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Chris Ferrara Kicks Off the Opry Plaza Summer Concert Series in Nashville

by Rich and Laura Lynch

They say Nashville is a "ten year town" and it's fitting that after a decade of plying his trade in Music City that it's all finally coming together for musician Chris Ferrara. We caught up with the charismatic rocker at the edge of the Grand Ole Opry when he and his large band THE COMMON GOOD were setting up to open the Opry Plaza Summer Concert Series Powered by Whiskey Jam on Friday, May 26, 2023.


Chris Ferrara Kicks Off the Opry Plaza Summer Concert Series in Nashville.

Ferrara - called a combination of city boy swagger and country boy soul - originally hails from Sharon, Massachusetts. He relocated to Music City in 2013 with just a suitcase and a guitar, and he has been making a name for himself ever since. Immediately apparent during his energetic set was how his music draws from an eclectic mix of influences - from Muscle Shoals to Motown and every stop in between. We love the upbeat tones in his horn-infused "Social" and the hilarious Billy Murray reference. His more recent "Firefly" is equally incandescent and inspired.

Chris is known as a true entertainer with a soulful voice and who leads high energy performances backed by THE COMMON GOOD. The group currently hold a weekly residency at THE TWELVE THIRTY CLUB in Nashville. Over the last four years, he has held multi-year residencies at other top venues on Nashville's famed Broadway strip (The Stage & Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row). He has also been flown all over the world to perform for corporate clients and charity events (Capitol One, Miller Lite, Athlete's First, Kids Cancer Alliance, & more). Ferrara is most definitely one to watch in Music City and beyond.

The Opry and Whiskey Jam both have a long-standing history of supporting artists at varying stages of their career and attracting performers of all genres and backgrounds. For 10 years, Whiskey Jam has hosted artists, including Jelly Roll, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson and Opry members Lady A, Luke Combs and Carly Pearce.

"Saying this is a dream come true would be a HUGE understatement," says Whiskey Jam Co-founder Ward Guenther. "Whiskey Jam is honored to be collaborating with The Opry, quite simply the biggest name in Nashville live music history. They were so gracious to consider us, and we can't wait to share some of our favorite rising artists with the Opry's loyal fan base."

"We are thrilled to have Whiskey Jam join our annual Opry Plaza Summer Concert Series this year," says Jordan Pettit, Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy at Opry Entertainment Group. "Whiskey Jam provides an important community for emerging artists to connect, collaborate and perform, and we're excited to shine a spotlight on their efforts as we showcase incredible music every weekend before the Opry shows throughout the Summer."


Chris Ferrara and his big band were impressive at the Grand Ole Opry.

Related Links: For more information on CHRIS FERRARA and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Chris Ferrara | Grand Ole Opry


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