Wrightwood’s famous Red Barn Opry is returning this summer on Saturday, August 31, at 5 p.m., despite last year’s announcement that 2023 was the final show for the beloved local bluegrass and country music festival.
With rising costs and considerable expenses for hosting the annual event, long-time Wrightwood resident and Red Barn Opry founder David Cimino said it was nearly impossible to sustain the festival but had a change of heart due to an unexpected loss and heartbreaking news that came earlier this year.
“I found it in my heart when I heard about Daniel and Jackie Meredith’s accident,” said David, who first started the annual event 16 years ago. “I felt a need to do a celebration of love through music.”
Daniel and Jackie Meredith, owners of Daniel Meredith’s Plumbing in Phelan, passed away in a tragic car accident in April 2024, which devastated community members. While they had been huge proponents of the Red Barn Opry and graciously donated to help sponsor the event, David said it’s not about the money. It’s about honoring and remembering the Merediths for the wonderful people they were, giving all their love and support to their family and the community.
Since the beginning of 2024, the Tri-Community has experienced much loss and unexpected deaths. Therefore, David is inviting everyone who is grieving or has lost a loved one to come out not just for a night of music but for a special “Celebration of Love.”
“It’s gonna be all about loss and spreading some love out there to the people who need it,” said David.
The community’s love for the Red Barn Opry is evident in the donations given once the announcement was made that the show would continue for another year.
“I love the people loving it! This year it’s happening because of all of you,” said David, who is thankful for everyone who kindly donated.
David is a musician himself, with an impressive resume of playing with famous bands all over the world. He has even performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. But even being a world-class drummer performing to sold-out crowds, he says there’s something very special about the Red Barn Opry that keeps people coming back year after year.
“Wilkinsville, the little western town, that atmosphere brings a lot, and that’s why it’s such a big hit,” said David, who credits John Wilkens, the owner and “honorary sheriff” of Wilkinsville, for providing his beautiful property and the big red barn on the corner of Edna and Oriole for the event each year.
David also credits his late wife, Madelyn, for encouraging him to start the Red Barn Opry event all those years ago after seeing him perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, a bucket list item that they got to share. He continues the Red Barn Opry concert in her honor as a completely free music event for the village.
Their production company, MAD Productions (Madelyn and David), is proud to announce that the 2024 Red Barn Opry will be bigger than ever and include performances by five talented duos and bluegrass and country bands: The Matsens, Blue-Eyed Coyote, Honey Buckets, The High D Boys, and Winslow.
The Red Barn Opry will be held on Saturday, August 31, at 5 p.m., at 1336 Edna St., cross street Oriole, in Wrightwood. This is a free event, but please bring your own chairs and be sure to stay until the very end of the show!
