Maytag Opry is a treat for music lovers

The Maytag Opry is a favorite performance stop Friday nights for talented musicians on the opry circuit, as well as locals with an ear for rich notes of traditional country music.

Maytag Opry is a grand music venue found on West Third Street in Texarkana, tucked in neatly by the auction house and just down from the viaduct downtown. Like a string of precious pearls hidden in mama’s closet, you might miss it if you don’t know where to look, but you’ll never want to take off after meeting Mike Helms and Jan Parks, the lovely Atlanta couple who have kept the Opry open for many years to share their love of music with others. The two consider the beloved Opry a labor of love, a gift for them to share with others. Through blood, sweat and tears, Mike and Jan have done all they can to help others and share their passion with others who love music the way they do.

“This is our passion, absolutely our dream,” Jan said. “Even when struggling, we put all we have into it.” The friendly environment certainly shows that the couple have carefully cultivated a venue that is welcoming to visitors and guests.

Mike plays guitar for the house band each Friday night as the Opry kicks off about 7 p.m. Jan, a talented videographer, films the night’s performances and special guests. “This has been my hobby for many years,” Ray Wingfield, 84 said just after stepping off stage, where he sang and played the Mandolin Friday night. Wingfield and his wife, Lois, from Liberty Eylau are bluegrass enthusiasts. “Opry is our kind of thing,” Lois said. “We love it here.” Ronnie Pippen, the skilled bass player for the night was happy to be playing with his old friend Wingfield. “He had a band called Twice as Nice,” Pippen said. “I’ve played bluegrass with Ray a lot.” Multi-instrumentalist and virtuoso Henry Matthews showed his skills on the fiddle and steel guitar—both mainstays of the traditional country sound. “I’ve played fiddle longer,” said Matthews. “I enjoy the steel guitar more.” Matthews was the owner of Oaklawn Opry at one time and loves to help with his friends at Maytag because music is his passion, too. “He is awesome, and has been a huge help to us,” Jan said. Audience member Toni Sautelle was new to the Opry but felt right at home. Her husband Denny Sautelle played guitar with Mike and the band. “I am so excited that we have found this amazing place,” Toni said. Maytag Opry has the grit and gruff of a Honkey Tonk’s sound but is a family-friendly environment and not a bar. The shows start at 7 p.m. Friday’s

Editors Note: Atlanta Couple Mike and Janice are currently raising money to keep their Opry dream alive. Someone has set them up with a GoFundMe account to make sure their dream of country music continues to stay alive.