Thursday - Grand Ole Opry

 Grand Ole Opry

Thursday, another eagerly awaited adventure was a short two mile trip the the legendary Grand Ole Opry.

The auditorium is huge. The 4,400 seating capacity is arranged in
long, cushioned pews. (Vicki, Fran and Chrissy at the other end of pew.)

There isn't a bad seat in the house but it turned out that I preferred to view the huge
monitors up above and to either side of auditorium. The on-stage mobile camera person
did a great job of zooming in on the performer.

Behind me and to my left was the state-of-the-art technology that gave excellent sound
quality of all performers. These performances are carried live on air through radio
station WSM and is in its 97th year of continuous programming.

I magnified the view from Vicki's, Fran's and Chrissy's vantage point at the other end
of the pew. Fortunately, there were no late comers. We would have had to literally
vacate the pew to allow them entry.

Before the program began, vintage video clips were shown on the large screen in front of the closed curtain. Can you name them?

I had to video a portion of one: Johnny and June Cash

The curtain rose and what an impressive layout of musicians and back up singers as the announcer introduced Larry Gatlin.

He did his opening number, mingled with the audience and chose a young lady
to do a quick little dance.

Larry, with his brothers, Steve and Rudy have been performing for 60 years.

Steve Gatlin. Couldn't get a good shot of Rudy. Watch the video below.

Larry celebrated his 74th birthday May 2nd

I gave lots of thought of how I could convey the "feeling" of Nashville, it's music and especially the classic Grand Ole Opry to those who haven't already experienced it. With not too many folks I know being Country Music buffs, what was the best way to share my experiences? Here's my attempt. I've provided a link for each of tonight's performers so you can you listen to the styles and enthusiasm that each performer brought to their music just as I did tonight. I hate to sound like a YouTube video guy, but "in the comments below" share your thoughts on Country Music. Give a listen to these selections from YouTube (click on "Skip Ads" after 5 seconds at the beginning).

The Gatlin Brothers

Emily Ann Roberts

T. G. Shepard

William Michael Morgan

Shenandoah

A most enjoyable evening. Join me tomorrow night on the General Jackson Steamboat cruise on the Cumberland River. A dinner and show. It'll be our last get together before leaving for Pigeon Forge. Take care and hope you join me.