Kris Kristofferson, Terri Clark Will Help Tootsie’s Turn 50

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, a fixture of downtown Nashville's honky-tonk nightlife, has enjoyed a colorful history that has spanned half a century. The legendary bar where Grand Ole Opry cast members often gathered before, during and after shows at the nearby Ryman Auditorium, will celebrate its 50-year history with an anniversary show at the Ryman on Nov. 7.

Kris Kristofferson and Terri Clark are the first acts to be announced for the concert, with other artists expected to be revealed soon. Before his career as a songwriter and artist took off in the early 1970s, Kris had lived for a time in a room above the famous nightspot. As an 18-year-old who had just relocated to Nashville from Canada, Terri walked into Tootsie's and asked if she could get up to sing. When he saw that a crowd had begun to gather, the manager hired Terri as a regular, for $15 a day plus tips.

In addition to regular tickets, VIP packages for the anniversary show are available for $150. The package includes a ticket to the Ryman concert, admittance to a pre-show and after-show party, a Tootsie's 50th commemorative t-shirt and meet-and-greet opportunities. Click here for more information.