'Grand Ole Opry ' at the Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal in Christchurch will get a boost in the form of weekly concerts run in a form similar to that of the favours ‘'Grand Ole Opry” first performed at Nashville, Tennessee.
The idea was discussed in January by Mr Audie Ashworth. a record producer and publisher from Nashville, but his plans did not eventuate. This time, the concerts will be organised by Joe Brown Enterprises, of Mosgiel. The shows will be called “Sunday Country,” and will be filmed by TV2 and broadcast by Radio New Zealand. Mr Brown said in Christchurch on Thursday that he had always had a'“phobia” about trying to promote New Zealand talent, but could never do anything for artists other than to help them become known in New Zealand.
He had many times tried to promote local artists through television, but had not been able to negotiate this. Therefore, artists went overseas to gain wider experience and get “more exposure.” Mr Brown said that he was now able to help New Zealand artists by running “Sunday Country” every Sunday evening at the Theatre Royal. The show would be televised on Saturday evening, and there would be a live radio broadcast. Each week, in addition to advertised artists, who would include artists from Canada, the United States, and New
Zealand: there would be; opportunity for an unknown; artist to make an appear-: ance. Artists appearing for the first concert on April 25 will; be Sheb Wooley (United! States). Ollie Strong] (Canada), and Eddie Low, John Hore. Suzanne Pren-' tice. and Gray Bartlett, all; of New Zealand. The televised version of the; show will be shown in Can-; ada. which Mr Brown hopes!
will give New Zealand artists an opportunity to promote I their talent overseas. : The show wilt also help to promote New Zealand ‘ records, and new composi- | tions. I When the show had been [running for several weeks, Mr Brown said, the overseas •artists would be kept in New [Zealand to tour the country, [giving concerts in other [centres.
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Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34130, 17 April 1976, Page 16
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342'Grand Ole Opry' at the Theatre Royal Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34130, 17 April 1976, Page 16
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