08/31/2026
Opryland and The Ryman Auditorium
Along-the-Road
August 22nd 2026
I stopped in Nashville on Friday, August 21st, on my way to Mississippi for my first location of the Fall, 2026 run. I stayed overnight in the Opryland area. Spent some time there Saturday the 22nd, touring around the Opryland grounds. Though I didn't do the arena tour, because I really wanted to see the Ryman. I'd been to Nashville before but had never been inside the Auditorium. Its been a bucket list item. To actually see a show, even more, for sure. Someday, I hope.
So I drove downtown and headed for the Ryman. Spent quite a while inside. Tried to imagine the stars who have played that space. Of course I had no idea that Dolly Parton had entered the hospital that same Friday evening that I arrived in Nashville, and that her passing was imminent as I finally toured spaces in which she held great prominence for so long.
Of course Dolly was prominent, in the essence and displays around both venues. There was a large display plaque in the Ryman with a photo and a quote from Dolly expressing her appreciation for the venue and it's history and relevance to her life. I regret now that I didn't photograph that one.
I spent a lot of time in the Ryman. The tour starts in the back of the top of the balcony. A great first view. There's a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame room at the Ryman I particularly enjoyed.
During the tour there were people on the stage setting up for a show that evening. I didn't pay much attention until I finally made my way to the floor.
I immediately recognized the stringed instrument master setting up his pedal steel guitar. The legendary Greg Leisz.
Liesz has played with countless artists in the rock and Americana world. I've seen him many times in Jackson Browne's touring band, among others.
And oh yeah, he was born in Buffalo.
I thought about giving him a shout out, but he seemed pretty busy. Probably wouldn't have appreciated the intrusion. But he did end up in my commemorative photo. That was cool.
