Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry would like to announce open auditions for the 2017 summer season. They will be at the Mountain Arts Center (MAC) on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Vocalists and instrumentalists are welcomed. Vocalists will need to bring a prepared piece to sing, and be ready to showcase the ability to sing harmony. Instrumentalists will need to have a song of their choice and have the ability to read charts. All participants need to bring a photo and a short bio with them.
The Kentucky Opry organization is looking for all genres of musical talent to add to their already diverse roster.
“We’re happy to announce that we’re opening up general auditions for Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry,” said MAC Executive Director Clayton Case, who is also the Kentucky Opry emcee.
“I’m excited to give the talented folks around Eastern Kentucky an opportunity to join the ranks of the elite Kentucky Opry band and vocalists. We want to see bluegrass pickers, county music singers, pop vocalists, and everything in between!”
Billie Jean Osborne's Kentucky Opry was formed in 1990. While vacationing in Myrtle Beach, Osborne attended a showing of the popular Carolina Opry. It was that night that the inspiration hit her.
“She knew eastern Kentucky had just as much, if not more talent than what she was watching on that stage,” Osborne’s niece, Kay Hall remembered.
In just a few years, they went from playing on the back of flatbed trucks to opening the Mountain Arts Center in 1996. The musical variety show consists of country, classic rock, bluegrass, gospel, and comedy. Former members include Ray Salyer (John Michael Montgomery bassist), J.T Cure (Chris Stapleton bassist), Roger Coleman (Justin Moore guitarist), Kory Caudill (Justin Moore keyboardist), and rising country music star Josh Martin.
Auditions are RSVP only. To reserve your spot, call the Mountain Arts Center at (606)-889-9125.
(story provided by the Mountain Arts Center)
