From left, Belpre Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karen Waller, Belpre Mayor Susan Abdella, Deana and Marvin Clark at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Ohio Valley Opry Theater in Belpre. (Photo by Mike Morrison)

BELPRE — After entertaining audiences for the past 24 years at the Twin City Opera House in McConnelsville, the Ohio Valley Opry will kick off its 25th season in a new town and a new venue this month.

Marvin and Deana Clark, the founders and owners of the Opry, are bringing the show to Belpre in a newly renovated theater on Washington Boulevard just behind the Celebration Center Church.

Back in September of 2000, the Clarks started the Opry in McConnelsville after spending years on the road traveling and performing gospel and country music with their family band, which included Marvin and Deana, their daughters Leah, Tai, Jada and Ellie and son David.

After putting on monthly shows for thousands of country and gospel music fans over the past quarter century, the Clarks were able to fulfill a longtime dream by renovating a building from the Celebration Center.

They will host their first event there on the 19th of April.

Ohio Valley Opry owners Marvin and Deana Clark, right, receive a proclamation from the office of Ohio State Representative Michael Rulli at their ribbon cutting ceremony last week in Belpre. (Photo by Mike Morrison)

“After spending 24 years in McConnelsville, we felt it was time to take the next step to reach more people. The opportunity to expand came at just the right time when the Celebration Center Church offered us the use of their beautiful facility,” said Deana Clark.

“They recognized the need for clean, family friendly entertainment in the area, and we were thrilled to partner with them. Their support allows us to continue our mission of bringing wholesome, high-quality live music to people of all ages.”

The advantages of moving the show to Belpre include better parking, better and larger restroom facilities and a location that has the opportunity to bring the show to a whole new audience, Clark said.

“Belpre is the heart of the Ohio Valley, and for years we have felt it would be a great location for our show. The building itself is a great space. It’s accessible, welcoming and has the capacity for us to grow our show,” said Clark. “More importantly the Celebration Center shares our vision of creating a place where families can come together and enjoy uplifting traditional, live country, bluegrass and gospel music.”

Shortly after the 2024 season ended with an Opry Christmas show in early December, Marvin began to work on the new facility with the help of friends. It will seat over 500 people.

Ohio Valley Opry founders and owners Marvin and Deana Clark address the crowd gathered at the ribbon-cutting ceremony last week at their new theater in Belpre. (Photo by Mike Morrison)

In the past, the Opry has brought to their stage some of country music’s biggest stars including Grand Ole Opry members Connie Smith, Gene Watson, The Whites, John Conlee and more. Country Music and Bluegrass Hall of Famer Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder have performed on the show several times over the past few years.

OVO fans have become fond of many of the local performers that are regulars on the show as well as the staff band. Many national stars have used them on the show instead of bringing a band from Nashville.

“The show will continue to feature the same high-caliber talent that fans of the show have come to love, ranging from local favorites to nationally known performers,” Deana said.

The Opry has introduced local fans to several young and upcoming artists such as The French Family and Lauren Mascitti, as well as featuring tribute shows to famous parents by the likes of Dion Pride (Charley), Georgette Jones (George) and Marty Haggard (Merle).

While up to this point the Opry was limited to just one show per month, having their own theater will allow for unlimited possibilities, Deana Clark said.

The new sign for the Ohio Valley Opry is up on Washington Boulevard in Belpre. (Photo by Mike Morrison)

“We are excited to grow and in addition to our regular monthly shows, we plan to add more performances including weekday matinees for motor coach tours and senior groups,” she said. “We want the Opry to be more than a show; we want it to be an experience that brings people together.”

Karen Waller, executive director of the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce, said she’s happy to see the venue and show come to Belpre.

“The Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the Ohio Valley Opry to our community. We can now enjoy quality, live music regularly in a beautiful venue right here in Belpre,” said Waller. “It’s accessible, professional and upscale, and it’s a win for our families, music lovers and our economic growth.”

The 6 p.m. show for April 19 sold out, and a 2 p.m. show was added.

Guests can enjoy an on-site Opry gift shop featuring T-Shirts, hats, CDs, books and memorabilia as well as a concession area for refreshments during shows.

“At its core, the Ohio Valley Opry is about community, tradition and joy. We believe in creating moments that people remember, whether it’s a classic country ballad, a toe-tapping bluegrass tune or a heartfelt gospel song,” Dean Clark said. “We get to do all that while working hand-in-hand with a church that values the same things, so it’s a blessing to have their partnership, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Information about purchasing tickets and upcoming shows can be found online at ohiovalleyopry.com.