The Grand Ole Opry at Carnegie Hall

As part of the recent 80th anniversary celebration of the Grand Ole Opry, a group of Opry stars representing both the old guard and new took their show to New York's Carnegie Hall for one very special show. The evening's sold-out performances were taped both for posterity and so that fans around the country could enjoy all of the magic of that special Opry gathering.

Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Charley Pride, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Ricky Skaggs are the Opry members who were part of the event.

"I don't think that anything will happen that will top that first impression of walking on that stage and looking around," Opry regular Vince Gill said about his first visit to the historic theater.

It's not surprising that Carnegie Hall _ a venue that has long promoted all genres of American culture _ would host the Opry cast. Nor was this the first time the Opry has visited New York. Ernest Tubb and Minnie Pearl first performed at Carnegie Hall in l947 and Pearl returned 14 years later with a full Opry troupe that included Patsy Cline, Bill Monroe, Grandpa Jones, the Jordanaires, Marty Robbins, Faron Young and Jim Reeves. There also have been several Grand Ole Opry road shows that have toured major theaters throughout the country.

But the legendary New York theater stands alone. "I truly think this is one of those places that, for the rest of my life, I'll say 'I played Carnegie Hall.' You know ... that's it," remarked Trisha Yearwood, an Opry member since 1999.

Although he's logged a lot of performances since his 1961 Opry induction, "whispering" Bill Anderson also said he felt this particular show was special. "Vince Gill and I were standing out on the stage talking ... neither one of us had ever been in Carnegie Hall before ... and Vince said, 'You know, I got a big lump in my throat' and I said, 'You know, I do, too.' "

"Everybody dreams of playing Carnegie Hall," added Martina McBride. "For me to get to come here and sing with the Grand Ole Opry is just really special."

(Ronna Rubin, a 21-year veteran of the music industry)

On April 11, The Grand Ole Opry at Carnegie Hall DVD will be available to the public, but you can pre-order yours from the online Opry Shop and receive a special gift! Pre-order The Grand Ole Opry at Carnegie Hall DVD from The Opry Shop online store before April 7, and you will receive an 8 x 10 cast photo from this once-in-a-lifetime show. This is an exclusive offer to opry.com. Order yours today!

*Pre-order offer is now void.