Nashville’s most notable attractions, but as one of the premiere live concert series in American history! Every week the Opry invites thousands of visitors into its house, and is broadcasted into the homes of millions! Aside from its long-standing legacy, the Opry showcases a veritable who’s who of country music for an always stellar, and unpredictable, time of only quality country. So as you begin to plan for your next visit to Nashville, be sure to keep the Grand Ole Opry in mind. Even if you’ve been a dozen times before, you’re sure to find a completely fresh show to entertain yet again!

Grand Ole Opry

Throughout February, the Grand Ole Opry will be hosted at its original home, the Ryman Auditorium. Though the show will still keep the same basic format, and include the always electric atmosphere of live radio, the Opry will also carry the tradition and charm that undeniably comes with performing in the historic Ryman Auditorium. While seeing the Grand Ole Opry in its new Opry House is a remarkable experience, there is something extra special about seeing the live country showcase unfold in the hallowed halls of the Ryman.

Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tours

Those that would like to get a full experience of the Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry would do well to take a self-guided tour of the building. Along the tour you’ll not only walk the historic Ryman, but also browse a variety of authentic memorabilia tied to the Opry’s many years in the building. Cited as “The Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium is a must-see experience for all country fans visiting Nashville.

Ryman Bluegrass Nights

While this concert series is still a ways off, running from June 26 - July 31, it’s never too early to start planning for an event as popular as the Ryman Bluegrass Nights. Throughout its duration, the Ryman Bluegrass Nights will host select performances featuring the biggest names in bluegrass music. This year’s line-up includes Earl Scruggs, Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, Cherryholmes, Ricky Skaggs and Ralph Stanley, ensuring that each and every performance will be a solid look at the history and present state of bluegrass music.

Mid-February in Nashville brings a double dose of antiques as both the Heart of Country Antiques Show and Antiques and Garden Show are presented. The Heart of Country Antiques Show takes place February 14 - 16 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, while the Antiques and Garden Show is held at the Nashville Convention Center from February 14 - 17.

Throughout the Heart of Country Antiques Show visitors will find a patriotic display with special exhibits ranging from quilts to jewelry. Additionally, a number of private dealers will be on-hand to showcase their personal collections, and Mary Emmerling, renowned author and designer, will be on hand to sign autographs and answer any questions you may have. Whether looking to pick up a few particular pieces to add to your collection or merely hoping to be immersed in an informative time of antiques, the Heart of Country Antiques Show is shaping up to offer antiques enthusiasts a varied time.

If the Heart of Country Antiques Show isn’t enough, the Antiques and Garden Show will also be running the same weekend for an all out celebration of antiques in Nashville, TN. Entering its 18th showing, the Antiques and Garden Show combines antiques and the art of decorative landscape. Throughout the show guests will find 150 booths displaying a wide range of antiques, as well as numerous gardens specifically designed for the weekend. In addition to the many exhibits of antiques and landscaping, guests will also find a number of lectures being held from the likes of Alexa Hampton from the Mark Hampton LLC design firm, David Kleinberg from David Kleinberg Design Associates, and Renny Reynolds and Jack Staub from the Hortulus Farm Nursery and Gardens.

And for those that can find time to squeeze in a little sightseeing between the Heart of Country Antiques Show and Antiques and Garden Show, a visit to the Ryman Auditorium can offer an authentic look into the past of Nashville for a perfect compliment to your weekend of antiques. Known as “The Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium is most noted for its long tenure as the home of the Grand Ole Opry, and stands today as a National Historic Landmark and popular concert hall. Along a Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tour you’ll have the chance to explore not only one of the nation’s most cherished concert venues, but also explore a variety of authentic memorabilia tied to the Grand Ole Opry.

This February, make your next vacation a true trip into the past with Nashville, TN, the Heart of Country Antiques Show, and the Antiques and Garden Show!

Ryman Bluegrass Nights is once again returning to the Ryman Auditorium this summer for a six-part series, and the performers have been announced! Carrying on the tradition started by Earl Scruggs in the 1940’s, this legendary showcase will bring today’s biggest names in bluegrass to country music’s biggest stage – the famed Ryman. And whether you’re looking to hear traditional sounds of modern bluegrass’ beginning or are hoping to experience today’s true innovators, there’s a concert waiting for you with this always popular concert series. Check below for a complete list of performers for the 2008 Ryman Bluegrass Nights.

2008 Ryman Bluegrass Nights Performers:

The Legendary Earl Scruggs with Family & Friends - June 26

As the godfather of bluegrass music, Earl Scruggs is the perfect selection to kick-off this popular, annual series. Scruggs introduced his distinctive syncopated, three-finger picking to the world in 1945, and to this day continues to be one of the true showmen in bluegrass.

Vince Gill - July 3

Popular country artist Vince Gill began his musical career in a bluegrass band, and though he’s taken to a number of different genres over the years, he’s still well adept at pickin’. And while it may be his starpower that draws the crowd, it is sure to be his musical talents that keep the crowd entertained.

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage with IIIrd Tyme Out and Dailey & Vincent - July 10

Rhonda Vincent has strived to be an ambassador of sorts for bluegrass throughout her career, and through both her passion and talents she’s been able to reach an entirely new generation with the down home sounds of bluegrass.

Cherryholmes and The Grascals - July 17

Cherryholmes is a family bluegrass band offering traditional sounds through two generations of family. They will be accompanied by the emerging group The Grascals for a look at both traditional and neo-traditional bluegrass.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder with Special Guest The Whites - July 24

Just as with Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs has managed to find mainstream sucess while still clinging to the roots of bluegrass music. Accompanied by his band Kentucky Thunder and country vocalists The Whites, this is sure to be a well-rounded night of bluegrass entertainment.

Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys with Steep Canyon Rangers - July 31

Renowned bluegrass instrumentalist Ralph Stanley will take to the stage alongside his band, The Clinch Mountain Boys, and emerging new artists Steep Canyon Rangers for a perfect finale to Ryman Bluegrass Nights.

Nashville may be best noted for its tremendous display of country music, but January 31 through February 3 it will be bluegrass that takes center stage as the SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards & Convention visits the Sheraton Music City Hotel. Making its 32nd annual appearance in Nashville, the SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards & Convention highlights only the best in the world of bluegrass through performances and an awards show. Aside from the official proceedings of the event, you’ll also find a variety of musical workshops, band showcases and various other activities taking place throughout the weekend for a full and varied time of bluegrass!

The actual awards ceremony is set for the last night of the event, though those wanting to fully experience all that the SPBGMA Bluegrass Awards & Convention has to offer will definitely want to arrive in town a few days early. Below is a tentative schedule of events centered around this great time of bluegrass to help travelers plan accordingly.

34th Annual SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards & Convention Tentative Schedule of Events

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Bluegrass Gospel Concert – Set to include Billie Renee’ & Cumberland Gap, NewFound Road and more

Friday, February 1, 2008

Banjo Workshop

Trade Exhibits

Showcase of Bands – Set to include JD Crow & The New South, Chris Jones & The Reno Tradition, NewFound Road and more

Saturday, February 2, 2008

International Band Championship – Set to include Dailey & Vincent, Dean Osborn Band, Kentucky Blue and more

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Gospel Music Concert – Set to include The Martin Family, Shallow Creek, Bluegrass Brigade and more

34th Annual SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards Show - Hosted by Rarely Herd with performances by Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Rarely Herd, Ronnie Bowman, The Grascals, Lewis Family and IIIrd Tyme Out

Once again the Sound & Speed celebration will be bringing an all-star line-up of country’s top performing artists and some of NASCAR’s most revered names for a festival like only Nashville could host. This year’s Sound & Speed will take place January 11 – 12, and is set to hold a variety of events that will place you closer than ever to your favorite drivers and recording artists

In particular, Saturday’s procession is sure to be an action-packed time with events including the Backstage Garage Pass and evening concert. The Backstage Garage Pass will offer fans a time for autographs and questions with drivers including Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, Kyle Petty, Ryan Newman and more. Throughout the day-long event fans will also be able to take part in a fan auction, browse showcars, and more for a complete and intimate look into NASCAR.

That same night, Sound & Speed will be hosting a country concert with acts set to include Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Danielle Peck, Ray Stevens and others.

Whether interested in only one half of the Sound & Speed festivities or hoping to take in all of the action over the course of the weekend, Sound & Speed is sure to electrify the already lively setting of Nashville for a memorable outing in the Country Music Capital of the World.

It has been officially announced that the 2008 CMT Music Awards will be taking place at Nashville’s Curb Event Center at Belmont University on Monday, April 14. The CMT Music Awards is scheduled to premier live on Country Music Television (CMT) for an exciting atmosphere that will pay tribute to some of Nashville’s biggest stars. Additionally, the CMT Music Awards is the only fan-voted awards show in country music, presenting an authentic voice of the people.

Last year’s CMT Music Awards offered a star-packed show featuring performances by Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Dierks Bentley, and hosted by legendary comedian Jeff Foxworthy. And while the 2008 line-up has yet to be announced, it’s sure to follow the legacy of past ceremonies.

Of course, the CMT Music Awards isn’t your only chance to witness some of country music’s biggest stars coming together. In fact, every week Nashville is blessed with just such an event in the Grand Ole Opry. Offering a lively show that is just as likely to feature legendary acts such as Porter Wagoner and George Jones as it is to highlight today’s hottest stars, including Dierks Bentley and Alison Krauss, the Grand Ole Opry is a hot ticket in Nashville throughout the year.

November 8, 2007

The Gaylord Opryland is once again looking to transform its mammoth resort setting into a veritable winter wonderland with A Country Christmas. Running from November 15 through December 25, A Country Christmas offers a variety of special activities and exhibits in addition to the already stellar Opryland setting. In particular, ICE!, an interactive ice sculpture exhibit that tells the tale of How the Grinch Stole Christmas; the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the world famous Rockettes; and nearly two million lights will come to the forefront, with a variety of other events scheduled throughout the celebration. Nashville may not see the typical blanket of winter snow very often, but winter cheer can definitely be found throughout the Country Music Capital of the World with celebrations like A Country Christmas leading the way.For those that want to be surrounded by the excitement of A Country Christmas throughout the entirety of their Nashville visit, a stay at the Gaylord Opryland is the way to go. Aside from the many special events held in conjunction with A Country Christmas, the Gaylord Opryland can offer an entertaining experience any time. Featuring four glass atriums complete with dining, nightlife, shopping and even an indoor river, 44 foot waterfall and arcade, the Gaylord is a truly encompassing entertainment complex.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Nashville without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry! Going strong for more than 70 years now, the Grand Ole Opry is not just a centerpiece of Nashville tradition, but the undisputed official concert series of country music. From legends including Porter Wagoner and Loretta Lynn to country’s top artists such as Dierks Bentley and Alison Kraus, you never know who’s going to show up to entertain at the Opry. Even if you’re not a fan of country music the Opry is truly a one of a kind experience.