NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 2, 2014) – The Grand Ole Opry kicked off the fourth season of Opry Country Christmas last night with the first of ten shows running through December 23. Opry member and last night’s Spotlight Artist Jon Pardi hosted an “Opry Country Christmas Pardi” in Studio A, where he welcomed friends, family, and special guests to mark the beginning of the holiday festivities.
Pardi, the multi-Platinum-selling singer/songwriter/producer performed “Beer for Santa,” “Merry Christmas from the Keys,” “400 Horsepower Sleigh,” “Swing on Down to Texas,” and “Please Come Home for Christmas.” that are included on his Christmas album, Merry Christmas from Jon Pardi which was released last year. Also joining in the kickoff was special guest Marcus King who performed “Merry Christmas Baby,” “Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday,” and “This Christmas.”
Hosted by Grammy–winning Opry member Larry Gatlin, Opry Country Christmas showcases songs of the holiday season with nine shows remaining through Dec. 23 for a total of ten shows. Presented by Humana and sponsored by Dan Post Boots, shows feature Opry members The Gatlin Brothers, Riders in the Sky, Mandy Barnett and Opry star/Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy. Other Opry members, Spotlight Artists and special guests scheduled to round out the shows made up of artists’ original songs and timeless Christmas favorites include Lorrie Morgan, Eric Paslay, and Kathy Mattea tonight (12/2); The Oak Ridge Boys, Rhonda Vincent, Maggie Rose, and Jason Crabb(12/4); Scotty McCreery, Hillary Scott, and Matthew West (12/5); Chris Young, Priscilla Block, and Louis York & The Shindellas (12/8); Chris Janson and Chapel Hart (12/11); Megan Moroney, The Isaacs, and The Ornaments(12/15); Jamey Johnson, Drake Milligan, and Mickey Guyton (12/16); Steven Curtis Chapman, John Berry and Mark Wills (12/22); Dailey & Vincent, Louise Mandrell, and Sunny Sweeney (12/23).
All Opry Country Christmas shows air on WSM Radio as well as WSM and Opry digital platforms. For Opry Country Christmas tickets and more information on the full Opry schedule, visit opry.com.
COME EARLY FOR HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Don’t miss the festive Christmas décor and various holiday photo ops throughout the Opry Plaza before the show! Come early to snap your holiday photos and browse The Opry Shop holiday merchandise for the perfect Christmas gift. PLUS, enjoy festive holiday beverages available for purchase in the Opry House upon entry with ticket. The Opry will also provide a fun activity book for kids which includes games and a keepsake Opry stage coloring sheet.
ABOUT HUMANA
Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we strive to make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and CenterWell.com.
ABOUT DAN POST BOOTS
Since 1965, Dan Post Boots has established itself as an iconic western brand known for challenging the status quo. Our name is synonymous with handcrafted cushion comfort from the first step, and it’s a legacy taken seriously. Offering superior quality, every part of our 160-step process is intentional and stands the test of time; you’ll feel the difference.
ABOUT THE GRAND OLE OPRY
The Grand Ole Opry is the home of country music where artists and fans gather, in person and virtually, to celebrate and be part of country’s past, present and future. Founded in Nashville in 1925 and today the longest-running live broadcast show in the world, the Opry strengthens its roots by constantly evolving. The Opry’s members are country’s most emblematic artists, and the show regularly showcases country music’s top new talent. The Opry welcomes legions of fans to visit the Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee – Music City, USA – to experience one of the 3-5 live shows it hosts per week; take a backstage tour; listen to live broadcasts on opry.com and wsmonline.com, SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse, or its flagship home WSM Radio; and watch Opry Live on Saturday nights and Opry content all week long on Circle Country. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP) and part of a strategic investment with Atairos and NBCUniversal.
