Well, I see that the Grand Ole Opry ticket prices have been raised once again.  The best seat locations are now priced at $55.00 and the second-best seat locations are now priced at $44.00.

I personally think that they are pricing themselves out of reach for many of their loyal fans.  I don't think that the artists get paid anything for performing and, if they do, only at the minimum union scale like when they perform on a TV show.  Their insurance proceeds should have paid for the reconstruction on the Opry House, so they shouldn't need to be recouping those costs.  Therefore, what is driving up the ticket price increases every year just like clockwork?

Maybe the object of the price increases is like what Stonewall Jackson was told a few years ago --- "We don't want any gray hair around here anymore."  Of course, that philosophy changed somewhat after an age discrimination lawsuit was filed.

What do you think about the contuining increase in ticket prices?

I found one reference to a 1984 Christmas special on TV --- I can't believe that the "Christmas Together" that I remembered was that long ago, but maybe so.   

Has anyone seen if and when the old Christmas special with Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers is going to be rerun this Christmas season?  It's the one with Dolly as a performer at a bar during wartime and Kenny comes into the bar in uniform and eventually goes up on stage to sing "Christmas Together" with Dolly.  That was a great TV special and I love that song.   

Just saw Chris Young perform his new rendition of the great Keith Whitley song "Don't Close Your Eyes" on the Grand Ole Opry.  I would like to see Alan team up with Chris again for a tour.   

Yes, I thought the same thing after seeing them sing together on the Opry last month.   

The news reports that I read were confusing.  Some of them stated that his house had burned to the ground, yet the picture accompanying the stories showed the house still standing but damaged.  Also some of them stated that all of his awards, etc. had been destroyed while other stories quoted fire officials as saying that most of his items had been retrieved without water damage.  So somewhat confusing to say the least.  Whatever the real story, it still had to be devestating to the entire family.  The good news is that all family members are safe. 

My sister lives in the Evansville, Indiana area and sent me a message asking whether I had heard anything about Alan to stop touring.  She said that the local TV weatherman mentioned earlier this week that he is a big Alan Jackson fan and was sorry to hear that Alan was going to stop touring, but that Alan would be making one final appearance at Roberts Stadium later this year before he stopped touring. 

Has anyone else heard rumors about Alan to stop touring?  I certainly hope not, but why would this TV weatherman be making such a statement?

I attended my first Kenny Chesney concert in Mt. View, California on Friday night and it was absolutely great.  I was glad that he performed many of his "old" songs since I am more famliar with them than some of his "new" songs.  My biggest surprise was the make-up of the audience --- it could just as well have been an Alan Jackson concert.   

[including children]

Rules quote:  •A limited number of Meet and Greet passes are available to selected shows. The pass will allow one (1) person admittance to the meet and greet. No guests will be allowed, including children.

Last night there were many more than 10 for the m&g, just how many from the fan club I couldn't tell you, but let me say this -- there were little children there!  Isn't that against the rules?  I saw them all coming out, they had pre-signed pictures of Alan.

I just think it would have been nice -- and more fitting -- that there would be fc members in the place of these little children!  Do they call the radio stations?  Do they buy AJ's music?  Do they sing along to his songs?

If they take the time to spell out the rules, then I say they should abide by them!  No children!  And more fc members!

I believe that the fan club follows its rules in picking the Meet and Greet winners.  As you stated, there is usually a lot of other people at the Meet and Greet events.  I think that these other people are there due to local radio, record label, sponsors, music industry, etc.   Just my opinion.

I would say to have what you want to say to Alan or question to ask him in your mind before going into meet Alan; otherwise, the experience can come and go before you realize it and you may later regret "screwing up" such a great opportunity.  I would also say to relax and enjoy the experience --- Alan is actally a really down-to-earth guy who makes you feel at ease.  Enjoy!!!

It looks like you still have until Monday to sign up for the front row seat drawing for fan club members.

IndianaNative, do you have good seats to see B and D?  Ours aren't good at all but at least we will get to see them.
I'm very excited about going, hope they are as good as they were when they toured with A. J., which I certain they will be.  I'm a little concerned about the parking, I think there's  several things going on in Nashville Thursday night,  we are going to leave early in the afternoon, just in case we have to drive around to find a place to park.

Hope I'm rested by Thursday, just go back home last night from D. C. went to the Rally Sat. It was a long tiring trip there and back but worth every minute of it, even though it was hot standing outside. But I have stood in all kinds of weather when going to the concerts, so it wasn't anything new for me.

I have eaten breakfast at Loveless Cafe it was very delicious. Never heard of Marcy Jo's Mealhouse.

I didn't know the exact location of my seats until I picked up the tickets at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Wednesday afternoon.  They turned out great in Row 2 of Section 3. 

I went over to the Loveless Cafe on Saturday afternoon, but there was a 1 1/2 hour wait so I passed on that.   I have eaten there once before on a Saturday evening when we were just able to walk in and get a table. 

I didn't get down to the Marcy Jo's Mealhouse this time, but maybe later this month when I come back for my nephew's wedding.

I did go over to Cheekwood where they have the Dale Chihuly artwork on display througout the gardens.  It was absolutely beautiful!!!

Yeah, I was down in Nashville for the final Brooks & Dunn concert and it was great.  I was sure that Reba would make an appearance as long as she and George Strait didn't have a concert that night.  It was great to see her; she is such a class lady.  Hank Williams Jr. was sitting a few rows in front of me and was a big hit with the fans.  He was very gracious accomodating all of the fans who wanted a picture taken with him.  The Last Rodeo has ended!!!   

I have not eaten there but we do go to Loveless Cafe where all the Singers eat.. Their pictures are there and Alan has eaten there just recently.. It is the best home cooking, love the Biscuits... The fried Chicken is great! It has gift shops etc.. You can find it online...Great country food. we can't eat this way all the time, but it's great ! The peach cobbler is great too. George Jones eats there , they said. I enjoyed it and the people talked to us and we had fun taking our son & family out there..I don't drive in Nashville, so I can't tell you where it is ha! it's on the internet w/maps.

The Loveless Cafe is located at 8400 Highway 100 in West Nashville.

I'm coming back to Nashville in a couple of weeks to attend Brooks & Dunn last concert at the Bridgestone Arena.  When I was in Nashville a few months ago, I read an article in Franklin Life Magazine about Marcy Jo's Mealhouse in Pottsville.  It is operated by Joey and Rory Feek and members of their family.  Has anyone been down there for breakfast or lunch?  If so, how long is the wait for a table and is the food worth the wait?  Thanks.