Alysa and Mitch's RV trip, Nashville

IMG_6309
June 7, 2004 19:46:05
The event featured several semi-famous country musicians, seen here. The only name I remember is Lynne Anderson, second from the right.

IMG_6315
June 7, 2004 19:47:54
Some in the crowd, who really enjoyed themselves. Most are in the music industry in various forms. We met a few people, including the Tennessee Democratic Party state chair. There's some real optimism among this group, and some feel Tennessee will be a "swing state" this time around.

IMG_6320
June 7, 2004 20:01:42
I don't remember this man's name, but we spent much of the evening talking to him. He's an out-of-work music industry person (writer?). He knew all the performers well, so as they went on stage he gave us a brief bio and history. Turns out there's a reason the music industry doesn't like Bush. He lifted restrictions on media ownership, and ClearChannel now owns a huge number of radio stations. As a result they have a near-monopoly in determining what music gets played, thus what sells. Without real competition the industry has suffered. Some blame it on kids trading music over the internet, but this makes much more sense.

IMG_6322
June 9, 2004 14:27:39
Country Music Hall of Fame. We didn't actually go inside.

IMG_6323
June 9, 2004 14:27:45
Bell South's building, which we thought was very impressive.

IMG_6324
June 9, 2004 14:30:26
Entranceway to the Gaylord Entertainment Center (I'm wasn't kidding - EVERYTHING is owned by this Gaylord person). This is the main large-audience location in town, such as concerts and for their minor-league hockey team.

IMG_6326
June 9, 2004 14:57:45
The Ryman Auditorium was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, and serves as a focal point for much of the country music's history.

IMG_6328
June 9, 2004 14:58:12
Here's a little about Thomas Green Ryman and history of the auditorium.

IMG_6329
June 9, 2004 14:58:15
Statue of Ryman.

IMG_6331
June 9, 2004 15:02:04
Mitch and the Hee-Haw donkey inside the Ryman Auditorium.

IMG_6332
June 9, 2004 15:02:26
The donkey signing an autograph for us. Smart donkey.

IMG_6334
June 9, 2004 15:03:10
Statue of Minnie Pearl and some other famous person inside the Ryman Auditorium.

IMG_6335
June 9, 2004 15:07:03
Horses taking tourists around downtown Nashville.

IMG_6340
June 9, 2004 15:23:50
This horse carried an extra passenger.

IMG_6345
June 9, 2004 15:41:48
While we were getting ready for the nearby Bonnaroo music festival, Nashville was getting ready for their annual Country Music Association fan-fest, also a very large event.

IMG_6353
June 9, 2004 18:28:50
Inside a local bar in Nashville, one of many performers you can likely hear any time of the day or night.

IMG_6365
June 9, 2004 18:36:26
Alysa and a monster truck parked in downtown Nashville, we assume related to the fan-fest.

IMG_4357.JPG
June 9, 2004 19:44:25
Inside the Gaylord Entertainment Center, at a taping for a Country Music Television special "the 100 greatest country music love songs." We heard several famous singers perform them - so famous in fact we knew who they were!

IMG_4374.JPG
June 9, 2004 20:32:29
Here's Kenny Rogers. Again a case of bringing my tiny camera and later discovering photos were allowed (surprising for a TV show taping and large concert).

IMG_4376.JPG
June 9, 2004 20:34:30
The crowd. The fact this was a TV show taping made for some unexpected entertainment. Some technical problems forced some performers (including Kenny Rogers) to sing a second time, and at least one forgot the words and had to start over again. Made for a very fun night.

<< Page 1 2 3 4 5 >>

Click on a picture to enlarge it.

Generated by Galerie