The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE—The Virginia Opry which has been designated as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s official Opry is set to complete its 30th performance season by presenting two Christmas shows.
For 30 consecutive years, The Virginia Opry which made its debut on stage at the Historic Stonewall Theatre in Clifton Forge on Oct. 17, 1992 has produced country music shows.
The two Christmas shows feature nationally prominent acts, Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters will perform on stage at The Historic Masonic Theatre on Sat., Dec. 17, at 7:00 p.m., and Glen Shelton will open for Charles Billingsley at the Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center on Thurs., Dec. 22 at 6:00 p.m.
The Virginia Opry has grown from its original 10 members to 65 members who comprise 12 bands, including the band that backs the Drifters.
Such country music stars as the late Dan Seals, Chris Lane, Lily Rose and Ashley Cooke have performed as guests on The Virginia Opry, and the Freight Hoppers and The Farm Hands are two famous groups that have performed as guests.
Those who are interested in learning more about The Virginia Opry and its two Christmas shows may visit www.thevirginiaopry.com.
Senator R. Creigh Deeds, Delegate Terry Austin and Representative Morgan Griffith have attended The Virginia Opry, and it was Deeds and Austin who drew statewide attention to The Virginia Opry.
Senator Deeds’ “Senate Bill 283” passed the Virginia Senate 40-0, and the bill passed the Virginia House of Delegates by a 93-6 vote in 2020. Governor Ralph S. Northam signed the bill on March 31, designating The Virginia Opry as the official Opry of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
