DAY 9 (NASHVILLE, TN) August 1, 2022

After an eventful first day of exploring the giant resort, after a good nights sleep, the ringers were ready to explore the depths of the great refurbished Ryman Auditorium, where we watched informational videos about the history and singers that have appeared in the Auditorium. All throughout the tour, it talked about people such as, Louie Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and even Johnny Cash. However, lunch was soon upon us, and after we checked out the gift shop, we took a little lunch break before our next museum adventure, the Country Music Hall of Fame. With the help of a guided audio tour we learned about the very interesting start of country music. I learned that blue grass music is named after the band The Blue Grass Boys which is in turn named after the Blue Grass state of Kentucky. We got to learn about how country music was warped by the record labels as they tried to adapt it for Northern listeners. What’s cool is that Country has always returned to its roots of cowboy hats and steel guitars no matter how many times it’s been changed. After heading back to the hotel we had our first, and final dinner together as a full party. We were all able to sit together and honor the trials and tribulations that brought us here. From the struggles of rehearsal and concerts to the joys of experiencing a real road trip with friends. We finally got a chance to catch our breath and talk about all of it. It’s sad closing the page on our tour but as one door closes, another door opens. I look forward to our symposium and all the new memories that will bring.

Today's writers are David and Isaac