Opry's differ from jam sessions in that the performances at the opry's are planned.  Arrangements are made for  specific musicians or groups to perform.  Often, though not always, listeners are required to  pay an admission fee and the bands are paid to play.  Also, although an element of informality is often present, an M.C. ultimately controls the scheduling for the events.  In this photograph the Echoes of the Ozarks perform at the Webster County Opry.

A number of smaller opry's in the region target local audiences, and feature local amateur musicians.  Community-based opry's are in many ways similar to events such as the McDowell Gold Jubilee, which I have included in my list of jam sessions.  Perhaps the key difference is that in opry's a person generally cannot play music at the event without making prior arrangements.  At jam sessions, anyone can usually walk in and play during the evening.  Local opry's in the area include ones in Oldfield, Prairie Grove, and Rockaway Beach.  Here I am presenting the Webster County Opry at the Rogersville Senior Center.

Directions from Springfield: drive east on US-60 for 15 miles; drive north on MO-B for 1.5 miles and look for the Senior Center on the left [See map].  Photographs from September 1, 2000.