The storm clouds rolled in about show time at the Pauls Valley Opry, but that didn’t damper the spirits of those in attendance, the guests, or the Memory Makers Band. The band was cookin’ and the guests were simply fantastic.
The Pauls Valley Opry welcomed newcomer, Cara Belt, an exceptional singer/entertainer. She lit up the stage when she sang the Linda Ronstadt hit, “Blue Bayou.” She brought the entire audience, as well as the band, into a moment of praise and worship with her version of “How Great Thou Art.” Don’t worry folks, we will get this Sweetheart back for you!
Wayne Gibbs is country to the core (for the most part) and always has a song or a story that we can’t wait to hear. Wayne took us back with the Merle Haggard (Jimmie Rodgers) tune, “Trouble in Mind” and then this country boy rocked the house with the Eddie Cochran mega-hit, “Summertime Blues.”
Molly Herrod is a favorite and when this little gal is on the show, you know that there is going to be some fireworks! Molly has finished her education at UCO and now is a nurse at Norman Health Plex. Plus, our “little treasure” is engaged to be married! Her fiancé might have some insight from her choice of Teri Clarks’ tune, “Girls Lie Too” – just kidding! Molly showcased her talents with the Patty Loveless hit, “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am.”
Larry Darnell is probably the best Hank Williams tribute artist in the United States. If you ever wonder how Hank would be or would sound like later than his short 29-year lifespan, look no further than Larry! This country crooner took us back to the glory days of the Grand Ole Opry, doing an excellent job on the classics “Hey Good Lookin” and “You Win Again.”
When April Davis sings, no matter what you are doing, you must stop and take notice! April may be small in stature, but when she opens her heart to sing, she can belt it out like no other. April sang LeAnn Rimes’ version of “Unchained Melody” in her beautiful and powerful voice and the Rachel Robinson gospel great, “(Amazing Love”) You Are My King” bringing the Lord’s anointing on those in the auditorium. Great job!
Gunner Shi Donham is a very talented singer/songwriters/musician. There are great things in store for this young man and we all are blessed to watch it happen! Gunner got our toes tappin’ and our hands clappin’ with the Darius Rucker hit, “Wagon Wheel.” He just knocked it out of the park with his version of Reba McEntire’s hit of “Why Haven’t I Heard from You.”
The Pauls Valley Opry reigning Female Vocalist, Anne Young was never in better form! It is always an honor to have this multi-award-winning “Texas Sweetheart” on the show. Anne melted our hearts with the Lee Ann Womack tune, “A Little Past Little Rock” and she blew the roof wide open with her rendition of the Etta James classic, “At Last.” Wow! What a song and what a spectacular performance!
John Williams served as emcee on this special night and the Memory Makers Band added their own flare with songs made famous by Bread, Rosanne Cash, Deana Carter, Gretchen Peters and Rita Coolidge.
We want to encourage you to visit and support all of our area music venues during these trying times. They, just like the Pauls Valley Opry, need your support, love and prayers. Please check their websites and/or Facebook pages to see if and when they are open and please join us in attending all of these venues. Without you, none of us will survive and that would truly be a shame!
Please join us next month on Saturday, October 2, when our guests will be Missy Rude, Wiley Winters, Annie Reed, Mike Deviney, Cathy Lake and Rodney Jones along with emcee John Williams. We’ll see you AT THE OPRY!
