Think of all the adjectives that go with awesome and esteemed and you can describe your feelings when you enter the Ryman Auditorium – the mother church of country music.
Think too, of the years of dedicated service to country music and country music fans given by the Johnson sisters through their
International Fan Club Organization.
The emotions rise when you sit down in the well-worn pews of the Ryman for the
35th Annual IFCO Fun Fest. This is the show to look forward to each year. It’s a get-your-ticket-early show
because you want to be as close to the stage as you can.
Its immense variety – from hard-edged country to sweet bluegrass – and its spread of talent – from newbies to legends – can be found in no other show. This is the show that validates the open
door of country music.
While some say “too country” and some say “too pop,” the IFCO show lays out the whole buffet and invites you to enjoy what you like and are familiar with – and tempts you to new tastes.
An evening of relaxed comfort, good music and stories, some musical surprises, some laughs and some tears – isn’t that what good country music’s about?
Our hearts were pulled to see Loretta Johnson reveling in the evening, knowing that she’s in a battle for her life with a devastating cancer. The three sisters …
Loretta, Loudilla, Kay … participated fully in this show, though the rest of their usual massive Fan Fair activities would be handled by trusted assistants while they prepared for future medical treatments.
Wonderful to hear Gary Morris’ soaring “Wind Beneath my Wings; delightful to hear him gently chide host
Robert K. Oermann for once critiquing it as “Gary Morris singing in the world’s largest shower.”
Great to see Jeff Carson on stage performing “Real Life,” when only a few short months ago a sledding accident nearly ended his life.
Show headliner Andy Griggs amazed as he ripped through bluegrass and gospel tunes as well as his initial hit,
“You Won't Ever Be Lonely.” Joined by the Sullivans, a family performing group, he gave a masterful, versatile performance. Oermann proclaimed Griggs an artist with enough talent and charisma to be the next big superstar.
David
Ball, a strong crowd favorite, performed his signature “Thinkin’ Problem,” followed by his latest hit, “Riding with Private Malone.” Host Oermann declared Ball’s newest album, Amigo, the “perfect country album. One of my favorite albums of the year.”
Heralded by Oermann as the artist who only needs “his voice and guitar,”
John Berry did an acoustic set of “How Much Do You Love Me,” followed by “Sanctuary.” The clean, uncluttered presentation
of the songs was a great showcase for his brilliant voice.
Newcomer Tommy Shane Steiner showed his guitar prowess and vocal chops on the hit “What if She’s an Angel.” Asked by Oermann, “ What does it feel like to stand on the stage where Hank Williams
and Patsy Cline performed,” Steiner hesitated briefly before responding, “see this smile on my face.” The crowd strongly applauded his set.
Seasoned performer Ty Herndon pleased the crowd with his chart-topper, “What Mattered Most,” then stepped it up a notch with his sultry performance of “Steam.” As he closed his segment he proclaimed
to the audience his continuing “love of country music.”
The
Tex Ritter Award, given annually for outstanding contribution to country music, was presented to
Robert K. Oermann, host for this evening and for many years. The multi-talented Oermann, a fine arts major, renowned as a country music historian, has written
TV specials, 6 books and over 2000 articles. Oermann, blushing as he accepted the award, declared, “All I ever did with my life was love country music.” The audience’s ringing applause acknowledged his selection.
Others who appeared: Linda Davis, Brad Martin, Brent Woodall, Billy Hoffman, The Clark Family Experience, Joe Stampley and son
Tony.
The other headliner, Jamie O’Neal, closed the show. Oermann described O’Neal as a new artist who came to Nashvillle as a “fully formed, complete entertainer.” Her performances of “You’re My Sanctuary,” “No More Protecting my Heart, “There is no Arizona,” and “When I Think About Angels,” vividly demonstrated her audience capturing ability.
The 35th annual IFCO Fun Fest, though over three hours long, was much too short. Rich in talent and nourishing in its musical variety, the show served its audience a very satisfying evening of country music.
The emotions rise when you sit down in the well-worn pews of the Ryman for the
35th Annual IFCO Fun Fest. This is the show to look forward to each year. It’s a get-your-ticket-early show
because you want to be as close to the stage as you can. 
Our hearts were pulled to see Loretta Johnson reveling in the evening, knowing that she’s in a battle for her life with a devastating cancer. The three sisters …
Loretta, Loudilla, Kay … participated fully in this show, though the rest of their usual massive Fan Fair activities would be handled by trusted assistants while they prepared for future medical treatments.
David
Ball, a strong crowd favorite, performed his signature “Thinkin’ Problem,” followed by his latest hit, “Riding with Private Malone.” Host Oermann declared Ball’s newest album, Amigo, the “perfect country album. One of my favorite albums of the year.”
The
Tex Ritter Award, given annually for outstanding contribution to country music, was presented to
Robert K. Oermann, host for this evening and for many years. The multi-talented Oermann, a fine arts major, renowned as a country music historian, has written
TV specials, 6 books and over 2000 articles. Oermann, blushing as he accepted the award, declared, “All I ever did with my life was love country music.” The audience’s ringing applause acknowledged his selection.