Dream come true for Seagrove resident: Headlining at the Grand Ole Opry

Kevin Richardson, lead singer and guitarist with Daniel Grindstaff & the Uptown Troubadours, is excited to be heading to Nashville next week.

Grindstaff and his bluegrass band will be making their debut on the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday night, July 15. It is a dream come true for the Seagrove resident and Randolph County Schools employee.

Richardson has quite the musical legacy. He has been performing since he was a child, starting by competing and winning awards in local fiddlers’ conventions. He went on to be a part of several touring bands and even met his banjo-picking wife, Crystal, through playing bluegrass music.

Since joining up with Grindstaff, the band has had an incredible breakout year with three No. 1 hits on bluegrass radio. 

Both Grindstaff, a veteran banjo picker, and Richardson have graced the Grand Ole Opry stage numerous times, but always in a supporting role. This will be their first time to step into the iconic circle as artists performing in their own right and not just backing up someone else. It is truly a milestone moment for the Randolph County native.

“It’s been hard not to scream this from the valleys to the mountain tops: ‘Daniel Grindstaff & the Uptown Troubadours have been officially invited to debut on the Grand Ole Opry on July 15,’ ” Richardson enthusiastically shared. “We’re just so tickled and honored. This has been a dream of ours for years since we were kids to not only get to play the Grand Ole Opry, but to get to debut as our own band. I couldn’t be more excited for Daniel. 

“It’s gonna be a big night and a great Wednesday. We don’t take it for granted. I’m speechless and still trying to process it. This is big! I’m nervous, I ain’t gonna lie. It’s gonna be a big time. Thank you for your love and support.”

In addition to Grindstaff and Richardson, the Uptown Troubadours include Derek Deakins on fiddle and Kent Blanton on bass, both of whom have also performed on the Opry numerous times with other artists.

You can purchase tickets for the show at https://www.opry.com. Prices begin at $49.

To learn more about Daniel Grindstaff & The Uptown Troubadours, visit www.danielgrindstaff.com.