Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Gatlinburg-Pittman High School’s music program received a huge donation today from the Ryman Hospitality Properties Foundation.
An online auction of 70 tickets for Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Gatlinburg grand opening concert raised more than $29,000 and Ryman Hospitality Properties Foundation contributed another $25,000, for a total of $54,214 donated to the school’s music program.
Shelton, along with Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO Colin Reed and Bill Cody of WSM 650 AM, awarded the big check to Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Assistant Principal AJ Bennett at a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
“Gatlinburg-Pittman High School is extremely grateful to have been selected to receive such a generous donation from the folks at Ole Red,” said Tony Ogle, Principal of Gatlinburg-Pittman High School. “Their commitment to music within our community is definitely showcased by their amazing support of our band and choral programs at GPHS. A huge thank you goes to Mr. Blake Shelton for his personal support of this endeavor, and to Ryman Hospitality Properties for investing in our community and supporting our students.”
Shelton spoke about Ole Red Gatlinburg, the third Blake Shelton-inspired bar, restaurant and music venue, and its importance for new, up and coming country music acts. He also reminisced about his first time singing on stage.
Local officials, members of the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce and the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitor’s Bureau participated in the official Ole Red Gatlinburg ribbon cutting.
Ole Red Gatlinburg is celebrating its grand opening with a weeklong “Spring Blake” running March 11-17, 2019. Tune into the livestream set to start at 7:15 p.m. EST on March 13 on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIl45dxOidc. Shelton and special guests The Swon Brothers will perform at the grand opening concert.
The remainder of “Spring Blake” will feature a Blake-approved lineup of free performances from former contestants on NBC’s “The Voice.”
March 14: Lauren Duski
March 15: Pryor Baird
March 16: Red Marlow
March 17: Emily Ann Roberts
The next Ole Red will be built in Orlando, FL, with the groundbreaking expected in April 2019.
