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The Cactus Blossoms Bloom at Their Grand Ole Opry Debut in Nashville
The Cactus Blossoms are an alternative country group from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The brothers Jack Torrey (vocals, guitar, bass) and Page Burkum (vocals, guitar) bloomed nicely at their debut appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee on Friday, August 30, 2024. Their well-received music echoed the soundtrack of both early country and rock 'n' roll.
The reason we were there! The Cactus Blossoms invited Team MCN out to see their Opry debut. In 2016, The Cactus Blossoms dropped their first studio album You're Dreaming which charted while obtaining a fair amount of favorable reviews. They are currently touring in support of Every Time I Think About You (2024) with their late summer stop at the revered venue serving as their record release party. That fact - and the opportunity to perform with the Opry's uber talented band who back most of the acts that play there - secured smiles all around during their post-performance interview session.
The Cactus Blossoms were interviewed by Charlie Mattos following their three-song set. During their trio of tracks the dynamic duo presented songs from different periods of their career including the snappy "Hey Baby" and before "Adios Maria" they asked if it was okay to play a waltz. It was as that tune was another winner in their set that reflected an array of styles. Afterwards they were asked a few questions by Opry MC Charlie Mattos who made it a point to compliment the pair on their world-class harmonies.
Riders In The Sky got the party started in Nashville. He inquired how many times people have likened them to The Everly Brothers and the pair implied "a lot" but the brothers were pleased with the comparison even offering the influence of The Louvin Brothers as another example. Mattos then countered with Simon & Garfunkel before it was revealed that The Cactus Blossoms were actually late bloomers only forming the band together while in their mid-20's. Charlie then extended an invite to return to the Opry soon.
Callista Clark, Connie Smith, Mark & Maggie O'Connor and Ricky Scaggs in Nashville. On Friday, The Cactus Blossoms shared the stage with a wide range of artists. Kicking off the show was the well-established, comical country western band Riders In The Sky. The youthful Callista Clark played a new song and a captivating cover of “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” (CCR) followed by the aforementioned The Cactus Blossoms.
Don Schlitz continued to prove that the Opry's gamble on him is paying off nicely. Charlie McCoy with special guest Ricky Scaggs paid tribute to Chet Atkins. Connie Smith shared a compelling song of faith encouraging folks to fights on. Mark & Maggie O'Connor were magical on dueling fiddles. Steve Wariner also honored Chet with potent guitar picking and Don Schlitz was engaging playing songs that he wrote for Kenny Rodger including the "The Gambler".
Charlie McCoy backed up his legendary status with a set that was equal to the task. Proving that there is even more great talent to be discovered we found ourselves captivated by Nashville based, Georgia native Leah Belle Faser who was the featured act at the Opry Plaza Summer Concert Series Powered by Whiskey Jam before the night at the Opry began. Leah Belle definitely struck a chord while presenting the commercial appeal of Taylor Swift and the feistiness on Maria McKee. Her authentic musical style encompasses many different music genres. But, it remains grounded in a sound seasoned with country, pop, rock and folk influences making her an artist who should herself be soon standing in the circle at the Grand Ole Opry House.
Steve Wariner showed off his crooner and picker sides in Nashville. The Cactus Blossoms can now say they are part of history. For almost 100 years the Grand Ole Opry has been the voice of country music. It started back in 1925 as a radio program that currently can be seen and heard around the world through various platforms. Each live broadcast features a line-up of longstanding Opry members and others who may be stepping into the sacred circle for the first time such as The Catus Blossoms with all working to keep the circle unbroken for the foreseeable future.
Leah Belle Faser was captivating during her pre-show concert on the plaza. Related Links: For more information on THE CACTUS BLOSSOMS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - The Cactus Blossoms | Leah Belle Faser | Grand Ole Opry
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