January 23, 2008
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…we went on the road to the Opry!
No, it was not to the Opry of Grand Ole fame, but I daresay that the talent we heard could, indeed, have a place on the stage in Nashville. In fact, some of the performers have actually been there and played there. But on most any Saturday night, they choose to take the stage in Oldfield, MO.
Oldfield is just a wide spot in the road, and as the saying goes, if you blink you might miss it. But those in the know…
(Stan and our moms are in the know!) make it their Saturday night destination, because a humble barn-like building in this little remote village draws musicians from all around, even from Branson which is just a piece on down the road.
For the last 12 years or so, these men and women have entertained thousands from all over the United States and even some foreign countries. There is no admission fee, only a donation box the proceeds from which help pay the light bill.
The musicians operate their set like most of the other jam sessions in the Ozarks–they take turns choosing and leading a song. When they get to Glendale, the banjo player,
I cheer loudest! Glendale and I were in high school together, and he’s the neatest guy you ever knew. Comes from a family of tremendous music talent. His sister really and truly did work in Nashville, with Johnny Cash and others. But he, though of sufficient talent to do likewise, chooses to stay home, work with his church, his family, his horses and his friends, and share his music freely with all who find this out-of-the-way place. He plays the meanest 5-string banjo I’ve ever heard!
Finding this out-of-the-way place is an adventure in itself. Come along on the drive…past Swan Creek….
past this old cabin, a remnant of early settlement and now a hunting cabin….
past ages-old icicle-draped bluffs….
past typical Ozark stone structures that recall a time when local general merchandise stores were the Walmarts of the early 1900s…
past a remnant of an early Ozark industry…
past views that make you gasp at their beauty…
past wildlife that make you gasp at their awesome dignity…
The drive to Oldfield was reward enough, let alone the entertainment we found at the end of the journey.
If you’re ever in our neck of the Mark Twain National Forest, let me know and I’ll take you to the Oldfield Opry. I promise you’ll be well entertained!
Comments (8)
I’m ready! I’ll be there Sat night – oh, no, I almost forgot – I live in Virginia, which is more than just a piece on down the road.
But wow, does it look like fun!
Sounds good to me! I’ll have to put it on our destination list. How far are you from Branson?
RYC: Do you need more protein or carbs? Those hunger headaches kill all joy in the journey!
A treal picture taking journey! Isn’t it neat when icicles come out of seemingly dry rock? Amazing!
Top-notch post, as always! I loved getting to go along with you to the Opry. Maybe one of these days we’ll meet y’all there!
Loved that Ozark’s pictorial! Your area is now officially on my “places I gotta’ visit” list!
Loved the journey to Oldfield Opry. I could almost hear that bango. The one river picture sure reminds me of my home place in Bridgewater, VA. Love the memories it stired.
It’s good to catch up a bit with Xanga. I feel I’ve been out of the loop way to long!
I sure do love bluegrass music! And the banjo music is my favorite, too. Bluegrass music is such Happy Music!