This is the second of two posts about my trip to the Grand Ole Opry.So, finally after a whole day of adventure of anticipation, we were finally able to get into the Opry House.
Being first timers, we got in there 40 minutes early as soon as the doors opened. It worked out wonderfully because the seats ended up being like super, comfy church pews. We were also able to watch as all the other countless people sprinkled in over the next half hour, and truly decide if we were allowed to take pictures or have cameras. (I was going to anyway, but I needed to know how much stealth would be involved.)
After we were settled in our seats, very front of the balcony and smack in the middle, we were greeted by the nicest usher in the world. We even chatted with the sound guy a little bit. It was a different world from other concerts I have attended. (rock, pop, ska (still don't know what that is), and gothic underground stuff). I could tell it was going to be a great show in which I didn't have to worry about teenage audience members imitating adult film stars or a six-foot-tall, 90 pound dead heads shoving me into a speaker.
The minutes rolled on, and people of all ages, types, origins, and styles began filling up the hall. There wasn't a seat left empty. The large TV screens throughout the hall switched from showing trivia to Bass Pro Shop and Cracker Barrel commercials. The lights dimmed slightly, and I knew that what we had waited for the entire day had finally come.
The whole place went completely dark save for the bright lights of the now visible historical stage of The Grand Ole Opry.
The show is taped live and broadcast on GAC. (I was totally almost on TV! EE!!) It is divided up into four 30 minute segments with a host performer for each.The first half hour was hosted by Jim Ed Brown with performance by Helen Cornelius, Jimmy C. Newman, and James Otto.
Highlights: I loved it when Jimmy C. Newman (pictured below) came on the stage. He sang my favorite song of the night, Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road. I still have it in my head now. I've already ordered one of his CD's. He is the epitome of that authentic, fun, country vibe.
When it was time for James Otto (pictured below) to come on the stage, I realized something that I will swear to until I croak. While walking around the grounds before the show, I spotted this group of four guys walking that looked like they were a band. I got Shannon's attention, "Hey, did you see those guys? Are they in a band? Three looked artsy, all were dressed in cool, dark outfits, and one had really pretty hair."Unfortunately, she didn't catch 'em. Then I saw them a second time about 20 minutes later as they walked about 20 feet in front of us. I just knew they were musicians. Little did I know, IT WAS FREAKIN' JAMES OTTO!! EEE!!! I could have totally have met him and got a close up picture. I'll never forget that silky coif 'till I go senile.
The next half hour was hosted by the wonderful Jean Shepard with performances by 'Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys' and EHSS (Ernie Haase and Signature Sound).Highlights: Jean Shepard performed one of my favorite gospel songs. ("If I Could Only Hear My Mother Pray Again") I heard some of the best bluegrass when Jesse McReynolds took the stage. (I'm gonna order one of his CD's too.) Finally, when EHSS (pictured below) took the stage, it showed how far and how awesome the gospel music genre has become. Here were these young guys with high energy and a message to send. It was an awesome treat!
The third part of the show was hosted by the hilarious Mike Snider with performances by Stonewall Jackson, Darryl Worley (pictured below), and the Opry Square Dancers.Highlights: I swear that the show just got better and better. Mike Snider was a great host, especially with his comedy background. He' was more than a 'fair to middlin' performer (he was awesome!) , and his jokes had me rollin' too. Stonewall Jackson was great. He is one of my dad's favored musicians. Then, Darryl Worley took the stage, and well, he can do no wrong. He's just that awesome. It was amazing! I'm still shocked at how many current big names in country were in the show!
The last televised portion has Hal Ketchum (pictured below) as host with performances by Jan Howard and Jack Greene.Highlights: It was a great end to the televised show. Hal Ketchum came out and sang his first song with his daughters. They can sing too! I'm so jealous! It made me realized that the Opry could be something to which I could actually take my Dad to or younger members of my family. I love that, there was too much vulgarity at other shows with I have experience.
After the televised part of the show was over, the lights came back on. I could feel a nervous grinding in my stomach. I couldn't help thinking, 'Isn't Reba supposed to be here? Surely, she didn't cancel. Celebrities do that a lot, don't they? I'll go off on somebody.'Then all of a sudden, the curtains flew up and there she was. Reba was on the stage belting out "Why Haven't I Heard From You!" All of a sudden, I found myself turning into a former self o' mine and hootin' and a' hollerin' at the stage like I was at my high school football championship.
I can't even imagine how my best friend felt as she was seeing the same thing as I. I like Reba and all, but she is the ultimate fan when it comes to Reba. (Like, if there was a Reba-edition Jeopardy! or Millionaire Show, she would have Warren Buffett working for her. I tell ya what!) And I can honestly say that it was electric in there, and it's definitely something that I will never forget.Ending Thoughts: One thing that truly surprised me about the show was that the singers sounded as good or better live than they do on TV or on CD's. Most concerts of other genres that I have attended are the opposite. The singers usually sound like 'doo doo on a stick', and they make up for it with flashy lights and presentation. At the Opry, it just wasn't needed. It could have been in an old and stinky cow field, and it would have been an awesome show.
Who knew this great treasure was in the very state that I live? (Well, apparently a lot of people except those in my tiny town, heh.)
Just say no kids,
Peach-free's the way to be,
Jenn
Want to see more pics from my trip? Check out my personal Gallery.
