Oh My Gosh - Little Opry burns to the ground
http://thecelebritycafe.com/features/33760.html
Opry Burns Down
20-Sep-2009
Written by: Danielle Hazell
The Little Nashville Opry concert venue has burned to the ground.
The Little Nashville Opry concert venue burned to the ground on Saturday. Earlier
that evening there was a concert being held but no one was injured during the blaze.
Nearby buildings were also evacuated as a precaution.
Shortly after 10 p.m., less than an hour after “Goldwing Express” had left the stage,
firefighters were called to the venue. The fire lasted hours and even at 1:35 a.m.
there were still hot spots still being reported on the backside of the venue.
The Opry concert venue has been around for 34 years and in business for 20 years.
The country music venue has seen many performers, such as Johnny Cash, Trisha Yearwood,
Emmy Lou Harris and Randy Travis.
According to the
Indiana News Center
, Tony Rafiei, owner of The Neon Armadillo, said, “‘The city is the one who gets
hurt and not just the music.’ If Nashville rebuilds the venue, he said his business
would be behind their efforts 100 percent and help in any way possible.”
Authorities are still trying to figure out what was the cause of the fire.
Excuse my mistake for saying Little Opry was located in Tennessee. I am not fimilar with it. I thought it was located in Tennessee because I know The Grand Ole Opry is there. But thank you for correcting me and letting me know its actual location. I appreciate it. I also know that George Jones was supposed to be performing there later on this year, I believe in November 2009, not sure though, but it was cancelled due to the fire. It still is sad that is burned down. I need to learn more about it though since I do not know much about the Little Opry since I learn about country music little by little each day. But once again, thanks for posting these blogs. I learn more and more everytime I read them. I appreciate it. =)
Take care
Forever and ever a # 1 RT Fan
Jasmin
Per another article, they say phone lines etc. are temporarily down so if anyone was planning on any of the shows at this location, they are urged to go to the Little Opry site and complete a form for refunds.
I thought i'd just update you on the status of this topic since so many had gone there in the past to see Randy.
Again, this is so sad.
Fire at Little Nashville Opry ruled arson
The Sept. 19 blaze that destroyed the Little Nashville Opry
in Brown County, Ind., has been ruled arson.
That determination was made by a team of investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s state
fire marshal; the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and the Brown County Volunteer Fire Department.
The Little Opry in Nashville, Ind., was a regional tourist destination that had played host to many popular country music acts since it opened in the 1970s.
The investigators interviewed more than 40 people, took pictures and recovered evidence, according to a news release issued by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Evidence will be analyzed by the ATF National Laboratory in Ammendale, Md.
The agency did not release any additional details of the investigation.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to call the Brown County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (812) 988-6620.
Always and Forever...An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg
Wow, that is indeed sad Linda. I can't begin to imagine someone being that mad to do something like that. But there are a lot of angry people in the world these days. Nothing should suprise me anymore. But it still does. Dee
This is so sad to learn about the Little Opry. It was only about 3 hours from us and we have attended serveral concerts there. It is a big loss for Nashville, In, sure hope they rebuild.
You are right Linda Randy usually did do 2 concerts when he was there.
Thanks for posting Linda.
Janet
This is so sad..
So much memorabilia was lost. I saw him there twice and he seemed to enjoy the closeness of the audience. He always stayed for autographs and handshakes.
Betty
Oh, my goodness. I'm sorry to read this. That's so awful. I attended one of Randy's shows there. It was a nice venue. Even though it wasn't very big.
A lot of big name stars ( past and present) played there. I hope they deside to rebuild it. It always had a nice turn out for whoever was on the docket.
I too, am glad to know no one was injured.
I hope they find out what caused it. It seemed like it was well maintained. At least it looked so when I was there. But thats been several years ago now.
Dee
I never visited the Little Opry since I haven't been to Tennessee, but that is just sad. I wonder how the fire did cause and hope they can figure it out soon. On the other hand, all I can say is that its sad that it has been burned down...thank you for letting us know as well.
Take care
Forever and ever a # 1 RT Fan
Jasmin
Hi Jasmin,
It was a venue located in Indiana not Tennessee. I was there at least once many years ago. I think I saw Loretta Lynn there. It's so long ago It's hard to remember but I know that my Mom and I went on a bus trip there.
That's a real shame. Glad nobody got hurt. I hope nobody threw a lit cigarette on the ground and didn't stamp it out good enough. In the past I've seen that happen and step on the butt myself. In fact, I've seen some idiots throw a lit cigarette on the ground without stepping on it at all or throw it out of autos.
Sharon
Jasmin, actually the Little Opry was located in Indiana, not Tennessee but there would be no way you'd know that if you weren't familiar with it.
I understand it was always a nice venue to go to although i've never been there myself, either.
Randy usually performed two shows there when he did go as far as I know.
Thanks.
Always and Forever...An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg
I know some of you, perhaps several, have gone to this venue in the past. I was surprised to read this story (see above).
I am glad no one was hurt but quite shocking to say the least.
Always and Forever...An RT Fan
Linhda and Guide, Greg