Seeing a show at the Grand Ole Opry is a MUST when in Nashville– even if you’re not into country music. Here’s why!

A trip to Nashville not on your radar? Shame on you– it totally should be. When I last wrote about Tennessee’s capital (blog post here), I praised its dynamism, funky vibe, and popping music scene (they don’t call it the “Music City” for nothing).

I also mentioned that a trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without catching a country music show at the historic Grand Ole Opry.

Actually, to be precise, my exact words were the following: “a visit to Nashville just doesn’t make sense without seeing a show at the Opry!”

While I have a penchant for hyperbole smiles sheepishly, I meant every word I said.

I know what you’re thinking, though– country music’s not your “thing”, so why bother? I’m going to keep it 100% real with you. Seeing a show at the Grand Ole Opry was the absolute highlight of my trip, and country’s not my thing either. In fact, I’d say that, besides heavy metal, it’s probably my least favourite genre of music gasp.

But after seeing a show and thoroughly enjoying it, I’m a believer. This is why I’m willing to state (on the record!) that I think a visit to the Grand Ole Opry is a prerequisite for ANY Nashville trip, even if you’re not a fan of country music. Here’s why!

Why you should see a show at the Grand Ole Opry, even if you don’t like country music

1. It’s the #1 country music venue in the world

Fun fact: the Grand Ole Opry is where country music was born. Another fun fact: the Opry actually started as a radio broadcast before morphing into a live stage show.

Now commonly touted as “country’s most famous stage”, it’s launched the careers of country music icons like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn.

As Tennessee’s number one tourist attraction, the Opry isn’t just a concert hall, it’s a cultural phenomenon that’s sometimes referred to as the “home of American music” and “the show that made country music famous”.

2. There’s a variety of artists performing so you’ll never get bored

As someone who’s not a fan of country music, I appreciated this greatly. The Opry shows typically have one or two headliners, with at least three to four other acts gracing the stage beforehand. In total, a whopping seven different artists performed the night I was there.

This included the #bae Trace Adkins (!!!) as well as Bill Anderson, Dustin Lynch, and Craig Morgan; all this movement kept the pace of the two hour production hopping and fresh.

And quite frankly, I loved this– I never had the chance to get bored, and I also got to sample a range and diversity of artists on stage.

3. The quality of the live performances

Y’all. Y’allllllllll. The performances were, in a word, exquisite: voices glided over runs and key changes effortlessly, fingers flew across keyboards and strings with aplomb.

In this age of autotune and over-produced artists who prioritize looks/choreography over musical ability, I almost forgot what a live performance should sound like.

In short, I was blown away by the musicianship at the Opry, and particularly impressed with the wonderful showing by my fellow Canadian Terri Clark. Not only did she hold it down as the sole female performer that night (wassup with that?!), she killed it with her vocals and expert guitar strumming.

4. The Opry backstage VIP experience

The Behind The Opry Curtain VIP Tour is a paid add-on to the Opry ticket which my friend and I ended up doing. On this guided tour, you get to go backstage right before the show for an exclusive behind the scenes experience.

I recommend doing the VIP tour for a few reasons. Firstly, if you’re super nosy curious like me, you’ll enjoy getting to explore the “guts” of the Opry, as the tour takes you all over the backstage area (even through the artists’ dressing rooms).

Secondly, you’re privy to all the frenzy and pre-show buzz, which is exhilarating even as a bystander.

Thirdly, you’ll likely run into a country music star or two– we spied both Steven Curtis Chapman and Trace Adkins backstage!

It was great getting this unrestricted access and I really felt that I acquired a better understanding of the preparation that goes into mounting a production of this magnitude.

5. The spirit, excitement, and gentility of the fans

Every week, thousands of die-hard country music fans make the pilgrimage to the Grand Ole Opry. Their excitement is not only palpable, but infectious. Quite simply, because they were so “into it”, I was into it, too, if that makes sense.

I also discovered that country music fans are a very kind, unpretentious people. For example, loads of them went out of their way to compliment me on my hat, and the couple sitting beside my friend and I struck up a conversation with us as though we were old friends.

This was interesting because, though the average demographics of the crowd skewed older and whiter than I’m used to (#younglookingblackgirltings), my friend (who’s also black and young looking) and I felt welcomed into the fold without hesitation. It felt really nice to belong, even if we didn’t.

6. Country’s got soul… And you’ll probably recognize some of the songs

While country music has most of its roots in western and folk musical genres, it also has roots in the blues.

As someone who grew up on a steady diet of R&B, I was surprised at how “familiar” a lot of the music at the Grand Ole Opry felt to me, though, when I thought about it logically, I realized I shouldn’t have been.

I thus found myself rocking my head to the beat, singing along with choruses I didn’t really know, and tapping my feet despite myself. The music actually moved me, it was soulful. Turns out I wasn’t alone in feeling this: when I turned my head, I realized my friend was doing the same!

I think it’s important to note that, while many of us are quick to give country music a pass, a lot of contemporary music actually samples from the country genre. For example, have you ever sung along with Whitney Houston’s runaway hit “I Will Always Love You?”

It was originally written and performed by Dolly Parton.

My point: you might actually know more country songs than you think.

You should go see a show at the Grand Ole Opry, even if you’re not a country music fan

I get it– there are so many cool things to do in Nashville that it may be difficult to prioritize which experiences make the cut (especially on a short trip). However, taking in a country music show at the Grand Ole Opry should be at the top of your list.

It doesn’t matter if you’re not a country music fan.

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t heard of any of the country music artists on the playbill.

It doesn’t matter if you’re not an older white man, or don’t own a cowboy hat. wink

Seeing a show at the Grand Ole Opry is really an experience worth having, even if you don’t know Carrie Underwood from Patsy Cline. It’s jubilant and absorbing. The atmostphere is warm and friendly. The musicianship is top notch.

So, take my advice. Go to country’s most favourite stage and feel both the love and the vibes. I don’t think you’ll regret it!

Lauren Pope