Since everyone has been asking....this is how Opry by the River came about. Ive had the idea for a while now that I wanted to start a venue like the shows I used to be in at Opryland. I kept asking myself who can help me get this started and where would the perfect place be. After playing Heritage Days I knew Augusta was the perfect place to have it. Its historical, its beautiful, there are lots of tourists, plenty of festivals and its been good to me over the years for playing great country music. Next was who can help me with this.....well of course none other than my buddy Allison Parker. So I told her my idea and she loved it and immediately stepped up to the plate. Then was to decide the facility to have the venue. I knew I wanted it to be some place with great acoustics and a place with a cozy, homey feel to it. She suggested I come and look at the chapel. As soon as I walked in I knew it was the perfect place. It is the ideal spot for what I want. She brought along Jacqueline Meyer Hopkins and told her my idea. Jackie immediately fell in love with the idea and jumped right on board. Then was to decide a name for the venue. I said Opry by the River and goose bumps raised up on Allisons skin. So we knew that was the perfect name. Next I had to decide who I wanted to be in the band. So I handpicked who I thought would work best for the sound I wanted and I couldnt be happier with it. We have the best lead guitar player in these parts, a steel guitar player that plays it just like the record, an awesome female drummer (I just love that) and the bass player not only plays bass but knows how to fix all of our projects that needs to be done. In our lineup, just to name a few, we have cousin Minnie Pearl, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette and many many more AND we have a fabulous promoter. So stay tuned cause Opry by the River has many surprises in store!!!
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 23:28:19 +0000