Last month we gave notice of the series of Bluegrass Nights concerts at The Ryman Auditorium during the summer months.

Ahead of his appearance with IIIrd Tyme Out this coming Thursday (July 10) Russell Moore reflects on what the venue means to him …..

“When I think about the history of bluegrass music, specifically its earliest years, one of the first things I think about is when Bill Monroe performed for the first time at the Ryman Auditorium on the Grand Ole Opry. For many, many years after that, I believe Mr. Monroe and his ‘Blue Grass Boys’ appearances, as well as other bluegrass bands appearances on the Opry, such as Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys, were a major inspiration for the rising number of people who listened to or attended the Opry shows and for the Opry’s popularity, as well as Bluegrass music’s popularity. To have knowledge of these things and to ultimately have the opportunity to perform on the same stage and in the same building where these events occurred is about enough to make the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I never think about the RymanOpry’s early years and the ’stars’ who were a part of it is a treat for anyone who is a Country or Bluegrass music fan! The Ryman Auditorium is a grand building with a grand history and I’m always honored when able to perform there.”

Appearing with IIIrd Tyme Out on 7/10 are Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and Dailey & Vincent.