The Sopchoppy Opry 10th Anniversary Celebration finale, July 31-7 pm in historic Sopchoppy High School Auditorium will feature country music legends, the Messer Brothers and Herman “Mac” McWaters!

This talent  laden show will sell out quickly, so fans get your tickets early!  Call 962-3711 and reserve yours today!

From that first show in July 2000, it was obvious that classic country music was king around here!  And on this 10th Anniversary, the Sopchoppy Opry continues to enjoy popularity with country fans unmatched by any other show like it in North Florida!  And the Opry continues to grow as more classic country converts join the ranks!  Scores of musicians have performed on the historic stage over the years as guests of the Opry’s own Southbound Band!  A total of $225,000+ has been raised to assist the Wakulla County School Board and SHS Alumni Association in restoring historic Sopchoppy High School and the Opry has provided 115 shows of family friendly and affordable entertainment to hundreds of fans over the years!   

The Sopchoppy Opry is tradition!  And that tradition continues July 31-7pm in historic Sopchoppy High School Auditorium when country music legends, the Messer Brothers – Charles, Paul & Buddy (pictured above) – return for their 10th encore performance!  And this year, Herman McWaters, founder of the Opry and its musical coordinator for many years, returns for a special guest appearance to commemorate the occasion!  Affectionately known as ‘Mr. Mac” to his many fans, he will perform with South Bound Band during the first hour then join the Messers for the second half of the show!  This will be one our most popular shows of this season, it’s the Messers, Mac McWaters and a brand new South Bound show, too!

In their 60+ years of entertaining, the Messer Brothers have truly become legends in their own time!  As teenagers, the brothers, known as the “Messer Boys” to their legions of friends and fans, started playing country music in an FFA (Future Farmers of America) string band.  Paul (pictured at left) competed and won the state fiddle championship at the age of 12 and with Brother Charles, formed a band that played regularly on radio station WTNT AM for several years.

After high school, the Messers went their separate ways, joining the rock-a-billy & rock-n-roll generation with their individual groups.  Charles (pictured at right) formed the ‘Velvets’, a dance band that was a staple on the Tallahassee club scene for more than thirty years.  Paul’s band, the ‘Chaotics’ toured the tri-states for several years in the heyday of the rock-n-roll era. 

Buddy (pictured at left), being the youngest of the brothers, came on the music scene in the 1960’s and is the lead vocalist for the Messers.  Buddy’s smooth crooning style is complimented by the extraordinary musical talent of brothers Charles & Paul.  All are now retired from their regular jobs and play together only for very special occasions – the annual ‘Southside Reunion’ for all their childhood friends in southern Tallahassee and the Sopchoppy Opry’s Anniversary Show!  Playing with the Messers is long time friend and percussionist, Don White.

Joining the Messer Brothers in a special guest appearance is Herman ‘Mac’ McWaters!

It was under “Mr. Mac’s (pictured at right) direction and leadership that the Opry has become the premier venue for classic country music in Florida’s Big Bend.  ‘Our show is country’ Mac would say and ‘our music is always live and played by some of the best ‘pickers’ anywhere’!  Mac’s talent – vocal & instrumental, years of stage experience and vast circle of musical friends combined with a commanding stage presence has made the Sopchoppy Opry ‘just the best place to be the last Saturday night every month’!  Opry fans delight in his huge repertoire of humorous ‘stories’ that he so generously shares in between the classic country tunes!  Fans ‘Mr. Mac’ is back for the 10th Anniversary show!  Don’t miss him!  Call 962-3711 for your tickets to the show!

It’s the Messer Brothers, Mac McWaters and a full hour of great music by our own Southbound Band!  What a way to celebrate 10 wonderful years of classic country music!  Get your tickets early!  Call 962-3711!

*Coming Attractions:         

August 28 – Jackie Hill & The Blue Shades of Grass
September - The Purvis Brothers Band
October 30 - Jay & Shannon Egler
November 27 - Hoot Gibson & Friends

*Tickets may be reserved by calling (850) 962-3711.  If no answer, please message.  Your call will be returned.

The ticket office & concession open at 5:30 pm day of the show!  Call 962-3711 for tickets & information.  Come early, enjoy some great food and desserts in air-conditioned Opry Café before the show!  All facilities fully handicapped accessible.

We will see You at the Opry July 31!

Story by Jesse Quigg, Opry Publicist (Volunteer)
Photos:  Messer Bros & Mac McWatesr - Don Pace Archives

< Prev		Next >

You need to login or register to post comments.
Discuss this item on the forums. (0 posts)