Grand Ole Opry Kicks Off CMA Fest With Free Opry Plaza Party, Several Opry Shows
Carrie Underwood
Country music’s most famous show is the place to be during one of Music City’s most exciting weeks, as the Grand Ole Opry presented by Humana is hosting five star-packed Opry shows, a free Music Fest kick-off Opry Plaza Party, benefit guitar auction, popular artist signings, and more during CMA Music Festival week in Nashville.
The fun begins at 5 p.m. Tues., June 5 with a free Opry Plaza Party presented by Humana featuring Easton Corbin. Two Opry shows following the kick-off party are set to feature Carrie Underwood, Oak Ridge Boys, and more.
Other Opry performances during the week include Fri., June 8, when 2011 American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina will perform along with Opry members Mel Tillis and Charley Pride. A Sat., June 9 matinee at the Ryman Auditorium featuring Kellie Pickler and Wynonna, among others. In celebration of Wynonna’s performance, fans can enter a “Get Wy With A Little Help From My Friends” contest including tickets to the show coupled with a backstage Wy meet and greet for a lucky fan and five friends. Fans can enter on the Opry’s Facebook page now through June 8 for a chance to win.
The Fourth Annual Guitars of the Stars Benefit Auction, set for 5 p.m. Thurs., June 7 at the CMA Music Fest Buckle Stage at 4th Ave. and Broadway in downtown Nashville is set to be co-hosted by Casey James and include performances by the country newcomer. Some of Nashville’s best visual artists have contributed one-of-a-kind guitars both inspired and autographed by country favorites including The Band Perry, Merle Haggard, Hunter Hayes, Loretta Lynn, and Keith Urban. The event is open to the public, and all proceeds from the auction will benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which assists members of the country music community in need.
Throughout the week, fans can visit Opry Originals in downtown Nashville for in-store signings by favorite artists, including Alaina, Bill Anderson, Lee Greenwood, James, Pickler, and more.
Fans can stop by the Opry’s booth in The Buckle on Broadway to compete against friends in a guitar jam on a stage simulating the Virtual Opry stage, which is currently a part of Brad Paisley’s Virtual Reality Tour. Additionally, they can enter to win a guitar autographed by Paisley, as well as place bids on a guitar autographed by various Opry artists including Alan Jackson, Little Big Town, and Josh Turner in a silent auction benefitting the Opry Trust Fund.
