My wife Dora is a huge country music fan. I myself like any kind of music from bluegrass to classic rock, whatever. But Dora she loves country, especially the classic country she grew up with that her parents listened to.

We get to the Opry now and again, but not as often as she’d like. But just the other day I think I found a Christmas gift to make up for it. It’s this Time Life series of 8 DVDs called “Opry Video Classics.” All live performances filmed at Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry House and WSM-TV here in Nashville.

It’s all stuff from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s like the Carter Family, Freddy Fender, Dolly Parton, George Jones, etc. She’d go nuts for it. Just an idea if there’s someone you haven’t taken to the Grand Ole Opry lately.

Talk to you later,
Dane

If you don’t love country music, well, I guess you can probably skip this post. Though I have half a mind to make you stick around just because I think it’ll be good for you…;-)

Country music is like any other kind of music: it’s got all different styles and types. I can say I love country music even though I don’t like all of it. Which brings me to the CMA Awards, which are all about picking out the best of all the different kinds of country music.

And this year they’re also all about Nashville. That’s right, the 41^st awards are coming to Nashville at the Sommett Center on Nov. 7! It’s pricey (couple hundred dollars and up!), but I’m thinking early birthday present… Are you reading this, husband?

Yee haw,

Sabrina

Tired of the same old Halloween activities? Are you boo-ored with the whole thing? Well, if you happen to be in Nashville on the October 26-27, I’ve got an idea for you. Try a combo movie and live version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show!

Nashville’s Live Shadow Cast, “Little Morals!,” will perform the movie right in front of the screen both nights. If you’ve never seen this campy musical (starring a young Susan Sarandon), it’s a cult classic. People often dress up for it, but seeing the whole thing acted out, that should be a gas.

Best of all it’s at the Belcourt Theater, a great old theater in Nashville’s Hillsboro Village. Halloween costumes and audience participation is highly encouraged. And there’s bar for those over 21. By the way, it’s a late show. Doors open at 11:30 p.m., and shows start at 11:59 p.m.

Talk to you later,
Sabrina

OK, I have a confession to make: I love “So You Think You Can Dance?”. I know, I know, someone who is getting their master’s degree in mathematics and all that. But I want to tell the truth and nothing but the truth in this blog. And the truth is I love it.

Maybe it’s because I don’t actually think I can dance, and it’s a kick watching others who think they can, but actually can’t. And then there are those incredible people who can actually dance. They’re what’s really fun. I don’t know how they do what they do.

Why am I telling you this in a blog for the Hotel Preston? Well, it just so happens, fortune of fortunes, that the tour of the show is coming to Nashville! Yes way. Oct. 24 at the Sommet Center. Just a little something for your trick or treat basket.

Till next time,
Sabrina

OK, now about the music in Nashville. We don’t call it Music City for nothing. Artists come here to see if they can make it big. And fans come to see them try, and to see those who’ve succeeded.

Where to start, that’s the question, right? It’s a good one, because there are so many choices you could visit a different spot every night. But the granddaddy of all the venues has to be, say it with me, the Grand Ole Opry. So why not start there?

Go on a Friday and Saturday night and you get to enjoy the live radio show, complete with a bunch of performers. One night it could include Travis Tritt, the next night Patty Loveless. It’s a real country music smorgasbord.

While you’re at it take the Opry Backstage tour!

Have fun!
Sabrina