Union County Opry is back in 2021!

Last year on March 1st I was so happy to share the exciting news of the Union County Opry with our readers! I concluded the article with the news that I had a copy of their schedule on my refrigerator and was looking forward to catching some of their shows, inviting you to join me. Then the Coronavirus hit. Our world seemed to stop spinning as the pandemic raged on. I confess that it was an unreasonably long time before I could bear to remove that show lineup, well into the Fall, long after any hope was gone. As a transplant to this community only 14 years ago, I can’t help but think if it hit me this hard, how must it have been for those who have always called Union County home? Well, the pandemic isn’t over, but things are improving. As the world begins to turn again in these parts, we turn to music to celebrate!

On their Facebook page, the Union County Opry proclaims: “For many years, folks have found inspiration, entertainment, and escape in the melodies and harmonies of music. Proudly, Union County is home to many artists who have been successful in their endeavors such as Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Carl Smith, Lois Johnson, and Kenny Chesney. We are happy to pay homage to those who have paved the way and provide a place people can enjoy wonderful sounds and shows for years to come!” It never gets old reminding folks of the rich history of talented artists and musicians who have called Union County, Tennessee home!

The Opry is happy to announce their 2021 line-up!
[All shows are at 7 PM EST at Union County High School 150 Main Street | Maynardville, TN 37807
Doors open at 5 PM for food and the auditorium opens at 6 PM]
May 1st​ - Union County Opry Band with Jim Clayton and the Union County Line Dancers
(with food from Southern Squeeze)
June 12th​ - Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
July 10th​ - T Graham Brown
August 28th​ - Bellamy Brothers
September​ - TBD (Possible Fall local talent festival to coincide with the grand opening of Heritage Park if the stage is complete, will be announced as soon as confirmed.)
October 16th​ - Mayberry comes to Maynardville
November 6th​ - Balsam Range
December 4th​ - Christmas Show

Seating is offered at 50% capacity, so you are advised to get tickets in advance. Visit Union County Opry online (http://www.unioncountyopry.com/tickets.html) or call the box office at (865) 992-8388 for event tickets. Ask about Season Tickets, which give priority seating to every show in the 2021 lineup!

County Commissioners Danny Cooke, Debra Keck, and Sidney Jessee Jr. are to be commended for having the vision to organize the Union County Opry! Cooke encourages everyone to make plans to attend. Jessee is pleased to share that the Opry doesn’t just do music and concerts, they also give back to the community by offering a scholarship for a Union County graduate. They were able to do that in 2019, their first year! Of course, COVID cut that off last year but they are back on track to give at least one, possibly two scholarships this year. Union County seniors should be listening for announcements at the high school for further information. Jessee is glad to be getting back and hopefully regaining a sense of normalcy.

Y’all come out now, ya hear!

Kathy Chesney is an independent Business Development Specialist and a Freelance Writer who interviews ordinary Union County citizens doing extraordinary things within their community, and then shares their fascinating stories with you. She enjoys writing and has had many articles published in the Historic Union County newsletter. She is also Pastor of Millers Chapel United Methodist Church in Maynardville, TN. Follow her on Facebook or LinkedIn.