Tag Archives | Grand Ole Opry

Lady A Invited To Become Newest Members Of Grand Ole Opry; Honor Part Of NBC’s “Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years Of Country Music”

By on January 21, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Lady A asked to join the Opry.  Photo credit: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Nashville, Tenn. – January 21, 2021 –  GRAMMY®-winning group Lady A was surprised with an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry during the group’s performance taping for the upcoming two-hour NBC special, “Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music” airing Feb. 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Opry member Darius Rucker extended the invitation to Hillary, Charles and Dave on the Opry stage today and announced their membership is effective immediately. The invitation and the group’s first performance as an Opry member will be shared with fans and viewers everywhere as very special moments during the television special. Lady A made their Opry debut on Nov. 2, 2007.


Introducing the group for their performance in the special, Rucker said, “What can you say about three friends of yours who together have become one of the biggest groups in Country Music history? Well, how about this? This trio are multi-platinum superstars, seven-time Grammy Award winners and seven-time CMA Award winners too. And I feel so honored to stand here in the Opry House and hope they accept the invitation I am thrilled to be offering them tonight. So, what do you say, Lady A? Would you like to become members of the Opry?”

“This is the best surprise we could ever ask for,” Lady A’s Hillary Scott said. “I’ve been coming here since I was a little girl so to say we are honored is an understatement. We are so truly grateful to officially be a part of this amazing family.”

Grand Ole Opry members Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton will serve as co-hosts for “Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music,” honoring the iconic Nashville show and the incredible country stars that call it home.  The two-hour special is set to air Sunday, Feb. 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
The “Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music” telecast is a production of Grand Ole Opry and Brad Lachman Productions with Lachman serving as executive producer. Along with Lachman, Dan Rogers and Scott Bailey are executive producers. Bill Bracken, Brad Lachman Productions, is co-executive producer.

ABOUT LADY A
Over the course of their decade-plus career, Lady A has become one of the 21st century’s premier vocal groups, blending deeply felt emotions with classic Country sounds. While ushering more than 18 million album units, 34 million tracks sold and nearly five billion digital streams, the trio recently earned their 11th career No. One with the multi-week chart topper “Champagne Night.” Additionally, the trio earned the biggest first week streams of their career with their critically acclaimed No. One album OCEAN. Known for their 9X Platinum hit “Need You Now” which is the highest certified song by a Country group, they have earned CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” trophies three years in a row and countless other honors including five GRAMMY awards, Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards and a Tony Award nod. The trio recently announced details for their newly formed LadyAID Scholarship Fund, supporting students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. With the hopes of helping relieve financial barriers to higher education and empower Black communities around the country, the applications will be available in early 2021 and more info can be found here. For more information visit www.ladya.com.

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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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 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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Jon Pardi, Runaway June And Pam Tillis Perform On Grand Ole Opry On August 22

By on August 23, 2020 in In The Press, Press Releases

 

Jon Pardi performs on the Opry. PHOTO CREDIT: Photos courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (August 23, 2020) Platinum-selling, two-time ACM Album of the Year nominee Jon Pardi, ACM and CMT-nominated Wheelhouse Records trio Runaway June, and Grammy and CMA Award-winning Opry member Pam Tillis performed last night for the Grand Ole Opry’s 4,938th consecutive Saturday night broadcast. Tillis celebrated her 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She was inducted on August 26, 2000. The Opry aired on Circle TV and SiriusXM as well as the Opry’s flagship home 650 WSM AM and wsmonline.com.

 

Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Pardi recently released RANCHO FIESTA SESSIONS, an eight-song album that features a combination of cover songs he is inspired by and loves performing. Pardi set a tone for the night, with each of the artists performing one of their favorite cover tunes in addition to their own hits. While Pardi performed “Honky Tonk Man” (Dwight Yoakam/Johnny Horton) from his RANCHO FIESTA SESSIONS as well as his hit “Heartache Medication,” Runaway June performed one of their favorites by Trisha Yearwood, “She’s In Love With The Boy” as well as their current single “We Were Rich,” and Tillis offered Buddy Holly’s “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” as well as the title track to her recently released new album LOOKING FOR A FEELING among others. Tillis closed the show with the anthemic “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.”

Next Saturday, August 29, Ingrid Andress, Jordan Davis and Opry member Steve Wariner are among those scheduled to step onto the Grand Ole Opry stage at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT for the 4,939th consecutive Saturday night broadcast. On Saturday, September 5, Opry members Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will return to the Opry stage together.

