Nashville, Tenn. — Nashville will have a new entertainment option on Thursday nights next year when the Grand Ole Opry adds Opry Country Classics to its current line-up of Tuesday, Friday and Saturday performances.

The all-new addition to the Opry’s schedule will shine a spotlight on the classic country songs that have defined country music for generations of fans. Opry Country Classics will share country music’s colorful story through a live performance featuring country favorites performed by legends of the genre as well as talented new artists, a rousing live band, square dancing, and more. Like current Opry broadcasts, the show will be heard on 650 WSM-AM.

“We are pleased to introduce this new show that celebrates country music’s incredible legacy by showcasing its most familiar and beloved songs performed by the legends that made them famous as well as rising stars,” said Steve Buchanan, president of the Grand Ole Opry Group. “The programming in Opry Country Classics is a perfect complement to our Grand Ole Opry performances featuring the new stars, superstars and legends of country music.”

“I was raised in Mississippi, where we were immersed in the blues, rock n’ roll, and jazz, but it was the country music I heard that touched my heart. The sounds beaming from that 650 WSM signal seemed to beckon me to Nashville. I’m looking forward to performing some of those same great timeless songs for country fans on Thursdays next year. Let ‘er go, boys!” Marty Stuart - Grand Ole Opry Member

“The Grand Ole Opry has been instrumental in making Tennessee the center of the music world while positioning Nashville as ‘Music City,’” said Susan Whitaker, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “We look forward to spreading the word about this addition to the Grand Ole Opry’s schedule as an important part of a musical mix unmatched by any other state.”

The Opry’s 2009 schedule of shows includes more than 200 performances:

• Tuesday — 7 p.m. March 2 – Dec. 15
• Opry Country Classics– Thursday, 7 p.m. March 26 – June 18 and Sept. 10 – Oct. 29
• Friday — 8 p.m. year-round
• Saturday — 7 p.m. year-round
• Saturday — 9:30 p.m. (March – April, June – July, Sept. – Dec.)

The Opry’s 2009 schedule of shows includes more than 200 performances.

Opry fans will be able to purchase tickets for Opry Country Classics alone or packaged alongside traditional Opry performances. Opry Country Classics shows will go on sale next month. Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday 2009 Opry shows are on sale now.