We left Asheville and drove the 5 hours to Nashville. We were hoping to see the dogwoods bloom in Branson, but we were seeing them everywhere on North Carolina and Tennessee.
We arrived at our hotel and left early for the 7:00 pm show. Fortunately, we had been emailed by the Opry that we should leave early for the show. They were re-opening the Opry Mills Mall this weekend after being shut down after the massive floods from 2 years ago. What a Gong Show!! Total grid lock for miles as people tried to get into the Mall Parking (the Grand Ole Opry is located in the same location).
While we enjoyed the show, we found the lineup to be a little weak. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing Ricky Skaggs, who hosted one of the four 1/2 hour sections.
Much older and heavier than the last time I saw him (sounds familiar). Pictures aren't the greatest. Done with my iphone. Should have taken my camera. They allowed people to walk up to the stage to take photos.
It was great to see Sam Bush, a renowned bluegrass mandolin player (on the fiddle here).
Most performers dedicated their songs to the memory of Earl Scruggs. For those not familiar with Earl, he was the father of the 3 finger style on the 5 string banjo and certainly a hero of mine. “Earl was to the five-string banjo what Babe Ruth was to baseball.” You may be familiar with Foggy Mountain Breakdown or the theme from the Beverly Hillbillys. His funeral service was at the Ryman Theatre this Sunday. Too bad I had to leave for Branson.
Crystal Gayle was one of the featured performers. Her hair appeared as long as it used to be. Her voice did not :(
Overall too many retreads and none of the current stars. Was kind of explained when I realized that all the big names were in Vegas for the CMA Awards. Guess we picked the wrong weekend.
Was also a GONG SHOW trying to get out after the show!
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