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Grand Ole Opry® Welcomes Back Limited In-Venue Audiences Beginning Sat. Oct. 3; Dierks Bentley, Terri Clark, Vince Gill And Lorrie Morgan Perform As Opry Kicks Off 95th Anniversary Celebration

By press release on September 24, 2020 in In The Press, Press Releases

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (September 24, 2020) The Grand Ole Opry will welcome back a limited in-venue audience beginning Saturday, October 3, a kick-off of the Opry’s 95th anniversary celebration. Opry members Dierks Bentley, Terri Clark, Vince Gill and Lorrie Morgan are scheduled to perform. Bentley, also celebrating his 15th Opry anniversary, was inducted into the Opry family on October 1, 2005.

The in-venue audience will be capped at 500 guests for the October 3rd 95th anniversary celebration. The limited audience will be made up of fans who had previously held tickets for each night’s show.

“With gratitude to the artists who have visited the Opry since March, staff members and partners who have ensured the Opry went on every Saturday, and a worldwide audience for tuning in over the past six months, we are so excited as we plan to welcome fans back to the Opry House,” said Dan Rogers, Opry vice president and executive producer. “So many loyal fans make plans early to be a part of our birthday weekend every year, and I am especially excited that many of those devoted familiar faces will be in the first in-house audience since late last winter. Of course we will only be truly happy when we can return to capacity audiences and full Opry shows that are known around the world.”

Click HERE for a sizzle reel of highlights of just some of the Opry members and special guests who have stepped in to the circle to help the keep the music playing at the Grand Ole Opry since the in-house audience shows were paused on March 14.

The Grand Ole Opry will strictly comply with operating plans developed in partnership with the Nashville Public Health Department and Vanderbilt Health that include socially distanced seating, mandatory masks for all guests and staff, as well as enhanced cleaning practices.

Operating plans include:
• Exclusive to 500 ticketed guests
• Physically distanced seating, allowing those in the same group to sit together but distanced from others
• Mandatory masks for all guests, Opry House operations and production staff
• Designated restrooms, entry and exit points
• No food or beverage service
• Temperature checks for all staff
• Enhanced cleaning practices

As the Opry continues its month-long 95th anniversary celebration with a maximum of 500 fans allowed to be live in the Opry House, the show will continue its one-hour livestream on Circle All Access YouTube, Twitter and Facebook channels as well as Circle TV , SiriusXM, and the Opry’s flagship home 650 WSM AM and wsmonline.com, allowing fans from around the world to enjoy the high-quality performances from home.

Information regarding ticket availability for October shows will be updated at opry.com. More details on other Opry 95th Anniversary Celebration shows and digital events happening throughout the month of October will be announced soon.

Those tuning into the Livestream on Circle All Access YouTube, Twitter and Facebook channels Saturday, October 3 can watch a Circle Sessions: Lauren Alaina at 7:30 PM ET/ 6:30 PM CT immediately prior to the Opry. Alaina talks to host Nan Kelley about her new EP, Getting Over Him, her love of the Grand Ole Opry and the connection she has with her Dad and the Opry. The No. 1 Platinum-selling star also talks about her role as host of the upcoming Circle TV series Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith, launching October 4.

As the Grand Ole Opry approaches its 95th anniversary in the midst of a global pandemic, Opry members and special guest artists kept the music playing from the unbroken circle, and the Opry began reaching some of its largest audiences to date. The Opry has logged viewers from over 100 countries worldwide since shows with a live Opry House audience were paused in mid-March. The Opry livestream has consistently been in the top of the Pollstar Livestream Chart with an average of over 1 million+ viewers each week, and Circle TV’s distribution has grown steadily over the course of the past 29 weeks as well.

In an effort to maintain health and safety amid current COVID-19 concerns, the Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show, was forced to pause performances that included a live audience beginning on March 14. The show will have played on without a live ticketed audience for 29 consecutive Saturday night broadcasts before finally welcoming them back. The Opry’s paused shows without an audience have included Opry members Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Kelsea Ballerini, Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Terri Clark, Luke Combs, Dailey & Vincent, the Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Dustin Lynch, Chris Janson, Reba McEntire, Craig Morgan, the Oak Ridge Boys, Old Crow Medicine Show, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Jeannie Seely, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner, Mark Wills, Trisha Yearwood and Chris Young along with special guests Lady A, Lauren Alaina, Jimmie Allen, Mandy Barnett, Lee Brice, T. Graham Brown, Luke Bryan, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Jason Crabb, Rodney Crowell, Sara Evans, Amy Grant and daughters Jenny Gill and Corrina Grant Gill, Riley Green, Tracy Lawrence, Ashley McBryde, Chrissy Metz, Keb’ Mo’, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Margo Price, Kellie Pickler, Michael Ray, Runaway June, Billy Strings, The Scott Family, Gwen Stefani, Tenille Townes, Molly Tuttle, Sam Williams, CeCe Winans, Charlie Worsham, and Brett Young.

