Taking in the Tunes in Tennessee

We're in Music City USA and loving it! Everywhere you turn there are musicians plying their trade. We've danced at the Wildhorse Saloon, listened to up and comers at local honky tonks like The Stage and Tootsies but the highlight of this trip was our night at the Grand Ole Orpy!

The line-up of stars, both new and old, was outstanding! Newer stars included

Dierks Bentley

Aaron Tippin

and

Vince Gill

Of course, no show at the Grand Ole Opry is complete without a performance by Minnie Pearl.

And the stars of old were not to be outdone! Mel Tillis, Del McCoury, Little Jimmy Dickens, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Whispering Bill Anderson, The Whites, Jimmy C Newman, and Jean Sheppard performed many favourites and had the crowd clapping and singing along.

But the night belonged to Carrie Underwood as she was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

And the night was made even more special for her when none other than fellow Oklahoman, Garth Brooks showed up, unannounced, to present her with her award.

While performing her last number, she was joined on stage by yet another fellow Oklahoman, Vince Gill

This leg of our trip has been extra special because we were joined by my Mom and Dad, and my Uncle Mac and Aunt June. After attending a performance at the current Grand Ole Opry House, we took a stroll down memory lane and visited the Ryman Auditorium, known as the Mother Church of country music and the building that housed the Grand Ole Opry for several decades.

(Note the coats! The temperature on Sunday did not get above 55F. Guess it`s preparing us for what`s ahead when we return home!)

The Ryman is said to have fantastic acoustics - second only to the Mormon Tabernacle. The self guided tour allows you the opportunity to go up on stage so Dad and I, and Dad and Uncle Mac grabbed guitars and made like country stars.

Today it's on to Memphis - wonder if we'll catch a glimpse of the King!