Herman ‘Mac’ McWaters, musical Coordinator for the Sopchoppy Opry has announced that
Jim Wood will return to the Sopchoppy Opry for the October 29th show!  “Jim has been on the Opry once before as a guest of South Bound and did a couple of songs and was well received by the audience.  We are very pleased to have Jim back again.  This time for the whole second hour of the show!” Mac said.   

Veteran entertainer and singer/songwriter Jim Wood, the featured artist for the October 29 Sopchoppy Opry in historic Sopchoppy High School Auditorium has deep roots here in Wakulla as a descendent of the late Herbert & Stella Carter of Medart, his grandparents.  He lived here with his parents Jim & Evelyn Faye (Carter) Wood during the early 1970’s before moving with them to Port St. Joe, Florida, where he still lives today with wife Wanda.  With  St. Joe as his home base, Jim has  traveled the nation performing in practically every state.  He was most of the time a solo act but on several occasions joined other artists as part of a national tour.  The Oak Ridge Boys, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, The Countrymen and the Blue Ridge Quartet are among those he has worked with over the years.

In the 1990’s, Jim performed regularly at Vegas World in Las Vegas, Nevada where he had a weekly show, “The Jim Wood Gospel Hour” on radio station KLAV.  He was honored in August 1993 by the City of Fountain Hills, Arizona for co-writing and performing the song “Our Fountain Hills” at the Great Fair, a festival sponsored by the city.  The song was immediately embraced by all the townspeople and has since been adopted as the city’s ‘official’ song.  Fountain Hills Mayor John Cutillo lauded Jim with these remarks, “Jim has a unique style of showmanship that captivates audiences.  He will definitely entertain you.  Don’t miss his show!”

Of all the accomplishments and accolades Jim has received during his career, he is most proud of the Dove Awards “Song of the Year”nominations he received for two of his own songs.  His song “One More Chance” was featured on the television show “Hee-Haw”  in 1983 and “Nashville Now” in 1985.

Tim Burgan, an accomplished musician who has been around music for 35 years, will provide musical  accompaniment for Jim Wood at the October 29 Sopchoppy Opry.  Tim, owner of Burgan Sound Studio, plays guitar, bass, and banjo and specializes in Gospel and Country style recordings.  He also produces, arranges and writes music.  He, like Jim Wood has had a wide range of musical experiences and has played with the Jan Fowler Band, Destiny, The Pathways and currently The Representatives Quartet.  He has been  part of the opening act for Gene Watson and played guitar for the famous Motown group, The Drifters.  All Jim Wood can say about his friend and accompanist Tim Burgan is, “Tim’s just the best musician I’ve ever seen.  He’s simply amazing and a wonderful friend to boot.  We enjoy performing together and look forward to being on the Sopchoppy Opry!”

Jim Wood & Tim Burgan are currently collaborating in the writing and arranging of a new CD entitled “The Pilgrim.”

Also appearing on the October show will be the ever popular Johnny “The Voice” Sims and the beautiful and talented Jennifer Stalvey, and local favorite Jim Gibson.  Comics Penny Mearl (Dr. Katie Miller) and Willie Don Pace will be on the show with the ‘Pride of Florida’ South Bound, the Opry’s own house band!  Call (850)962-2151 immediately and  reserve your tickets!

Come early and dine with us!  Mr. Hugh McCallister is back with his ‘world famous’ BBQed ribs ($10) and chicken ($7.50)!  Serving starts at 3:00 p.m. and will go to 6:30 p.m. right on the front lawn of beautiful and historic Sopchoppy High School!  As always, there will be ‘world-class’ desserts available before, during and after the show.  Remember BBQ at 3 - 6:30 pm and good country music at 7.  Folks, it just doesn’t get any better than this!

2006 season tickets go on sale November 1.  Season tickets are $66 for 11 shows. Regular reserve tickets will be $7 starting with the January 2006 show.  For  season ticket information stop by the Opry office at the October 29 show or call 962-3400 (leave message) or e-mail jquigg@gbronline.com.  Thank You!



Jesse Quigg, Sopchoppy Opry Publicist

Photos courtesy of Don Pace

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