By MICHAEL J. BROOKS

Special to the Reporter

NORTH SHELBY – The music ministry of Asbury United Methodist Church, located off Cahaba Valley Road in North Shelby County, will present “A Night at the Opry” on March 10 at 7 p.m.

And according to Music Minister Nancy Beard, ticket sales are brisk.

“This is the fourth year we’ve sponsored a dinner theatre,” Beard said. “It’s always a great event and gives people opportunity to enjoy friendship, good food and good fun.”

Beard said the initial idea to sponsor this kind of event was hers, but she’s had a lot of help from choir members, the praise team and the praise band.

“And I’ve listened to suggestions from everyone,” she said with a laugh.

This year’s program will span 80 years of country music performed by 20 singers and a four-piece band.

“We plan a fast-paced program with 40-45 songs—many of them not the full rendition but a portion of the songs included in a medley,” Beard said. “The dinner begins at 7 and the music around 8, and we’ll have an hour and a half of country music.”

Beard said the program will begin with Roy Acuff songs from the 1930s and 40s and will transport attendees musically to the present day.

The dinner buffet will include prime rib, a mixture of vegetables and dessert prepared by church chef Bill Marcie.

“Bill’s a master chef and always gets rave reviews,” Beard said.

The first dinner theatre at Asbury was on Valentine’s Day 2014 and was called “A Night on Broadway.” The following years had the themes of “A Night at the Movies” and “A Night at the Grammys.”

Beard said the church sees the dinner theatre as a ministry.

“It’s an opportunity for good fellowship,” she said. “Many times church members are too busy to relax and talk with one another. And our people bring friends who may be looking for a church. It’s a non-threatening introduction to Asbury for them. And it’s built cohesiveness among our musicians as they’ve worked together to produce a fun evening.”

Tickets for “A Night at the Opry” are $25 for adults and $12.50 for children and youth 18 and under.

Reservations may be made on the church’s website, Asburyonline.org, or by calling the church office at 995-1700.