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. Those tuning into the Livestream on Circle All Access YouTube, Twitter and Facebook channels each Saturday can watch a Circle Sessions at 7:30 PM ET/ 6:30 PM CT immediately prior to the Opry.

MEDIA NOTE: A full stream of the Opry show can be found HERE.

About the Grand Ole Opry

To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The 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.

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Photos courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

 

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Terri Clark, Lauren Alaina, and Ashley McBryde Honor Opry Member Joe Diffie On Tonight’s Grand Ole Opry Broadcast On Circle

By on April 5, 2020 in Uncategorized

Grand Ole Opry Launches #UNBROKEN Charitable Campaign To Benefit MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund

Photo credit: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (April 4, 2020) –Opry member Terri Clark wasjoined by UMG Nashville’s ACM-award winner Lauren Alaina and Warner Music Nashville’s CMA New Artist winner and Grammy-nominated Ashley McBrydetonight for the Grand Ole Opry’s 4,918th consecutive Saturday night broadcast. The show, broadcast live on Circle,  was dedicated to Opry member Joe Diffie, who passed away earlier this week.

Clark, the host of tonight’s Opry, began by saying “It’s an unprecedented time in the world right now” before adding “…as tradition follows, we are going to keep going with the Opry and we are going to keep playing. We know these are tough times and have never seen anything like this in our lifetime. We are all so thrilled to be here.”

“Because we are honoring CDC rules we haven’t rehearsed a lot of this, so we were out in the parking lot 12 feet apart sitting on tailgates before we went on the air tonight,” laughed Clark before introducing Alaina. “Now that’s country. That’s the Opry.”

The three women kicked off the show with some of their own solo favorites before performing a medley of classic country female hits including “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” (Kitty Wells); “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” (Loretta Lynn); and “Walking After Midnight” (Patsy Cline). The three also joined forces on one of Diffie’s many hits, “John Deere Green.”

Photo credit: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

“Thank you all so much for being here with us tonight,” concluded Clark. “We love you. We’re going to get through this together. Stay strong. Stay mighty.” 

Additionally, the Opry launched #UNBROKEN, a charitable campaign to raise money for the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund will benefit artists and musicians struggling through the pandemic– some of the very people who write, make and create the music that has kept the music alive on the Opry stage for almost 95 years. Opry fans are invited to contribute to the fund by texting UNBROKEN to 41444.

The Grand Ole Opry was broadcast live on Circle, and on Gray TV stations, DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV and other TV affiliates in addition to a companion live stream on Circle’s Facebook and YouTube. TV and radio personality Bobby Bones hosted the Circle telecast, while Opry announcer Charlie Mattos joined the Opry’s radio audience at the announcer podium. Embracing today’s technology, the Opry was broadcast and streamed with a very small production team. The shows artists continue to perform acoustically at the recommended social distance across the Opry stage. 

Fans around the world tuned in to the broadcast on the Opry’s flagship radio home, 650 AM-WSM and several other outlets. 

With Nashvillians at home under Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s “STAY at Home” order and live shows paused at the Grand Ole Opry to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, this Saturday’s performance continued without a live audience. Grand Ole Opry management has worked closely with the Nashville’s Director of Health to bring the show live to millions around the world while following strict safety protocols under the guidance of local health professionals. 

Photo credit: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Millions of fans in dozens of countries around the world have tuned in live over the past four weeks to video stream or listen as the circle remained unbroken. Opry members Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely and Connie Smith as well as Mandy Barnett, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper and Sam Williams took to the stage on March 14 as the Opry show went on the air without a live ticketed audience. On March 21 Opry members Vince Gill, Brad Paisley and Marty Stuart performed acoustically from the Opry House stage. Last Saturday March 28, Gill returned to the stage to perform acoustically with members of his family: wife Amy Grant and daughters Jenny Gill and Corrina Grant Gill.  

About the Grand Ole Opry To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  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.

About Circle Media, LLC
Circle Media, LLC is a media network dedicated to celebrating the country lifestyle and putting fans inside the circle of everything country. Circle offers entertainment news, documentaries, movies, archival, new and licensed programming, Grand Ole Opry performances, and more. Circle is a joint venture between Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and Gray TV.

