The “Saddle Sores,” a Twin Cities dance favorite will headline the Grand Marais Ole Opry Jan. 14, performing classic country music from the ’50s, ‘60s and ’70. The group includes Jenny Russ, vocals; Jimmy Kennedy, guitar and vocals; Randy Venaas, bass; Mo Engel, drums; and Clay Williams, pedal steel and guitar. Tickets are now on sale.
The North Shore Music Association presents its fourth annual Grand Marais Ole Opry, a classic country and old-time music showcase featuring local and regional musicians performing tunes made famous by artists such as Hank Williams Sr., Patsy Cline, the Louvin Brothers, Johnny Cash, the Carter Family, and many more. Emceed by WTIP’s “Classic Country” host Carl Solander, this year’s lineup features two Twin Cities groups, “The Saddle Sores” and “Cherry Dirt,” and local luminaries Gordon Thorne and Rose and Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux.
Minneapolis-based band “The Saddle Sores” plays classic country music from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. They are a Twin Cities dance community favorite and a multi-generational crowd pleaser. The “Saddle Sores” are Jenny Russ, vocals; Jimmy Kennedy, guitar and vocals; Randy Venaas, bass; Mo Engel, drums; and Clay Williams, pedal steel and guitar.
“Cherry Dirt” is the acoustic duo of Ryan Cihlar, ukulele and vocals, and Staci Cihlar, vocals. Based in Minneapolis, they perform an array of old and new American music, including country and old-time. Performing at WTIP’s Radio Waves last September, the two wowed the crowd with their gorgeous harmonies and musical mastery.
Gordon Thorne is a fingerstyle guitarist who’s blended early rural blues, uptown jazz, and old-time country music for a good long time, rendering a funky American musical stew. A North Shore denizen for the past 30 years, he can be found holed up at his little place in the woods or playing guitar at one of the local watering holes.
Jay and Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux are known for the many artistic talents they share with the North Shore community and beyond, including music, acting, writing, and storytelling. They own and operate Art House B+B, “A Creative Space for Artists, Adventurers, Everyone.”
Rose recently published the book The Marvelous Imagination of Katie Addams. Jay is the mayor of Grand Marais.
The performance will be held Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for those 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance at arrowheadcenterforthearts.tix.com and at the door if available.
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