The cold weather gave way to a beautiful springlike day on Saturday, March 5, and the folks could not wait to get into the beautiful Pauls Valley Junior High School Auditorium on Saturday evening. It was an excellent night of music and the Memory Makers Band didn’t miss a beat once the curtain was drawn.
Allison Arms made her Pauls Valley Opry debut and was a sensational smash with her unbelievable voice. You could tell that Allison feels right at home on any stage. She rocked the crowd with the Reba McEntire hit, “Fancy” and then she wooed the crowd with her original song, “Hold Me.”
It’s always an honor to have the premiere Hank Williams tribute artist, Larry Darnell on the show. When Larry walks out on stage, it’s just like ole Hank was walking out himself! Larry’s down-home country personality makes everyone comfortable and he took us all back to yesteryear with the Hank Williams classics of “Howlin’ at the Moon” and “Hey Good Lookin’.”
Donna Nowlin made her second appearance at the Pauls Valley Opry and this little lady did a great job! She really got the crowd going with the Patty Loveless tune, “Blame It On Your Heart” and then she sang like a beautiful songbird on the late Dawn Sears love song, “Tell Me I’m Crazy.”
It's always a treat to have Pauls Valley Opry Horizon Award Winner for 2020- 21, David Paul Nowlin, on the show. David Paul is a prolific songwriter and has recently signed a Nashville record contract! We are excited his music career is taking off. David Paul took us back to the 1970s with his version of Mel Street’s, “Borrowed Angel” and then showcased one of his original tunes, “Flatonia, Texas.”
Mary McDonald is truly one of the sweetest and most sincere ladies that we’ve ever met. Mary is proud to be country to the bone and when it comes to singing classic country, nobody does it better. Mary pulled out the Mel Tillis classic, “New Patches” and then she performed her own version of “Cry, Cry, Cry”! Wow! She knocked it out of the park!
The Pauls Valley Opry’s 2019, 2020-2021 Entertainer of the Year – Tanner Young was in the house! This talented young man was born an entertainer and on Saturday night his star could not have shown any brighter. Tanner wooed the crowd with the Steve Wariner hit, “Some Fools Never Learn” and the smash hit made famous by Shenandoah, “Sunday in the South.”
Our “Friendly Undertaker,” “Voice of the Pauls Valley Opry” and Hall of Fame Member, John Williams, does such a great job with emcee duties and he makes everyone feel appreciated and loved. As always, the Memory Makers Band added some tunes to the evening’s enjoyment.
Thanks to all of the folks who advertise through the Pauls Valley Opry. Without them and YOU who come through the door, the Pauls Valley Opry could not exist. We want to encourage you to visit and support all of our area music venues during these trying times. Without you, none of us will survive, and that would truly be a shame.
Please join us for the April edition of the Pauls Valley Opry on Saturday, April 2, when we welcome Missy Rude, Wiley Winters, Cathy Lake, Paul Lopez, Annie Reed, Jeff Petty and Bailey (Westberry) Washburn along with Emcee John Williams. We’ll see you AT THE OPRY!