This Saturday, September 26, Opry members Marty Stuart and Connie Smith will step onto the Grand Ole Opry stage along with Sierra Hull at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT for the 4,943rd consecutive Saturday night broadcast. Opry shows will be broadcast live on Circle and Gray TV stations, DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV, and other TV affiliates in addition to a companion live stream on Circle All Access Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. The Opry can also be heard on 650 WSM-AM, wsmonline.com, and SiriusXM.

About the Grand Ole Opry:
Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. The Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP). For more information, visit opry.com.

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‘Dolly Parton: 50 Years At The Opry’ Airing Tuesday, Nov. 26 On NBC

By press release on November 23, 2019 in In The Press, Press Releases

NASHVILLE – Country music superstar Dolly Parton celebrates 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry with a two-hour television special “Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Opry” which airs Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT on NBC Television.

The special highlights the global superstar’s 50 years as a member of the iconic show and features performances from Parton and some of her superstar friends performing in her honor– Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, Chris Janson, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Margo Price, Hank Williams Jr. and others. The special also includes archival footage of Parton’s most colorful and exciting moments through 50 years on the Opry stage as well as interviews with the superstar and artists she’s influenced.

Justin Gorman, Matthew Hickling and Hannah Dodson are executive producers and producer is Man Alive Entertainment.

ABOUT DOLLY PARTON
Dolly Parton is the most honored and revered female country singer-songwriter of all time. Achieving 25 RIAA-certified gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards, she has had 26 songs reach #1 on the Billboard country charts, a record for a female artist. Parton recently became the first country artist honored as Grammy MusiCares Person of the Year given out by NARAS. She has 41 career Top 10 country albums, a record for any artist, and 110 career-charted singles over the past 40 years. In 2014 the RIAA recognized her impact on recorded music with a plaque commemorating more than 100 million units sold worldwide. Her 2016 #1 album, “Pure & Simple,” which topped the Billboard Top Country Albums and Americana/Folk Albums charts and debuted at No. 1 in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia, added to that massive tally. She has garnered eight Grammy Awards, including a 2017 win with Pentatonix for their collaboration on her iconic 1974 hit “Jolene”; 10 Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year; five Academy of Country Music Awards, also including a nod for Entertainer of the Year; four People’s Choice Awards; and three American Music Awards. In 1999, Parton was inducted as a member of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame.

ABOUT THE GRAND OLE OPRY What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today a live entertainment phenomenon. Dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present, the Grand Ole Opry showcases a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. The Opry, an American icon and Nashville’s #1 attraction, is world famous for creating one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences for audiences of all ages. It’s been called the “home of American music” and “the show that made country music famous.” Through the years the Opry has welcomed iconic artists such as Patsy Clineh George Jones and Dolly Parton as members. The tradition continues today with recent inductees that include Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini and Chris Janson, among others. The Grand Ole Opry_® is presented by Humana_®and performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows through Dec. 11 plus seasonal Wednesday and Thursday Opry Country Classics performances. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP). For more information, visit opry.com.

Dolly Parton
Photo credit: Chris Hollo for the Opry

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Redneck Riviera Celebrates One Year Anniversary June 7 With John Rich Appearing Everyday During CMA Music Fest

By FOCUS admin on May 23, 2019 in In The Press

John Rich and friends to perform everyday during CMA Music Fest

Friends include Deana Carter, Daryl Worley, Heidi Newfield, Jason Michael Carroll, Mo Pitney, Natalie Stovall, Cowboy Troy, Lonestar, Honeysuckle Rose, Glen Templeton, Dillon Carmichael and many more

Country music star John Rich who lives by his “work hard, play hard” motto will be raising a glass at this years CMA Music Fest in celebration of Redneck Riviera’s one year anniversary on Friday, June 7. Fans can meet and see a performance of the singer/songwriter and entrepreneur each day at Redneck Riviera, along with his famous “friends” during CMA’s Country Music Fest.

To see the full list and show times of performances, visit www.redneckriviera.com.

