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Opry Entertainment Group is the new majority owner of Charlotte, North Carolina-based festival promoter and owner Southern Entertainment, the company announced Jan. 14.
Southern Entertainment’s festival portfolio includes Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, New Jersey; Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Charlotte, North Carolina; the Greenville Country Music Fest in Greenville, South Carolina; and the upcoming Field & Stream Music Fest in Winnsboro, South Carolina, returning in 2025 after country stars Eric Church and Morgan Wallen bought and revived the entire Field & Stream brand, including the eponymous magazine and associated festival.
Southern Entertainment was founded in 2015 by Bob Durkin and Rob Pedlow, who will continue to lead the business under the OEG aegis.
OEG is the subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties that focuses on live entertainment and venue operation. Its venues include the Grand Ole Opry House and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and ACL Live in Austin. Its portfolio also includes WSM Radio, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Brand and Category 10, the new Luke Combs-inspired bar and venue in Nashville.
“In just 10 years, the Southern Entertainment team has grown their business into one of the strongest independent festival businesses in the United States. With this investment, we are entering a dynamic and growing sector of the events business with seasoned operators who share our passion for creating unforgettable experiences for artists and fans. This investment will allow us to expand our reach to a large and loyal fan base that is complementary to our current audience.” OEG CEO Patrick Moore said in a statement.
Southern Entertainment will integrate OEG’s artist development programs in their country music festivals and the teams also “plan to develop additional artist-centered experiences in the years ahead,” according to a statement.
