Virginia’s Li’l Ole Opry will open its 51st season of country music shows on March 28 with an “All Star Opry” featuring the house band, Shades of Country, and all of the Opry singers. The group will once again be performing at the Mathews High School’s Harry M. Ward Auditorium. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Ticket prices remain at $15 for all adults and $5 for children ages 12 and younger and can be purchased in advance at the Mathews Visitor Center in Mathews and Marketplace Antiques on U.S. Route 17 in Hayes. Tickets are available at the door on show night, starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Opry welcomes young local talent, Ada Barnes, to its stage for the first time at the evening’s performance, as well as Opry performers Tracy Hill, Hunter Owens, AJ McKeen, Susan Ripley, Faith Kemp, Lynda Smith, Ralph Motley, Sam Hogge Jr. (lead guitar), David Shuber (bass guitar), Richard Smith (drums), Michael Gregg (fiddle), William Earl Sadler (keyboards) and Mike McDevitt (lead/rhythm guitar).
Special guest, Ada Barnes, is a 12-year-old seventh grader from Mathews who loves singing, acting, and dancing. She has been singing for two years and enjoys performing at Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church and making music with her brothers and dad. Ada has dreamed of performing on the Donk’s stage since the first show she attended and is thrilled to share the stage with so many talented musicians and singers!
Excitement is high as the band and performers start this amazing season with a show offering new country favorites as well as the songs everyone remembers. Visit www.donkstheater.com for a complete list of 2026 dates and featured performers.
At the Opry, you may come in as strangers, but you’ll leave as part of the family!
