Jon Pardi, Pam Tillis, Runaway June on Grand Ole Opry
Another quality lineup will grace the Grand Ole Opry stage Saturday night, August 22nd as mainstream traditionalist Jon Pardi, upstart singing trio Runaway June, and Grand Ole Opry member Pam Tillis will help keep the circle unbroken by performing and streaming live from the Opry House in Nashville with no audience and limited crew.
The timing couldn’t be better for Jon Pardi to take the Opry stage after recently dropping a live record full of country classics called the Rancho Fiesta Sessions. With the tradition of always pulling out older songs on the Opry, expect a few of them to show up from Pardi, along with some of his newer songs that go right along with the traditional country style like “Heartache Medication” and “It Ain’t Always The Cowboy.”
Speaking of new records, too many have overlooked the first Pam Tillis solo record in 12 years called Looking for a Feeling released back in April. The daughter of Mel drew up backstage at the Opry, and grew as a musician on the front of the stage of the Opry. It’s like a second home for the 2nd generation star. Pam also recently appeared on the new Ray Wylie Hubbard album Co-Starring, and gave Hubbard his first Opry berth last summer.
Runaway June rounds out the lineup, recently appearing themselves on Josh Turner’s new record Country State of Mind singing the old Patty Loveless and George Jones classic “You Don’t Seem To Miss Me.” But they’re best known for the song “Buy My Own Drinks.” The appearance will also be one their first publicly with a revamped lineup that now includes singer and songwriter Natalie Stovall.
Saturday night’s show will mark the 4,938th consecutive Saturday show in Opry history—a tradition which has endured through the COVID-19 shutdown. September 5th will see the reunification of the long-time CMA hosts and Opry members Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.
Fans can watch Saturday night’s Opry presentation live via the embedded player below, on the new Circle Network via local affiliates of the expanding channel (check availability), on the Circle Network’s Facebook Page, or on The Circle Network’s YouTube page, or listen via WSM. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. Central.
Tammy Woodcock
August 22, 2020 @ 11:54 am
Sincere question regarding new vs old country & artist.
How can someone such as Carrie Underwood, who I am a fan of most of her work though I do NOT see or hear much country in her work, put out a truly traditional country album & still be played at radio.
I figure someone as big as she is, won’t she get played. But then you listen to other “real” country artist and they NEVER get played.
What the heck is the deal with radio & true country?
Hey Arnold
August 22, 2020 @ 2:07 pm
Carrie Underwood has always had a contemporary style to her music. Whether it was Pop Country, Rock Country, or contemporary gospel.
She’s never really been known as a traditionalist.
Her “contemporary” approach made her a big star post Idol.
If she decided to one day release a traditional country sounding song to Radio, of course it would get played. She’s a huge star. Just like with Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, Sam Hunt etc etc.
I wish more A-Listers would put out traditional stuff because newsflash… anything Luke Bryan or Shelton puts out will go #1. More risks should be taken by radio hitmakers!!! & this includes Carrie Underwood. (Granted her last few singles peaked at #10 on charts but she’s still a powerhouse at radio and with sales)
Redneck_rainman
August 22, 2020 @ 3:38 pm
Not true. Dierks Bentley was an established star with a steady stream of Top 5s and #1s until he realeased Up On The Ridge in 2010. Both singles from the album bombed. He returned to a more contemporary sound on his next album and the hits resumed
Hey Arnold
August 22, 2020 @ 5:59 pm
I don’t think his label pushed it because it was specifically a “bluegrass project” ..
Just like with the Hot Country Knights project won’t be pushed much.
Dee Manning
August 22, 2020 @ 2:32 pm
Listen to “Hole in the Bottle” by Kelsea Ballerini. Definitely a pop country artist but it’s a traditional-sounding song and it’s getting played.
Jake Cutter
August 22, 2020 @ 12:24 pm
Slight improvement over last week I’d say. I’ll probably actually tune in. Can’t wait to see ole Bobby…I sure hope he’s got more legendary tales from his storied “comedy” shows. 🤞
Hey Arnold
August 22, 2020 @ 1:55 pm
Anyone else hoping Dierks Bentley will surprise Jon with an invitation tonight??
No, just me?? Lol
Too soon, but hopefully someday Jon can be a member (he needs to play more often though…)
wayne
August 22, 2020 @ 6:14 pm
Jon Pardi continues to gain exposure. He didn’t hurt himself tonight.
Runaway June, I am still undecided.
Pam Tillis, always shows up. A true pro.
Hey Arnold
August 22, 2020 @ 6:31 pm
Naomi Cooke is hot. Good lordy!!
Runaway June is fantastic.
Jake Cutter
August 22, 2020 @ 7:17 pm
I don’t need a perfect voice, and I’ve seen him live before, so I know what to expect, but…. he seemed a little off pitch to me tonight. Maybe it was his “allergies.”
Hey Arnold
August 22, 2020 @ 6:30 pm
Proud of my boy !!!!!
Let’s go Jon!!!! Great show!!! Indeed more exposure is great for him.
Kevin Smith
August 23, 2020 @ 6:56 am
Pam Tillis is always a welcome sight on the Oprey stage. Runaway June was entertaining, nice to Natalie Stovall fiddling. Shes a class act.
Pardi was overall just fine. Opening with the old Johnny Horton number was fun, although he blew it on the guitar solo! Didnt catch it ? Whoops! Watch it closely.
Thought his vocals weren’t stunning, but overall it was a spirited performance and there’s something there that grabs you.
Hey Arnold
August 23, 2020 @ 9:56 am
Stop being a hater. You’re just saying this to me because you find me annoying… Pardi sounded good.
Mukul Patel
August 23, 2020 @ 1:06 pm
Did not really get Jon Pardi until now. He is very good, Great stuff this oprey livestream.
Bear
August 24, 2020 @ 12:15 am
Runaway June sounds much better live than on record largely because on record the producers were still pushing for pop bro-country sounds. But live they dropped all that. The songs overall are strong regardless of production though.
Kevin C.
August 24, 2020 @ 2:26 pm
Jon Pardi’s also featured on a new release by Lauren Alaina (“Gettin’ Over Him”) (his contribution starts about 1:05 in the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64C8oKyiGuA ). His part sounds almost something from Eric Church’s most recent album — not really country, but not bad either.