The Grand Ole Ferrum Opry returns to Ferrum College on Friday, November 21, at 7 p.m. in Vaughn Chapel. The College’s principal musical groups, directed by Assistant Professor of Music and Theatre Emily Blankenship-Tucker, will perform as well as guest artists. Mr. Bobby Radford of Ferrum is this year’s special honored guest. The concert is free and open to the public.
The performers will include Orchestra Appalachia, the Panther Singers, guests Remington and Christian Davis, and more. Last year the Appalachian Music program described the Davis brothers as “some of the finest pickers in Franklin County,” and in 2023 ranked their band Downtown Pickers with “Franklin County’s finest young musicians.”
The Panther Singers performed recently at the Ferrum College Veterans Day Ceremony. Orchestra Appalachia, affectionately known as the College’s house band, is the Appalachian Music program’s bluegrass and old-time ensemble. It tours to local venues and larger events, such as Blue Ridge Folklife Festival and the International Bluegrass Music Association convention.
Ferrum College will recognize Radford at the concert for his support of the community, and especially his contributions to local music. He steps in when needed to promote and lead the weekly music jams hosted by the Appalachian Music program, which are free and open to the public every Monday night of the year at the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum (7-8:30 p.m.). He often shares funny original songs with local references, encourages newcomers, and helps keep the energy level up. And if you see an antique car anywhere in Ferrum, Radford is probably nearby.
“We are excited to recognize Bobby Radford for his longtime contributions to the musical culture of Ferrum and the college,” said Blankenship-Tucker. “Bobby’s welcoming spirit, endless well of stories and songs, and enthusiasm for making music with others have helped to foster a lasting sense of community. This spirit of togetherness is the essence that makes the music of our area so special and wonderful, and it is what will keep our musical traditions alive and well for generations to come. We are grateful to Bobby for his musicianship and friendship.”
The local musicians honored at the Grand Ole Ferrum Opry in the past two years were Larry Sigmon in 2024 and Gene Parker in 2023.
“The Grand Ole Ferrum Opry is a favorite annual tradition at Ferrum College,” added Blankenship-Tucker. “Join us for uplifting musical performances as we celebrate the incredible musicianship that exists here at the college and in our community, and take a moment to anticipate the joyful holiday season to come.”
The College groups will also provide music at a variety of end-of-semester and holiday events, while the next big production for the Music and Theatre program will be the musical Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre in Sale Theatre, Dec. 5 to 14. Click here for details and tickets.
For more information, contact Emily Blankenship-Tucker, program coordinator for Music & Theatre at Ferrum College, ebtucker@ferrum.edu.
Click here for a brief video of the Davis brothers playing at Ferrum in 2024.
Click here for more information on Music and Theatre at Ferrum College.
