Opry Entertainment Group has acquired a majority stake in Southern Entertainment, marking its entry into the music festival industry. Southern Entertainment, based in Charlotte and founded by Bob Durkin and Rob Pedlow, has organized over 500 live music events, including major country festivals.

Key Festivals Under Southern Entertainment:

• Carolina Country Music Fest (Myrtle Beach)
• Barefoot Country Music Fest (New Jersey)
• Lovin' Life Music Fest (Charlotte)

While financial details remain undisclosed, Durkin and Pedlow will continue leading Southern Entertainment operations. The acquisition aims to:

• Accelerate expansion into new markets
• Integrate Opry Entertainment's artist development programs
• Create new artist-centered experiences
• Expand reach to complementary fan bases

This strategic move comes during a challenging period for the festival industry, with approximately 200 festivals canceled in the previous year. However, the country music festival sector shows resilience, evidenced by:

• Stagecoach Festival's successful 2025 GA ticket sales
• Kid Rock's Rock the Country Festival expansion to 10 states
• Strong country music presence at major events like Madden Bowl 2025

The partnership positions both companies to capitalize on the growing country music festival market while leveraging Opry Entertainment's iconic brand in country music and Southern Entertainment's proven festival expertise.

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