Silke Jasso
Blake Shelton just took a big step forward with his Grand Ole Opry family, and you can get in on the fun.
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In 2018, Blake and Ryman Hospitality, the company that owns the Grand Ole Opry, will open two event venues called Ole Red. The name is a tribute to Blake’s hit song, “Ol’ Red” as well as the big red barn backdrop of the Opry.
One will be located on Nashville’s Lower Broadway just steps from the Ryman Auditorium. The other Ole Red will be located in Blake’s hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma in the same building that used to house Miranda Lambert’s Pink Pistol boutique. Blake bought that building last year and looks forward to injecting some new life into Tishomingo.
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When asked how he thinks the residents of Tishomingo will react to his new venue, Blake said at a press conference on Jan. 5, “From the citizens, it’s going to be incredible. From the police department, I’m not sure yet.”
Blake anticipates the Ole Red venue will become a much-needed tourist attraction for Tishomingo.
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He added, “That part of the country is one of the last in the country where there are music venues that are legendary — Billy Bob’s, Gruene Hall, the Grizzle Rose. I know this is going to be one of those venues where people want to say they’ve been there.”
As for the Ole Red venue in Nashville, Blake looks forward to popping in as much as possible. They have a huge video wall behind the main stage at the venue that will allow him to FaceTime with the crowds even when he’s not in Music City.
When asked if he’ll be a regular at the Ole Red venues, Blake said, “I don’t think there’s a point to it if I don’t. If I don’t do that, it’s still an awesome venue, but that’s got to be a part of this. I want to be part of this as much as I can.”
