Luke Bryan Reigns At Spring Break Panama City

ONE-OF-A-KIND GUITARS UP FOR BIDS AT
THIRD ANNUAL GUITARS OF THE STARS BENEFIT AUCTION JUNE 9

 Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Jerrod Niemann
Among Those Contributing Decorated Guitars

 Josh Thompson and Steve Wariner to perform

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (May 17, 2011)   The third annual Guitars of the Stars BenefitAuction Thurs., June 9, 4 p.m. at Hall of Fame Park in the middle of CMA Music Fest will give fans the unique opportunity to bid on acoustic guitars decorated by some of country music’s hottest stars. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Opry Trust Fund which assists members of the country music community in need.

Among the stars confirmed to contribute guitars they’ve designed in celebration of their current singles, hobbies, favorite country songs, or country music heroes are Jerrod Niemann, Darius Rucker, and Carrie Underwood. Also this year, Nashvillevisual artists Lucie Rice and Cindy Wunsch will contribute guitars inspired by the music of other favorite artists including award-winning group Rascal Flatts.

Grand Ole Opry triple threat Steve Wariner and Columbia Nashville recording artist Josh Thompson will each contribute performances and an autographed guitar to the free event, as well. GAC-TV and 650 AM WSM radio personality Bill Cody will be on hand as emcee.

Four-time Grammy_®-winner Wariner’s latest release is GUITAR LABORATORY, featuring an array of guitar styles from a variety of genres. Thompson’s debut effort WAY OUT HERE features the newcomer’s brand of working class country, including the hit title track and the current single, “Won’t Be Lonely Long.” Both artists will sign copies of their latest releases just down the street from the Auction at Opry Originals (corner of 3^rd and Broadway). Wariner will appear at the store 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., while Thompson will follow the Auction with a signing 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The Opry Trust Fund has for more than 40 years assisted members of the country music community in need of help with medical bills, living expenses, utilities, rent, and food.

About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry presents the best in country music live every week fromNashville, Tenn.  Celebrating 85 years of entertainment, the Opry can be heard on 650 WSM-AM, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, and opry.com. The syndicated weekly program, America’s Opry Weekend, airs on country radio stations across America and on the Armed Forces Radio Network. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that also owns and operates Gaylord Hotels.  For more information, visitopry.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com