Grand Ole Opry Owner Ventures into Music Festivals: Majority Stake Acquired in Southern Entertainment

Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), known for the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, is diving into the festival scene. They recently acquired a majority stake in Southern Entertainment, a company well-known for hosting country music festivals.

Southern Entertainment has organized several major events, such as the Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach and the Barefoot Country Music Fest in New Jersey. They also have festivals planned for North Carolina and South Carolina, including the new Field & Stream Music Fest, which will debut in 2025.

Founded by Bob Durkin and Rob Pedlow in 2015, Southern Entertainment has held over 500 music events. Their flagship event, the Carolina Country Music Fest, has become a staple in the festival circuit.

Patrick Moore, CEO of OEG, praised Southern Entertainment’s success, highlighting their rapid growth in just ten years. He believes this partnership will help OEG connect with a broader audience that shares their passion for country music.

With this acquisition, Durkin and Pedlow will continue to run Southern Entertainment. They expressed excitement about partnering with OEG, noting it will enhance their current events and help them reach new markets.

After the merger, OEG plans to integrate its artist development programs into Southern’s festivals. This means more opportunities for both established and emerging artists associated with the Opry.

This deal is part of a larger trend in the music festival industry. Recent acquisitions, like KKR’s purchase of Superstruct Entertainment and CTS Eventim’s buyout of Vivendi’s ticketing business, indicate a growing interest in festival operations. Overall, OEG’s move signals an exciting future for country music fans and artists alike.