Shure Lends a Hand to Grand Ole Opry and Nashville Artists
(AlexV | Posted 2010-07-14)
In early May, the city of Nashville experienced some of the worst flooding in its history, which affected countless homes, studios, and venues, including the historic Grand Ole Opry House. Soundcheck, a large rehearsal facility and home to Shure’s Nashville office, was partially submerged in up to four feet of water. The rain came down and the water went up - and up. Water crept up the banks of Nashville and eventually made it up past 1st street into The Hard Rock Café, The Schermerhorn Symphony Hall, all the way up to Bridgestone Arena and The Country Music Hall of Fame.
“I’ve lived in this city for nine years and I’ve never seen it rain like it did that weekend,” said Ryan Smith, Artist Relations Manager for Shure. “If there’s a bright side to this disaster, it’s been the incredible show of support from so many people around the country. The Nashville music community is an amazing group of people, and this has brought us even closer together.”
Shure is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, just like the Grand Ole Opry, which was first broadcast in 1925. Though temporarily displaced from its permanent home, the Opry did not miss a broadcast due to the flood. To aid the Opry in continuing its busy schedule of shows, Shure provided wireless microphones and ear monitor systems.
“With the Opry and Shure both celebrating 85 years this year, we knew we could count on Shure to help keep the Opry shows going,” said Jon Mire, Technical Services Manager of the Grand Ole Opry. “The gear arrived in perfect time for Opry shows as well as benefit concerts to help the flood victims of Nashville and surrounding counties.”
In addition to providing gear to the Opry, Shure has also been providing assistance to dozens of artists, including Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Hank Williams, Jr., and Little Big Town among others.
“Two days before we were to load into rehearsals for the H2O Tour, the flooding in Nashville ruined all of the wireless and microphones I use on Brad’s guitar rig,” said Chad Weaver, guitar tech for Brad Paisley. “One phone call to Shure resulted in EVERY lost piece of gear back in my hands within two days. Thanks to Shure and Ryan Smith for their outstanding customer service and for helping us get ready for the road in record time.”
Lucky for Nashville, anyone and everyone who could help took a servants heart, much like Shure, and got the city running again. Just last week for Nashville’s 4th of July celebration, thousands and thousands poured into the city to share their love for this city and our nation. Sitting there, watching a magnificent fireworks show, one couldn’t help but look around and see face’s of a city that feels more like a family and be proud to not only be an American, but a citizen of this wonderful city.
For anyone who is interested in providing assistance to musicians in Nashville following the flooding, The Recording Academy’s MusiCares organization has established a Nashville Flood Relief Fund. Anyone interested in making a $5 donation can text "Music" to 20222.
http://www2.grammy.com/MusiCares/NashvilleFloodRelief/
