It begins on the night of Saturday, April 20, 2019 in the Union County High School Auditorium when the announcer introduces the Union County Opry Band to play a musical tribute to entertainers that have come from Union County including Lois Johnson, Carl Smith, Chet Atkins, Roy Acuff and Jim Wyrick. “The good Lord above has poured out a special bucket of talent on Union County,” said Danny Cooke.

Danny Cooke, Sidney Jesse and Debra Keck are the architects behind the formation of the Opry. Their vision is to create an entertainment venue to promote tourism, showcase local talent and honor the musical heritage of Union County. Along the way, they hope to launch music careers and provide a path for current and future generations from Union County and the surrounding area to achieve their dream – successful careers in the music industry.

The Union County Opry, established as a Tennessee Not-For-Profit organization, will provide scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing a degree and career in music and the organization will pursue a long-term goal of providing the county with a dedicated event center to host music and other events.

In addition to showcasing the music legends above, the Master of Ceremonies and Capital Records Recording Artist Buddy Coppock, will direct a tribute to the over 25 nationally recognized singers and musicians that have called Union County home. Buddy himself is a native of the Big Ridge Community.

"When the curtains open Saturday night April 20th at the Union County High School Auditorium and the lights come on, history will be made,” said Cooke. In addition to the musical tribute by the Union County Opry Band, the opening show will feature many Union County natives. Leading off the Gospel Segment will be the internationally known "Roarks", owners of Chapel Valley Studios in Sharps Chapel, where they have been listed as one of the fastest growing record companies in the gospel music industry. Also performing are Michael and Delilah Kitts of Luttrell, Duane Wyrick with "Knoxville’s Own Southern Gospel Quartet", Buddy Coppock, some of the original members of the "Betterway Quartet" including Paul Carter, Stewart Wyrick, Darrell Williams, Bill Turner, Dannie Peters and Neal Walker and Jared Graves with "Forever Found". The Bluegrass Showdown will feature Steve Nicely with "Stony Point", Sawyer and Canaan Blankenship with "Current Situation", Kaine Savage, Ben Sexton, Daniel Kitts, Randell Woods and Jerimiah Ray with "County Line", "Dark Ridge Bluegrass" with Earl Bull, Chris Muncey with "Narrow Way" and Lyndon Kitts, Zeke Flatford, Tucker Jones and Trey Farley with "Tumblin Run".

Doors open at 6:00 pm for the opening show Saturday, April 20th at the Union County High School Auditorium. Tickets at the door are only $11.00 including tax. Season Tickets to the Union County Opry are available at the Kitchen Design Center and Woods Music. You can also purchase individual show tickets at http://www.unioncountyopry.com/tickets.html. You can stay current on Opry happenings by liking the Union County Opry Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/unioncountyopry/.

Join us at the Union County Opry and be a part of the proud music history of Union County and help us launch a modern era of music legend. Union County – the place we call home.

Photo Credit https://www.opry.com/history