With as hot as this summer has been, I find that too much activity (even the fun variety) is kind of a chore. So over the past few weeks I’ve been laying pretty low. Last week however, a former student invited me to a musical performance in which he’d been asked to participate. I agreed to attend, and Saturday night we met in Gladewater, TX, first for dinner at Guadalupe’s restaurant and then for the weekly Saturday night musical montage held at the Gladewater Opry.

The Gladewater Opry is a real cultural experience. Local legend holds that the venue has played host to young musicians like Loretta Lynn, George Jones and even Elvis Presley. At first glance the there’s not much to the place. Its located smack in the middle of town, in what looks like a store front building. The lobby is small, but concert hall itself is fairly deep, (much larger than it appears from the outside). The Opry is housed in what resembles an old theater with a stage in front and seating for about five hundred guests. While Saturday’s crowd wasn’t quite a packed house, it was mostly full.

Our evening began with a visit to local Gladewater staple, Guadalupe’s. The restaurant has the look at feel of an informal cafe or diner, which (as the name implies) serves Mexican food, and is a favorite stop for locals, antique hunters, Opry goers and others. The fare was good and the service both quick and friendly. Based on the one visit I would recommend the stop for anyone who happens to be in the little town. (To reach the restaurant by phone call, (903) 845-2318). After dinner my hosts and I loitered around town, in anticipation the evening’s entertainment.

The Opry’s music kicked off at eight and we were seated front row center. Now I should preface my description my telling my readers that I grew up in Tyler and consider myself a proud Texan. I listen to country music now and again, but I was really not expecting the cultural experience that I had Saturday night. As soon as the first performer started up on her fiddle (Opry fav and band member, Lacie Carpenter), a cascade of guests flocked to the front of the stage to drop their offerings into the tip baskets. I must admit, that at this point my mind kicked into overdrive and I probably flushed with the realization that people were giving lavishly to a cause and I had no cash to offer to this evidently, noble enterprise. It was similar to the sensation one has at church when the offering plate is passed and the parishioner realizes he or she left their wallet in the car, and yes I speak from experience here. As I observed over the next couple of minutes, I realized what in retrospect, should have been obvious. The tips were for whichever artist happened to have center stage at the moment. I’m accustomed to tip jars on pianos, and I’ve attended my share of concerts, but this was the first time I’ve seen the two combined. Over the next couple of hours visitors were treated to a series of different performers, all area talent. The evening’s performances included Opry regulars like Brooks Payton, Jordan Todd, Derek Howell, new comer Paul Ruark and numerous others.

As I sat watching (and quite enjoying actually), the evening’s proceedings, and trying to make mental notes in anticipation of writing this article, I began to feel that I was observing a tradition that had been going on longer than I and many of the artists present had been alive. I scanned the room and found among the guests senior citizens who, I’ll wager have been attending this event and others like it since their youth. Some of the artists have been playing little clubs and Opry evenings like this one for many years scrapping out their livings, often on the cusp of real commercial success. But I was a little surprised to find that it wasn’t only the seasoned citizens who were enjoying and giving mind you, to the performers! This was no “Gaither Home Coming” crowd! I found young people of varying ages as well! Often they looked more like skaters than cowboys! I am glad to see young people being exposed to such a traditional form of music and culture in addition the pap they are bombarded with by MTV and Disney Channel.

I had a great time at the Gladewater Opry; I was intrigued by the evening’s performances and the local atmosphere. Honestly, I feel like I’ve had a new cultural experience without driving more than an hour from home. And I should add as a caveat that the environment was completely family friendly, (although I started to wonder when my friend warned me cryptically before hand that I would need some singles). For those interested in country and bluegrass music and looking for an easy night out, try the Gladewater Opry. For more information on times and events visit the following web pages: www.thegladewateropry.com, and www.myspace.com/gladewateropry. Their office can be reached by phone at 903-845-3600.