CMT Blog: Archive

I still have a few items left on my Thing to Do Before I Die list. One of them is to spend some quality time at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Nashville. And another is to see a really old-school country show at the Ryman Auditorium.

And I'll be damned, I could've done both in one night last week.

First there was the rowdy charity show for the Opry Trust Fund at the Ryman with Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser. But then, when that was over, all the stars and VIPs left the Ryman and took those famous 37 steps down the carpet to the back entrance of Tootsie's. And then, it sounds like the party really got started.

Country rookie Jerrod Niemann kicked things off with a "holler and a swaller" toast (which, by the way, I think I also definitely need to add to my to-do list). Then in one of those surreal, is-this-really-happening moments, Jamey Johnson and the legendary Mel Tillis took to the tiny stage to sing Tillis' "Detroit City." Can you imagine that?

Anyway, I've heard that Jake Owen, Lee Brice and Chris Young were there, too, probably just hanging out, having a few drinks and listening to the music. But then when the band started playing Hank Williams Jr.'s "Family Tradition," they all joined in.

It always seems like the after-parties are somehow better/cooler/crazier than the actual parties. And for all I know, there may have even been an after-after-party. If that's the case, I'd better put one of those on my list, as well.