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Kentucky Opry to bring extra cheer for the holidays

Mountain Arts Center

Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry will kick off its annual run of Christmas shows on Saturday, December 2 in the Willard & Lucy Kinzer Theater at the Mountain Arts Center (MAC).

As always, the Kentucky Opry Junior Pros will be the special guests and the opening act for all shows. This will be the organization’s 22nd Christmas at the MAC.

MAC executive director and Kentucky Opry producer Clayton Case says the group is ready for an exciting season.

“I’m so proud of this team and cast! We are one big family and everyone involved cares so much about this season’s show,” said Case.

Case added, “This season’s show will really put you in the Christmas spirit and we are so excited to show the community and region a program that reflects the joy and hope of the holiday season.”

Original member and keyboardist Jody Conley says the cast is ready for another Christmas season.

“We feel so good about this show! It just has a great feel to it, and it’s something totally different than in years past,” said Conley.

But Conley says there is always the central theme they like to portray.

“We like to show that it’s not just about the birth of Christ, it’s about celebrating him all the way through the Cross,” added Conley.

As always, a Kentucky Opry show would not be the same without the antics and commentary from resident comedian, Munroe. He will always have those special surprises in store for the band, audience, and especially emcee Clayton Case.

The popular horn section will return, adding that traditional flavor to some old favorites. It consists of Matt Moon on Trombone, Dan Houston on Sax, and Tommy Money playing Trumpet.

This season’s shows are December 2nd, 3rd (Special Sunday matinee show at 3p.m.), 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th. All shows will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $14.

Tickets can be purchased at http://www.macarts.com and by calling 888-MAC-ARTS, or visiting the MAC box office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Saturday.

The Mountain Arts Center is the premier performing arts venue in eastern Kentucky.  Located in the heart of the bloodline of the Country Music Highway, the facility features a 1,046-seat auditorium, conference/meeting facilities, instruction rooms and a state-of-the-art recording studio.

Operations are through a partnership between Prestonsburg, Ky. and Big Sandy Community & Technical College.  For more information, call 1-888-MAC-ARTS or visit: http://www.macarts.com

(provided by Mountain Arts Center)

Paul Hitchcock earned his Masters in Communications from Morehead State University and Bachelors in Radio-TV/Psychology from Georgetown College. A veteran broadcaster for more than 40 years and an avid fan of blues, jazz and American roots music. Hitchcock has been with WMKY since 1986 and was named General Manager in 2003. He currently hosts "Muddy Bottom Blues" (Fri., 8pm-9pm), "Nothin' But The Blues" (Sat., 8pm-12am), "Sunday Night Jazz Showcase" and "Live From The Jazz Lounge" (Sun., 8pm-9pm) and "The Golden Age of Radio" (Sun., 2pm-3pm). He also serves as producer for "A Time For Tales" and "The Reader's Notebook."