For more details and to find out if Circle is available in your market, please visit www.CirclePlus.com  For more information about Circle, please contact: info@circleplus.com

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Grand Ole Opry Continues On For 4,916th Saturday Night Broadcast For Fans Around The World

By on March 21, 2020 in Uncategorized

©Grand Ole Opry/ Photo By: Mark Mosrie 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (March 21, 2020) – Grand Ole Opry members Vince Gill, Brad Paisley and Marty Stuart kept the circle unbroken and the music playing for fans around the world tuning in tonight to the 4,916th consecutive Saturday night broadcast of the Opry. In addition to being heard on the radio, the show was also live on Circle, and on Gray TV stations and other TV affiliates in addition to being live streamed via Circle’s Facebook and YouTube. TV and radio personality Bobby Bones hosted the Circle telecast of tonight’s show, while Opry announcer Bill Cody manned the on-stage announcer podium.  

Cody aptly described the night’s show for the listening audience as one unlike any other in Opry history, while Bones spoke to the viewing audience. “We will all get through this because we’re gonna stick together,” he said. “We need to find ways to keep connected, and still be safe. Which is why we’re here tonight.” 


Brad Paisley
©Grand Ole Opry/ Photo By: Mark Mosrie 

Throughout the night, the three Opry members sat at a CDC-recommended social distance, playing for a minimal crew in the Opry House and for fans around the globe. Accompanying each other on their acoustic instruments, the three swapped  stories and songs, including Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” Stuart’s “Hobo’s Prayer” and Paisley’s “Mud On The Tires,” among others. 

Gill opened the show with an emotional performance of “Sweet Music Man,” written by and recorded by Kenny Rogers, as a tribute to the music legend who passed away last night.  Gill said it was “one of my favorite songs Kenny ever did.”

Vince Gill
©Grand Ole Opry/ Photo By: Mark Mosrie 

Stuart explained the Opry’s streak of 4,916 consecutive Saturday night performances, saying, “Country music is no stranger to hard times. The Grand Ole Opry is no stranger to hard times, either. It’s 94 years old and has been through world wars, catastrophes, and presidential assassinations, but somehow the show has just gone right along and never gone off the air.” 

Brad Paisley gave “a shout out to those working overtime tonight,” paying tribute to healthcare workers, saying “to those out there on the front lines of this war, God bless you. We’re going to keep playing music for you one way or another.” He then performed his hit “This Is Country Music,” which he ended with an ode to the Rogers classic “The Gambler.” 


Marty Stuart
©Grand Ole Opry/ Photo By: Mark Mosrie 

Throughout the night, the three Opry members spoke of lifting each other up and ideally providing hope to the audience tuning in. Gill reminded the world, “We are at our best during hard times.” Paisley added, “Country music really excels in times like this. …We will persevere in the face of this.”

Amid current COVID-19 concerns, the Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show, has paused all shows with a live Opry House audience through April 4. During this time, however, the Opry has pledged to continue live Saturday night broadcasts without an audience in attendance. Fans are invited to follow the Opry on social media and visit opry.com for show and tune in updates. 

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LIVE! – Opry to Broadcast LIVE On Circle This Sat. March 21

By on March 20, 2020 in Uncategorized

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (March 19, 2020) – With a resilience based on the determination of its Opry members and other country music greats, the Grand Ole Opry will keep its traditions and music alive as it hosts its 4,916th consecutive Saturday night broadcast this Saturday, March 21. Circle, the new country music and lifestyle television network that went on the air January 1, will broadcast the show LIVE on air in their local markets for the first time since debuting Opry, a new weekly, live-recorded, one-hour TV program earlier this year. Opry fans can also stream it online at Circle All Access on Facebook or at Circle All Access on YouTube starting at 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET. 

Last week, amid the concerns of the COVID-19 virus, the Opry paused all shows with a live audience through April 4 but vowed to continue its nearly-100-year radio broadcast history. Nearly half a million fans last Saturday were able to video stream or listen to Opry members Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, and Connie Smith, and others perform acoustically from the Opry Circle.  Embracing today’s technology, the Opry can be broadcast and streamed with a very small production team of people and very limited number of artists performing acoustically on the Opry stage.  Fans around the world can also tune-in to the broadcast on the Opry’s flagship radio home, 650 AM-WSM and several other outlets. 

About the Grand Ole Opry To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  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.. 

