Sopchoppy Opry Talent Train Loaded for March 31 Show!

All Aboard! Opry fans for another great night of classic country music at the Sopchoppy Opry’s March 31 show in historic Sopchoppy School Auditorium! On board as Southbound’s special guest is Colonel Wayne Martin & the fabulous Country Gold Band! Also making guest appearances, Ms. Judy Foster; the “Alabama Flash”, Mr. Mike Cockrell with his million dollar banjo and the ever popular Gospel Duo, Joel & Judy Harrison!

“This is a show you don’t want to miss!” says Bob Sims, Opry Musical Coordinator. “It’s loaded with everything necessary for a great night of entertainment – talent, variety & veteran entertainers!”.

Colonel Wayne Martin and Country Gold of Blountstown’s Callahan Restaurant fame, bring to the stage over a century of combined musical experience. Martin, a Florida Fiddle Champion leads this extraordinary band that is known for its ‘easy’ classic country sound. Country Gold plays regularly at the historic Callahan Restaurant on the banks of the Apalachicola River where hundreds of fans from all over the South frequent the favorite steak house for great food and entertainment throughout the year. This is Country Gold’s second appearance on the Opry stage and the fans are looking forward to this special treat with great anticipation!

Country Gold

Banjo player Mike Cockrell aka “the Alabama Flash” is back! A native of Alabaster, Alabama, Mike has a laid back bluegrass picking style and loves to play around with different music on the banjo. His latest creation is the adaptation of the Ronnie Milsap hit “Let’s Take the Long Way Around the World” to the banjo sound. He enjoys traditional tunes as well. Among the tunes in his musical repertoire are some of the classics like the ‘Earl Schruggs Breakdown’ and others made famous by the bluegrass pickers over the years. Mike will join in with Southbound on other instrumentals and vocals, too!

Mike Cockrell

The talent keeps rolling on in this star-studded show as Ms. Judy Foster debuts her new renditions of the popular country hits, ‘Don’t Forget To Remember Me’ & ‘I’m Fallin’ (for you)’! Judy has been a favorite and a regular performer on the Opry for many years and continues to build a loyal fan base. “Judy is a great team player”, says Bob Sims. “She knows lots of music and fits in well with whatever the band wants her to do. We are fortunate to have her as one of our regular Opry members.”

Judy Foster

A Sopchoppy Opry would not be complete without some traditional Gospel music! And back for a guest appearance are two of this area’s best known and loved Gospel vocalist, Joel & Judy Harrison! Joel & Judy were members of the original Southbound Band and played a huge part in getting the Opry up & running in July 2000. They performed with the show for several years before taking a hiatus to spend more time with family and play in other venues. Joel & Judy will close the first hour of the March 31 show with the popular “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” and other inspirational favorites.

Joel and Judy Harrison

All this and Southbound Band, too! Southband will have a brand new show featuring ‘all our boys in the band’ – Buck Jones, steel guitar & fiddle; Reggie Bradley, electric bass; Bob Sims, lead guitar; Lamar Brock, drums and Mac McWaters, rhythm guitar, mandolin and comic relief!

All these very special guests and Southbound Band, too! What a show! Don’t miss it! Tickets are $8 at the door. Call 962-3711 for ticket information.

Come early and enjoy some world class desserts made especially and exclusively for the Opry concession! There’s ‘real’ food, too! BBQ pork sandwiches, hotdogs and soup with all the trimmings! Ticket office and concession area opens at 5:30 pm!

Don’t miss the Sopchoppy Opry, March 31 – 7 pm! Call 962-3711 for tickets!

See You At The Sopchoppy Opry!

Article submitted by Jesse Quigg, Opry Publicist (volunteer)
Photos by: Don Pace, Donnie Vines, Wakulla.com

This article originally published on March 18, 2007.

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