CJ Solar has seen many dreams come true since he started writing, recording and touring, but few dreams compare to the call he received from the Grand Ole Opry inviting him to make his debut appearance on the hallowed stage. On September 7, 2019, the MusicRow "Independent Artist of the Year" will perform in the famous circle for the first time.
"It's been a dream of mine to stand on the circle, since I attended my first Opry performance with my parents on a trip to Nashville when I was 12 . . . it inspired me to move to Nashville and want to make Country music," said CJ. "Always said this was the biggest bucket list moment for me in Nashville, and I can't believe it's happening!!"
CJ was in seventh grade during that family trip to Music City. The visit included many of the traditional Nashville destinations, but the Opry was highest on everyone's list. Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton performed on the show that night, and CJ distinctly remembers making a quality decision to follow in their footsteps.
Ironically, CJ interned for and was later signed as a staff writer at Sea Gayle Music, a Nashville music publishing company co-owned by Brad Paisley. CJ co-wrote every song on his Get Away With It and Hard One To Turn Down EPs and his upcoming EP, and he celebrated his first #1 Country single as a songwriter with Morgan Wallen's "Up Down" featuring Florida Georgia Line.
Last week, fans received news of the release of CJ's new single, "Coming My Way," to Country radio on August 27, 2019. The single will be the title track to his upcoming third EP. Listen to the new single on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon now.
This weekend, CJ will open for one of his musical heroes Hank Williams, Jr. in Morgantown, WV on Friday and Corbin, KY on Saturday. The following weekend he will open for 38 Special, and he will be back out opening for Gary Allan through September.
CJ will join Dailey & Vincent, Williams & Ree, Sylvia and his buddy and frequent co-writer Travis Denning the night he makes his Opry debut. A large crowd is expected from his hometown of Baton Rouge, and fans from as far as New York have indicated they will make the trek to Nashville. Tickets can be purchased here.
Aug 23, 2019
Morgantown, WV
Mylan Park w/ Hank Jr
Aug 24, 2019
Corbin, KY
Southeastern KY Agricultural and Expo Complex w/ Hank Jr
Aug 30, 2019
Belton, TX
Bell County Expo Center w/ 38 Special
Sep 12, 2019
Birmingham, AL
BJCC Concert Hall W/ Gary Allan
Sep 13, 2019
Seaside Heights, NJ
Seaside Heights Festival
Sep 19, 2019
Augusta, GA
Bell Auditorium w/ Gary Allan
Sep 20, 2019
Glen Allen, VA
Innsbrook After Hours Concert Series w/ Gary Allan
Sep 21, 2019
Jim Thorpe, PA
Penn's Peak w/ Gary Allan
Sep 27, 2019
South Charleston, SC
North Charleston Performing Arts Center w/ Gary Allan
Sep 28, 2019
Raleigh, NC
Memorial Auditorium w/ Gary Allan
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