About Circle Media, LLC Circle Media, LLC is a media network dedicated to celebrating the country lifestyle and putting fans inside the circle of everything country. Circle offers entertainment news, documentaries, movies, archival, new and licensed programming, Grand Ole Opry performances, and more. Based in Nashville, Circle includes a linear network as well as a companion over-the-top (OTT) premium entertainment service which will be coming in spring 2020. Circle is a joint venture between Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and Gray TV.  For more details and to find out if Circle is available in your market, please visit www.CirclePlus.com  For more information about Circle, please contact: info@circleplus.com

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President And Mrs. Jimmy Carter Visit Grand Ole Opry

By on October 13, 2019 in In The Press, Press Releases
Mrs. Jimmy Carter, President Carter,
Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks.
Photo credit: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Nashville- (October 12, 2019)– President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter visited the Grand Ole Opry last night while in Nashville for a weeklong build marking the 36th year of their Habitat for Humanity Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. In a surprise moment, Opry members Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood introduced them on stage. Brooks and Yearwood have served as Habitat ambassadors for more than a decade and worked alongside the Carters at the build site.

President Carter had previously visited the Opry House as Governor of Georgia and again during his presidential term. President Richard Nixon was the first U.S. President to visit the Opry when he attended the opening night of the Grand Ole Opry House in 1974. President Nixon, who sang and played piano at the Opry that night, is the only President to have performed on the Opry stage.

Opry favorites provided the lunchtime entertainment at the Habitat build site as they performed behind the Opry mic stand for more than 300 volunteers each day Monday – Friday. More than 20 houses were built in North Nashville as part of the project.

About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows through December 11 plus seasonal Wednesday and Thursday Opry Country Classics performances. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  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.

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Grand Ole Opry Premieres New Backstage Tour Including Immersive Film  Hosted By Opry Members Garth Brooks And Trisha Yearwood In New Custom-Built Theater, The Circle Room  

By on July 9, 2019 in Uncategorized
The Circle Room
Photo courtesy BRC | Grand Ole Opry; photo by Matt Blair

The Grand Ole Opry today unveiled its new daytime backstage tour, including a new immersive film in a custom-built theater, The Circle Room. Hosted by Opry members Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, the film experience takes fans on an emotional, heartfelt journey through the eyes of the artists who play the world-famous stage and features priceless archival footage of over 100 artists, country’s most iconic songs, and concert-like special effects.

Throughout the film, Brooks and Yearwood stand in the Opry’s famous circle which moved with the Opry from the historic Ryman Auditorium to the Opry House more than 40 years ago and reflect on their first memories of the Opry, their Opry debuts, member invitations and inductions, and lives as members of the Opry family. Additionally, they share some of the Opry’s most powerful moments and lead a chorus of dozens of  past and present Opry artists—Roy Acuff, Trace Adkins, Patsy Cline, Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Minnie Pearl, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban among them—in the Opry’s anthemic “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” 

“For nearly 100 years, the Grand Ole Opry has offered fans a unique way to discover and connect with country music’s new stars, superstars and legends,” said Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer for Ryman Hospitality Properties. “ As visitation to Nashville and the Opry has continued to rise in recent years, we have seen unprecedented demand from guests for more ways to connect with artists through the Opry and its amazing story. This magnificent film is designed to immerse fans in the Opry experience from an artist-centered point of view to give them a glimpse into why playing the Opry has been described by so many as the pinnacle of their careers.”

NBC’s TODAY SHOW sat down with Brooks and Yearwood in The Circle Room to watch the film and talk about the significance of the Opry. Click HERE to watch the exclusive interview and peek at the Opry’s new immersive film. Click HERE to see the extended interview with Brooks and Yearwood on TODAY.com about their first performances on the Grand Ole Opry, its historical significance in country music, and Yearwood’s upcoming solo tour.

The Circle Room is the capstone of a $12 million Opry House expansion and renovation project aimed at enhancing the Opry guest experience. In addition to the new VIP room and film, the renovation also included a new retail store, enhanced food and beverage options, a new parking area, and additional Plaza upgrades, which were completed in late 2018.  

The new film leads off the Opry’s new backstage tour, which continues into the newly renovated Opry House lobby featuring a new, custom lighting element made with Gibson guitars and a video presentation showcasing what happens backstage in the moments before the Opry’s red curtain goes up on the iconic show. 