There is no place like this on Broadway – John at times will sit in a specific corner of the bar with street access through a window and talk to fans as they pass by. He’s also been known to jump up on stage and sit in with the scheduled band for a song or two. There are two ‘live’ stages, a DJ on the rooftop deck with sweeping views of Music City and a bar on every floor. Redneck Riviera offers two “heroes” bars that offer special buy-one-get-one free prices to first responders, veterans and active duty military personnel. John shares, “The Heroes Bar is the most significant and soulful part of Redneck Riviera. This is where we not only get to say, ‘Thank you for your service,’ but we back that up by offering our military vets, active duty and all first responders their first round of a 2-for-1 on all domestic beers. These folks are the backbone of our nation and we love them!” The Heroes bars’ backdrop is an American flag made of beer cans. Take a virtual tour of the bar HERE.Unlike most of the bars on Lower Broadway where artists names on the marquee via licensing agreements, Rich owns Redneck Riviera. The singer designed the space and his brother Isaac Rich personally cut every piece of wood in the building — along with the three wooden bars and the wood covered walls. He also credits his brother with building the light fixtures, refurbishing the Airstream trailer on the second floor and installing all of the taxidermy that decorates the walls.

Redneck Riviera is located at 208 Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.

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About Redneck Riviera
Redneck Riviera, John Rich’s privately held lifestyle brand, celebrates America’s hard-working men and women. Built for people who live to turn up the music and have fun with friends and family, Redneck Riviera is America’s ‘Work Hard, Play Hard’ brand that offers something for everyone who likes to rock the red, white and blue all year long. Launched in 2014, the brand brings these values to life through footwear, apparel, hospitality, food, spirits and licensed products in a variety of categories. Redneck Riviera expanded its reach last year with the opening of Redneck Riviera bar on Lower Broad in Nashville, TN. More information can be found here.

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World Famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge 58th Annual Birthday Bash Set For Wednesday, October 10th

By FOCUS admin on October 6, 2018 in In The Press

The World Famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Music City’s legendary honky-tonk, will celebrate its 58th Birthday in downtown Nashville Wednesday, October 10th. As part of the celebration, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge will feature entertainment on the outdoor Broadway stage throughout the day with a FREE, star-studded evening concert featuring performances from Platinum-selling powerhouse Randy Houser, international superstar Kid Rock and country hitmaker Jake Owen.

Hosted by Ty, Kelly and Chuck Mornings’ Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford and Chuck Wicks, as well as NASH Nights Live co-hosts Shawn Parr and Elaina Smith, the annual Broadway street-party will also feature performances from country music’s finest, including Terri Clark, Darryl Worley, Montgomery Gentry, John Stone, Anthony Orio, Scott Collier and more to be announced!

“Tootsie’s Birthday Bash has become one of the most highly-anticipated annual events on lower Broadway. Each year it gets bigger and better,” said Tootsie’s owner Steve Smith. “Many artists started at Tootsie’s, and having them come back year after year is a great honor to the legacy and memory of Tootsie Bess! Everyone should come out and experience that magic on our 58th birthday.”

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge Annual Birthday Bash attracts some of the biggest stars in music, including surprise appearances. The event, which takes place Oct. 10th on Broadway between 4th and 5th Avenue, will host entertainment on an outdoor stage throughout the day and is FREE to the public.

About Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge:
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has operated across the alley from the Ryman almost continuously since 1960. Its proprietor from 1960 to 1978, Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess, bought the lounge called “Mom’s” and named it for herself. According to tradition, a painter mistakenly painted the exterior orchid purple. The color was never changed and became Tootsie’s signature color. Over the years, she served such famous customers as Kris Kristofferson, Faron Young and Willie Nelson when they were still up-and-coming artists, and Tootsie was well-known for her generosity toward struggling musicians. The photo and memorabilia-lined walls are called “Tootsie’s Wall of Fame.”

Today, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is a must-see Music City destination for tourists and is frequented by locals, including some of the biggest names in country music, who often drop in and surprise patrons with impromptu performances. Kenny Chesney with classic rock icon Steve Miller, Keith Urban, Kix Brooks, Montgomery Gentry, Kid Rock, Steven Tyler, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Dierks Bentley and Hank Williams, Jr. are among the artists who have recently performed there. For additional information, visit www.tootsies.net.

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Country Legend Leroy Van Dyke To Perform On Grand Ole Opry’s Opry Country Classics October 19

By FOCUS admin on October 12, 2017 in In The Press

Award-winning country music hit-maker Leroy Van Dyke, who was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on October 20, 1962, is set to mark the anniversary of that accomplishment with an appearance on the Opry’s Thursday night show Opry Country Classics at the Ryman Auditorium Thursday, October 19.

“After six decades in the music business, I’m still so proud of the day I became a Grand Ole Opry member, an incredible personal highlight and career milestone,” Van Dyke says. “I have always felt at home among my family, friends, and fans there, and I look forward to returning to the Ryman stage where I made my Opry debut and was first introduced as an Opry member.”

