that’s just sad.
ReplyDeleteBtw, this is Barry in Nashville. I’m stuck using my phone and I’m off signed In to Google.
DeleteBarry, good to hear from you. I always enjoy your detailed posts. Certainly, Bob and Ray are very deserving of the Hall of Fame, and I would add Jimmy Capps along with those two. As you pointed out, there is such a backlog of candidates, it will take dozens of years to even catch up.
DeleteGood to know you are still out there Barry. Always enjoy hearing from you, but rather not like this!
ReplyDeleteWe met Buck one time back around 2011. Super nice guy. You are so right about Porter's sound centering around Buck's innovative banjo. I have to say in the early years Don Warden's unique steel sound was competition. Buck also gave that sound to many of Norma Jean's great recordings. Condolences to her for it seems to me they were close.
I'll say it again, oh how lucky many of us here were to experience these wonderful people and their music.
Jim
I can't help but comment that many women seem to appreciate their 'Opry membership more than many men. Not universal, but noticeable.
ReplyDeleteI can hear it when Mandy Barnett sings with more zest since her induction into the 'Opry and could hear it in Sara Evans' voice Saturday night. Carrie Underwood always brings her A-game and comes often. They're all elated to be there and to be part of something they clearly love.
Lani Wilson likewise clearly loves the 'Opry, and I hope she is invited soon. The way she closed the show with her big group of singers was inspiring.
The 'Opry continues to have great moments. There is some hope.
add Rhonda Vincent to your list - she speaks often of her appreciation of being a member and has definitely made many appearances before and after her induction
DeleteEXACTLY right. No idea how I left her off my list. Thanks!
DeleteI was at the first show on Saturday night and thought it was fantastic my only thought is I thought for sure that Bill Anderson would be the one to induct Sara Evans since they have so much history together Crystal Gayle did a great job it was just a bit of a surprise
ReplyDelete