Backstage, guests learn more about the Opry’s story from Opry member Brad Paisley in historic Studio A, visit the Opry’s themed dressing rooms, and more before ending with the greatest thrill in country music: a chance to stand in the sacred circle on the Opry stage. 

By night, the new Circle Room becomes a VIP upgrade area for Opry show guests, featuring food and beverage as well as a visit from an artist on the evening’s show. 

The new Opry Circle Room and Lobby experiences were conceived, designed, and produced by the award-winning experience design and production agency BRC Imagination Arts, who have worked with acclaimed destinations including Ryman Auditorium, Jameson Distillery Bow St., the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Museum of Liverpool, The Henry Ford, Guinness Storehouse, and more.   

More About The Circle Room’s Immersive Film and Technology 

Audio: The Circle Room is equipped with a custom 23.1 surround sound audio system with hidden speakers in the ceiling, walls and set pieces that allow the audio engineers and designers to place sound anywhere in the show space.

Media: The Circle Room is approximately 1,500 square feet with multiple projectors covering a unique silvered string material that allows for one-of-a-kind stunning imagery. These immersive projection surfaces have the added benefit of becoming transparent on demand to reveal sets and concert lighting effects. 

Lighting: Similar to a live concert, The Circle Room houses a theatrical LED lighting system that allows for precise control of millions of colors. As one of the most dynamic moving light packages in the Nashville, this robust system can harmoniously display any color or accent at any given time in the show. This technology allows The Circle Room to seamlessly transform from an emotional daytime show into a beautiful lounge space in seconds.

Accessibility: To ensure that guests with disabilities can enjoy the experience, the Circle Room and the new lobby show utilize a new-to-market handheld closed-captioning system. This system allows any guest to carry an Opry-provided tablet which displays descriptive closed captioning and lyrics. This new technology, previously only seen at major theme parks, keeps in sync with the experience no matter what area of the room the guests are in and ensures everyone has the same immersive experience.

Show Control: The Circle Room is run by a unique control system that allows the space to be operated by only one host. After multiple years of development, this system controls and syncs every piece of equipment while also informing the maintenance staff of any issues well before they impact the show for guests. 

Room Flexibility and Transformation: By day, The Circle Room experience serves as the lead-off to Opry tours. At night, the Circle Room transforms into a VIP lounge or even a small, live performance space. With just a push of a button the lighting changes, the drapes open and leaded crystal chandeliers magically lower from the ceiling, giving the lounge an intimate and exclusive feel. These magical touches, mixed with a variety of plush seating, provide each guest with a comfortable place to relax before the show (and maybe even be part of a visit from an Opry star!).

About the Grand Ole Opry: The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows running through December, Wednesday night shows through October, and Opry Country Classics shows on Thursdays this fall. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  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.

About BRC: BRC Imagination Arts is a global experience design and production agency that creates transformative experiences that build lasting relationships between visitors and the organization, institution or brand. For more than three decades, BRC’s masterful storytellers have helped notable cultural, museum, and brand experiences all over the world tell their stories in ways that engage and inspire audiences. BRC Imagination Arts has worked with some of the most respected and acclaimed destinations in the world including the Ryman Auditorium, Jameson Distillery Bow St., the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Museum of Liverpool, The Henry Ford, Guinness Storehouse, and more. 

The Grand Ole Opry premieres new immersive film for industry guests in the state of the art custom-built Circle Room as part of the new backstage tour experience. The film was followed by a panel Q&A discussion about the creation of the 14-minute film
(L to R: Scott Bailey, Opry Entertainment President; Bill Cody, Opry announcer and 650 WSM AM host; Barbara Schaetz, Vice President Business Operations for Grand Ole Opry House; Colin Reed, Chairman and CEO for Ryman Hospitality Properties; Opry member Mark Wills; Brad Shelton, BRC Imagination Arts Creative Director)

© Grand Ole Opry, Photo By: Chris Hollo
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Grand Ole Opry And Belk To Celebrate The SEC March 16

By on February 26, 2019 in In The Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 26, 2019) The Grand Ole Opry® is set to celebrate the hardwood teams of the SEC as Music City hosts the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament next month. “The Opry Salutes the SEC sponsored by Belk” brings three southern staples together on Sat., March 16 and promises to feature free music, a fashion show and SEC action in the Opry Plaza as well as a ticketed hoops-themed evening Opry performance.

