NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 20, 2016) — The Grand Ole Opry® and Southwest Airlines®, in partnership with BBR Music Group, are returning to the heart of New York City for a three-week series of free acoustic performances at the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park.
The Circle in the City summer series is set to feature three acts who have become Opry fan favorites: Parmalee, July 26; Lindsay Ell, August 2; Thompson Square, August 9. All shows will begin at 8:30 p.m. Each of the artists will travel to Manhattan with the Opry’s signature microphone stand and will continue the 90th anniversary year tradition of throwing down a replica of the famed circle of wood from center stage at the Opry House, a la an “Opry Circle Throwdown.” Fans can watch each of the shows live on the Opry’s Facebook page.
New York’s NASH FM 94.7 will host the Bryant Park concerts. Each performance is open to the public, and seating will be based on a first-come first-served basis. Other guests will be invited to be a part of each performance in the park outside the perimeter of the Southwest Porch. Details will be available via social media and at opry.com.
Ell and Thompson Square are set to follow their Tuesday night New York City performances with Wednesday night appearances at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Fan will be able to follow their journeys from New York to the Opry via social media and at opry.com/oprybound, where they can also win an OpryBound VIP package including airfare to Music City aboard Southwest Airlines, hotel accommodations, and Opry prizing.
Suggested Tweet: The @opry is headed to New York City’s @bryantparknyc with @SouthwestAir for performances from @parmalee, @lindsayell, and @thompsonsquare!
About the artists:
2016 ACM “New Vocal Duo/ Group of the Year” nominee Parmalee is one of Country music’s most successful new acts. The platinum-selling band of brothers is one of only three groups since 2001 to earn three consecutive Top 10 singles from a debut Country album. Parmalee has supported Brad Paisley and Jake Owen on national tours while finding time to perform on NBC’s TODAY show, The Late Late Show w/ Craig Ferguson, FOX & Friends, MLB Central’s Studio 21, The Queen Latifah Show and more. Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), cousin Barry Knox (bass) and life-long best friend Josh McSwain (guitar), Parmalee’s latest hit – the universal hometown anthem “Roots” – is the lead single from the band’s upcoming sophomore album. For more information, visit: www.parmalee.com
Named one of The Huffington Post’s “Top Country Artists to Watch in 2016,Lindsay Ell is a triple threat: accomplished musician, unique vocalist and songwriter. The 27-year-old Calgary native learned to play guitar while traveling with her father to country-bluegrass camps as a young girl. Ell honed her craft as a musical stylist and songwriter after being discovered by BTO and The Guess Who’s Randy Bachman (“American Woman” / “Taking Care of Business”) who discovered her at the age of 13. The multi-instrumentalist was soon opening for the likes of Luke Bryan, Buddy Guy, The Band Perry and Keith Urban. Ell received critical acclaim for her singles “Trippin’ On Us,” “Shut Me Up” and “By The Way,” including being named one of Rolling Stone’s “10 Artists You Need to Know” and one of CMT’s Next Women of Country. A 2016 CMT Music Award and Canadian Country Music Award nominee, Ell most recently wowed audiences from coast-to-coast as part of the 2016 CMT Next Women of Country Tour. For more information visit: www.LindsayEll.com.
The duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson are a force to be reckoned with in the modern day Country music landscape. International Country music stars,Thompson Square has topped the radio charts across the Unites States, Canada and Australia with #1 hits “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” “If I Didn’t Have You” and “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About,” respectively. To date, Thompson Square has scored three #1 hits; six Top 20 hits; two consecutive ACM ”Vocal Duo of the Year” awards; a CMA “Vocal Duo of the Year” Award; three American Country Awards, one CMT Music Award; two GRAMMY, American Music and Teen Choice award nominations. Thompson Square’s latest hit “You Make It Look So Good” is available at all digital retailers and streaming partners now. For more information visit: www.thompsonsquare.com
About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®. Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday Night Opry shows through December 13 and Wednesday shows through August 10. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP). For more information, visit opry.com.
About Southwest Airlines Co:
In its 46th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 52,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest operates more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season across a network of 98 destinations in the United States and seven additional countries with service to three airports in Cuba expected to begin later this year, subject to governmental approvals.
About Bryant Park Corporation:
Bryant Park Corporation (BPC), a private not-for-profit company, was founded in 1980 to renovate, finance and operate Bryant Park. BPC is funded by income from events, concessions and corporate sponsors, as well as an assessment on neighboring properties, and does not accept government or philanthropic funds. In addition to providing security and sanitation services, and tending the park’s lush lawn and gardens, BPC provides public amenities and activities, including movable chairs and tables, café umbrellas, restrooms, restaurants and food kiosks, and many exciting events throughout the year.