Known for his unique, unmistakable music that captivated audiences upon entering the music scene in the mid-1950s, Van Dyke has recorded some of the biggest songs of all time, including his debut single, “The Auctioneer,” which instantly became a multi-million seller, and the worldwide smash, “Walk on By.” The 1961 hit spent 19 weeks at the No. 1 spot and an incredible 42 weeks on the chart. Being named Billboard’s No. 2 Greatest All-Time Country Song based on sales, number of plays and number of weeks on the chart, it has withstood the test of time.

After more than 60 years in the business, he shows no signs of slowing down still booking appearances of The Leroy Van Dyke Country Gold Tour. Bringing traditional country music to fans all over the world, the one-of-a-kind show, by definition, is a classic country show featuring artists who have had million sellers, multiple top ten recordings, or massive television exposure. Van Dyke opens the show then emcees the event as his seven-piece band backs the rest of the presentation.

About Leroy Van Dyke:
Leroy Van Dyke of “Auctioneer” and “Walk On By” fame is known around the world as an entertainer, recording artist, radio and television star, auctioneer and veteran of the Las Vegas circuit. He has recorded more than 500 songs. Van Dyke has performed an estimated 3,500 shows at agricultural events, including fairs and livestock events, in addition to a great variety of engagements. In his six decades of performances, he has never missed a show. For more information, please go to www.leroyvandyke.com.

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Mayor Megan Barry Proclaims May 10th Ryman Auditorium Day In Nashville

By FOCUS admin on May 10, 2017 in In The Press, Uncategorized

Historic date commemorates the day Captain Thomas Ryman was inspired to build
the “Soul of Nashville”

(L to R) Vince Gill, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and Chairman and CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Colin Reed
Credit: Steve Lowry

In a ceremony held earlier today on stage at Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry issued a proclamation celebrating May 10, 2017 as Ryman Auditorium Day in honor of the iconic venue’s 125th anniversary.

“From its beginnings as a church to its years as the home of the Grand Ole Opry to its revival as the coolest concert venue in the world, the Ryman has a story like no other building – anywhere,” Mayor Barry said. “I’m grateful for everything the Ryman means to Nashville, and I’m excited to celebrate its first 125 years while looking forward to many more.”

Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Ryman Auditorium’s parent company, Ryman Hospitality Properties and Opry Member Vince Gill joined Mayor Barry onstage to celebrate Ryman Auditorium Day, which is also the 132nd anniversary of the meeting between Captain Thomas Ryman and Reverend Sam Jones that inspired Ryman to construct a grand tabernacle for the people of Nashville.

“As the owners of this Nashville treasure, we view ourselves as both the stewards and protectors of its rich and storied legacy,” said Reed. “We are thankful that Mayor Barry has chosen to recognize not only the historical significance of the Ryman but also its continued influence on Nashville’s thriving music and tourism industries.”

“If you think about it, music has had a great history here, but the real purpose of this building was to save people… and 125 years later it’s still saving people,” expressed Gill. “This place just has spirit that you can’t even put into words. It really is a magical place. The very first time I ever sang in this building it was just me and a guitar, and it was one of the most majestic experiences I’ve ever had in my life. I really felt that spirit move through me. This place more than any place I’ve been…I really felt that spirit. Whether I play here with a seven-piece band or a bluegrass band… no matter what you throw at this place it takes it and elevates it.”

About Ryman Auditorium
A National Historic Landmark, Ryman Auditorium was built as a tabernacle by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892, served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-74 and was completely renovated in 1994. The Ryman is open for tours during the day and at night offers a wide variety of entertainment performances, just as it has for over 125 years. The venue was voted the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Pollstar Theatre of the Year and recently took home its fifth-consecutive CMA Venue of the Year Award. Ryman Auditorium is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), a Nashville-based REIT that also owns and operates the Grand Ole Opry, and 650 AM WSM. For more information, visit ryman.com.

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C.F. MARTIN & CO., INC. CELEBRATES THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ICONIC MARTIN DREADNOUGHT WITH TWO NEW LIMITED EDITION MODELS AT 2016 WINTER NAMM TRADE SHOW

By FOCUS admin on January 7, 2016 in In The Press

Martin Guitar (www.martinguitar.com)
will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of their iconic Dreadnought model (1916-2016), known worldwide as the most copied body size in the world. To launch the year-long celebration, Martin Guitar will unveil two distinctive limited edition models during the 2016 Winter NAMM Trade show in Anaheim, CA: the D-222 Anniversary Edition and D-28 John Lennon 75th Anniversary Edition. The two limited edition models pay homage to the highly influential instrument which shaped the sound of American music.

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