Among those already scheduled for the night’s Opry show are Opry NextStage artist Riley Green, Maddie & Tae, Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, and Country Music Hall of Famer Ricky Skaggs. Opry flagship station 650 AM WSM is scheduled to present live music and SEC personalities on air and in the Plaza in advance of the show, and fans are invited to wear their teams’ colors and gear for a chance to win Opry and SEC merchandise throughout the evening. Belk, official retail department store of the SEC, will host a fashion show featuring the trendiest southern styles during the Front Porch Party on the Opry Plaza. Opry personalities including announcer Mike Terry and pre-show host Juliette Vara will also showcase the latest fashion from Belk as they participate in the evening’s festivities.

SEC Opry fans who purchase March 16 Opry tickets beginning today and before March 9 using code “SECOPRY” can save $5 per ticket on up to eight tickets. The special offer is available at (800)-SEE-OPRY and opry.com.

About The Grand Ole Opry:

The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows through December, seasonal Wednesdays, and seasonal Opry Country Classics shows on Thursdays. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.comand 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.

About Belk

Belk, Inc., a private department store company based in Charlotte, N.C., is where Southern customers shop for their Saturday night outfit, the perfect Sunday dress, and where family and community matter most. But Belk is more than shopping – it’s where you find your own unique way to express who you are. It’s where Southern style lives. Shop Belk in 16 Southern states and www.belk.com to find an assortment of national brands and private-label fashion, shoes and accessories for the entire family, along with top-name cosmetics, a wedding registry and Southern style for the home. Check out the Belk Newsroom to see the retailer in action as they give back to the community, deliver fashion-forward trends and more!

About The SEC

A pioneer in the integration of higher education and athletic competition, the Southeastern Conference is a leader on the national landscape for intercollegiate athletics in the 21st century.  Since its formation in 1933, the SEC has achieved stature and stability by designating governing/voting power to the presidents of the member institutions. These university leaders determine the policies of the conference and through the years this involvement has been the principal source of strength in the evolution of the SEC.  Throughout its history, the SEC has provided leadership on the vital issues facing intercollegiate competition. Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Tennessee and Vanderbilt have been in the SEC since its formation in 1933. The league has expanded twice, adding Arkansas and South Carolina in 1991, then Missouri and Texas A&M in 2012.

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5 Country Music Things To Do In Nashville Besides Honky Tonks

By on February 1, 2018 in Community, Music, Special Events, The Latest

There are so many fun honky tonks in Music City – but Nashville also offers so much more than Broadway bars.  If you’re a country music fan, we’ve rounded up five great music-related things to do in the 615.  Whether you’re an out of town guest or a local, you’re sure to enjoy these activities which let you explore the city in new ways!

Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards is a must-do Nashville winery because it’s owned by none other than Kix Brooks, of Brooks & Dunn. The winery is open all year round and features wine all made right here in Tennessee. From their picnic style wine tastings to live music, Arrington is a nice change of pace from Broadway.

The Escape Game

The Escape Game is perfect for any family or friend groups in Music City who need a little reboot after a long night out. They have a fun “Nashville” themed room where you and your teammates are solving clues, working against the clock as you pretend you are an up-and-coming band – you must find a hidden contract in the “recording studio” in hopes of making it big. It’s a #1 rated activity on TripAdvisor, and with their convenient location downtown, it’s a great place to experience country music in a new way.

Country Music Hall Of Fame

It’s no secret that Music City is filled with tons of history, but it can be hard to keep up with all of it. All you need for a little refresher is a visit to the Country Music Hall Of Fame. From rotating exhibits like Loretta Lynn’s Blue Kentucky Girl and ones that you can see year round like the Taylor Swift Education Center, the museum offers something for every country fan.

Grand Ole Opry

This is something every Music City tourist needs to see! A tour of this historical spot will give fans chills as they stand on a circle where thousands of musical legends have sang before them. Along with a tour, you can also buy tickets to check out a performance from various country music acts in town. There is truly nothing like the Opry!

Grimey’s Record Store

Grimey’s is a must stop for any one passing through or moving to Nashville. This independent record store has everything from CDs to LPs to DVDs. They also have in-store performances from pretty awesome artists, like Kacey Musgraves and Jason Isbell. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to take home a great record, and possibly meet your favorite artist.

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