Tammy Western

A native of Grant County, Tammy began playing piano at the age of six. She grew up singing and playing in church and has played with various local groups. Surrounded by music her entire life, she has fond memories of her grandfather singing Jim Reeves while teaching her to play the guitar. Married in 1987 to Andrew Western, who serves as the Country Store Opry's sound technician, they have two children and live in Petersburg. She loves to cook and bake and also has a love for quilting. Tammy has been teaching piano for the last 16 years and her students give an annual spring recital for the community. She joined the CSO in 2001 and sings a variety of songs by such artists as Patsy Cline, Connie Smith, and Marty Robbins. Tammy has a great love for 70's rock, southern rock, as well as classic country and classical music.

"Back in Baby's Arms"

Wendell Nelson

Wendell Nelson started playing acoustic guitar and singing at age 13 in a family bluegrass group. At age 19, Wendell discovered his love for country music. He became a charter member of the Country Store Opry which was started in 1967. In 1970, he recorded at Bradley's Barn in Nashville, TN. Later that year he moved to Baltimore, MD and played local clubs in that area prior to his employment with General Motors. Wendell is retired and now resides in Franklin, WV. He is the lead singer for the Country Store Opry.

"Crystal Chandelier"

Carolyn Simmons

A country girl from the start, Carolyn Simmons grew up on a farm in Friends Run just outside of Franklin, WV. She married Donnie Simmons and has one child and two grandchildren. Music has always been a huge part of her life either singing harmony with her father and sisters as the Bowers Family or playing piano for the Friends Run Church. As part of the Country Store Opry, she utilizes that harmony with each band member while playing an acoustic guitar. Some of her favorite solo country songs are Coal Miner's Daughter and You're Lookin' at Country.

"Coal Miner's Daughter"

Grey Cassell

Grey grew up on a farm in Pocahontas County near Cass, WV. When he was six years old he was stricken with double pneumonia and the doctor recommended harmonica playing in order to strengthen his lungs. His father purchased a harmonica for him and ensured that he played it every day for therapy. Grey served in the military during the Korean War and was assigned to the Army Security Agency. During this time he purchased several Hohner harmonicas. Grey earned a Masters degree from William and Mary in 1962 and spent the next 35 years in the education field. He and his wife, Mary Catherine, a retired teacher of special needs children, now reside on their farm in Brandywine, WV. They have two sons and one grandson.

"On Top of Ol' Smokey"

Harold Cupp

Harold was born and raised on a farm in Rockingham county near Harrisonburg, VA. In his early teens, he started playing an old flat top guitar that had a bowed neck and did not hold tune very well but it sounded good to Harold. He taught himself to play by watching others. He learned to play bass guitar and played with the following groups in the Shenandoah Valley: The Berry Family, who appeared as guests on the Country Store Opry in the late 70's; Bluegrass Four; Shades of Green; Music on Tap; and Wildwood, a top 40 country band. After retiring in 2004, Harold and his wife Anna moved from Mt. Crawford, VA to Sugar Grove, WV. He is proud to be a member of the Country Store Opry.

Danny Kendrick

Danny started playing guitar at the age of 8. He grew up playing Bluegrass Gospel music with his family and played in his church band. By age 12, he started working with other instruments: Bass, Piano, Electric Guitar, and Banjo. At the age of 18 he started playing lead guitar full time with Carolyn & the Pilots Gospel Quartet. Later he played with several other Gospel groups. For the last 20 years, he has played lead Guitar, keyboard, and Pedal steel in several different Country bands, as well as the house band for the Crystal Springs Jamboree. Danny has had the opportunity to work with some great musicians in various recording studios. He has also had the privilege of opening shows for David Allan Coe and Bill Anderson. He is currently working with the Country Store Opry Band from Petersburg, WV. which he enjoys very much though his roots are in Bluegrass. He loves playing "old" country music on his Telecaster guitar. He is grateful to his wonderful parents for getting him started in music and thanks God for his talent and all the people that have given him a chance and reason to keep playing.

Jeff Broschart

Jeff has played drums since the age of 8 and is known for his versatility and love of working in different musical contexts. As a performer, Broschart has toured and recorded with artists such as Mixed Company, Centerpiece, Linda Lee, Gloryland Band, Ginsangers, Linda Wagner, Pam Roberts, and the Appalachian Jazz Ensemble. Jeff is currently teaching drums in his home studio on the shores of Scotts Lake near Beverly, WV.