The Opry is more than a gathering place for country music fans; it’s an American institution that has seen all kinds of artists – from Elvis Presley to James Brown to Mavis Staples to Elvis Costello – perform during Opry Shows.

Of course, country, bluegrass, and what traditionalists call down-home music are the Opry’s hallmark, and that’s what’ll you’ll hear during the special birthday performances October 11, 14 and 15.

One show will be presented on the11th and there will be two shows on both the 14th and 15th.

Tuesday’s concert features Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, Del McCoury, and more, while Friday evening’s events include Opry members Bill Anderson, Joe Diffie, The Whites, and many more.

Saturday’s shows will include appearances by Diamond Rio, Ralph Stanley, Josh Turner, Travis Tritt, Steve Wariner, and Garth Brooks, who is still retired but making an exception to pay tribute to the Opry and its heritage.

Then on Sunday, there’s the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Celebration, with performances by Shawn Camp, Melanie Cannon, The Grascals, Larry Sparks, Osborne Brothers, Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys, and Ralph Stanley.

More infomation about the birthday celebration is available at www.opry.com.