Grand Ole Opry 10/25 & 10/26

Who else finds it hard to believe that we are coming upon the final weekend in October? Amazing how fast this year has gone, and we are now just over two months away from the start of Opry100, the most exciting year in the history of the Grand Ole Opry. 

But before we get to 2025, there are still more shows in 2024 and this weekend the Friday Night Opry is on the schedule as are two shows on Saturday night, all three of which will feature Opry member Vince Gill. It seems like during this past year, any time Vince is not out doing a gig with The Eagles, he is at the Opry. And that is a good thing. 

There are only two other Opry members on the schedule each night this weekend: Dailey & Vincent and Don Schlitz on Friday night and Mandy Barnett and Connie Smith on Saturday. 

John Berry has been making a few Opry guest appearances lately and he is back on the schedule for Friday, along with Sons of the Pioneers, Tyler Braden, and making her Opry debut, Sarahbeth Taite. 

Appearing on Saturday night are Tyler Halverson, Tierra Kennedy and Evan Honer. Also on the schedule is Darin & Brooke Aldridge. I mention this husband/wife bluegrass duo separately, as these are two individuals who love the Grand Ole Opry and all of its history. 

For those who might not be familiar, Brooke is a four-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award for Female Vocalist of the Year, while Darin, once a former member of The Country Gentlemen, is a former IBMA Mentor of the Year and a truly gifted singer and multi-instrumentalist. They have had numerous nominations over the years from the IBMA, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA), the Gospel Music Association (GMA Dove Awards) and the Inspirational Country Music Association. In April 2023, they were named “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. Also in 2023, the IBMA nominated the smash hit “Jordan,” featuring Ricky Skaggs, Mo Pitney and Mark Fain, in the Gospel Recording of the Year category while the GMA nominated the song for its Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year award.  

Whenever Darin & Brooke are asked to be on the Opry, they are always well received and have made it known that they would love to be members of the Opry someday. From a personal standpoint, I think they would make great Opry members (as does Vince Gill), and I hope that their dream comes true someday. Perhaps they will be one of those asked to join as the Opry moves into its 100th year. 

Friday October 25
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, John Berry, Sarahbeth Taite, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Sons of the Pioneers, Tyler Braden, Vince Gill

Saturday October 26
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Tyler Halverson, Connie Smith, Tierra Kennedy
8:00: Evan Honer, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Vince Gill

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Tyler Halverson, Connie Smith, Tierra Kennedy
10:30: Evan Honer, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Vince Gill

Sarahbeth Taite, who is making her Opry debut on Friday night, is a country singer-songwriter known for her authentic storytelling and unique sound that resonates with young women and mothers. Her 2020 single "Long Way" became a breakout hit on TikTok, amassing over 10 million streams and a Billboard chart debut, leading to appearances on The Bobby Bones Show and BobbyFest Music Festival. With consistent support from CMA, ACM, and CMT, Sarahbeth's 2024 EP, “The Way We Started,” has been featured on iHeartCountry's "Women of iHeartCountry" radio show, WSM Radio and major outlets like People Magazine, Cowgirl Magazine, American Songwriter, and CelebSecrets. As the EP nears a million lifetime streams, Sarahbeth continues to share her one-of-a-kind sound with the world, carving out a path that uniquely blends family life with her musical career.

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday October 26, 1974. This particular night featured a guest appearance by a very young and talented Crystal Gayle: 

1st show
6:30: Hank Locklin (host): Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Billy Grammer (host): Willis Brothers, Crystal Gayle
7:00: Stonewall Jackson (host): The 4 Guys, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Justin Tubb
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Ray Pillow, Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Ernest Tubb (host): Jimmy C Newman, Jim & Jesse, Lonzo & Oscar
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Stu Phillips, Marion Worth, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Rusty Greaves

2nd show
9:30: Billy Grammer (host): Willis Brothers, Ernie Ashworth, Crystal Gayle
10:00: Hank Locklin (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Justin Tubb
10:15: Ernst Tubb (host): Bill Carlisle, Wayne Hammond
10:30: Roy Acuff (host): Lonzo & Oscar, Ray Pillow
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jim & Jesse, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Marion Worth, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Rusty Greaves, Sam McGee
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Stu Phillips, Ronnie Robbins

(Stonewall Jackson appeared only on the first show. He was scheduled for the second show but cancelled). 

Rusty Greaves, who was on the Opry that night, was from New Zealand and would make several appearances on the Opry, along with several appearances in Opryland. He was considered a country music pioneer in his home country. Rusty and Gladys Greaves were made honorary citizens of Metropolitan Nashville by then Mayor Richard Fulton in October 1978 for Greaves’ work as an ambassador for New Zealand and his dedication to country music.

There you have it for this weekend. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.