'Tis grand that Grand Ole Opry!

Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to tour the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. It was not in the plans to go, but happened to end up in front of the building and decided to go on a tour.

Surrounded by gorgeous scenery and giant guitars, the Opry is a little difficult to spot. Once I walked up towards the front, I was wowed by the size of it. I never knew it was that big.

When the giant wooden doors opened, the lobby was was wide open and lighted in an assortment of colors. I had my ticket scanned and was handed a "backstage pass" which hung around my neck, making me feel important. Before you could go in to start the tour, there was a photographer there and her assistant was handing guitars to every guest in the line right before they posed in front of a backdrop that looked just like the Opry stage. I didn't want to pose for a picture, but was finally talked into it.

As we sat in the lobby and waited for our tour guide to take us into the theater, a short little documentary, hosted by Blake Shelton, told us how the Grand Ole Opry came to be. It wound through stories of the many famous people who have graced the stage and have become icons in the country music world.

Our guide then led us into the theater. Through back rooms we followed the leader in a maze of sets and props. Stopping by one of the back door, our guide told us that this is where the stars of country music enter the building. I looked out the door to see a small path leading to a parking lot. "It's nothing grand. You don't see any limos or anything like that. It's very casual." she told us. This, I thought, was awesome! Here these people have fame, and yet they drive up in their own cars and walk into the building like it's a grocery store. She then pointed to a line by the door that showed just how deep the water was during the flood. This was amazing. I never thought the floods were that bad.

Further on in the tour, she led us to a huge open stage that seemed rather dark. This is where they film different videos. I looked up to see that there are chairs up above for an audience if the filming called for one. I tried to think back on any videos that I have seen that may have been filmed there. And before I knew it, she was leading us into another lobby with a a large wooden desk in the corner. "This is where our stars check in before a show." Oh, what I'd give to work at that desk. How cool would that be?! Another TV stole our attention as Blake Shelton explained how things worked in this area. He told of the mailboxes behind us that belonged to different members of the Opry where they received their fan mail. I peeked over my shoulder hoping that I could see which box belonged to which singer, but couldn't make out any names.

On the way towards the stage, I saw the famous wall covered in gold plates bearing the names of both past and present members of the Opry. Searching for certain names, I walked on in a long hallway leading to all the different dressing rooms with different themes. Through the hallway of dressing rooms we went. There we stopped in a big open room that had couches, stools, and a coffee machine. This is where the singers hang out and chill before a show. Oh my word! This is so cool!!!!

With a few short steps, I was standing on the stage staring at all the empty seats. I tried to picture what it would look like with a full house and I felt a slight tingle go up my spine. How amazing is this?

Our guide offered the middle of the stage to anyone who wanted to sing. As my hand started to go up, my brain forced it down. That was my chance and I blew it! As I started to mentally kick myself, she told everyone to come around and stand on the big circle. With my toes touching a piece of stage that many have during their fame, I felt a sense of pride. My name will never be up with theirs in the history books, but I had the opportunity to be part of this famed stage.

We stood in the circle and sang, "You are my Sunshine" in about three different keys. Trying to at least sound ok, I looked up again and tried to picture an audience and how their faces would look right now if they could hear us butchering this song. I couldn't help but smile.

Walking to the very back row of the theater, our guide asked us if we had any questions. I leaned over to my mom and whispered "I am so going to write a blog post about this!"