Fort Worth, TX

If you would like to become a member of Cowtown Opry, please download the form, complete and mail with payment to:

Cowtown Opry 
131 E. Exchange Ave. Suite#140 
Fort Worth, Texas 76164-8200

Make checks payable to “Cowtown Opry”

Click here to download the form ---------------> 2020 Membership Form 

Option 1: 10 volunteer hours (annually)** required for the reduced rate:

Individual Performer $40 or Volunteer Family/Group performers and/or Volunteers $70 *

Option 2: No volunteer hours 

Individual Performer $80 or Volunteer Family/Group performers and/or Volunteers $140*

Option 3: Supporting non-performing member

An individual who is wanting to join as a supporting member of the organization $40

*NOTE: Two or more members joining from one family or group automatically joins that whole family or group. In such cases, total cost of annual dues is only $70.00/$140.00 (price depending on the option chosen).

**NOTE: Volunteer hours are defined as: CTO Sunday set up and tear down, Annual fund-raiser committee, Marketing committee, Donation coordinator or Grant writer.

For more additional information about membership, please contact Chris Foley 214-882-6339.

FENCELINE #1 - Song Selection / Repertoire

We specialize in bringing western music shows, free to the public in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. We present both vintage and contemporary western music, Texas music, music from the singing cowboy movies, old time cowboy ballads, and western swing (the official music of Texas!) –always setting forth that unique style that is associated with American cowboy music. Contrary to the popular conception, this genre is distinctly separate from country/pop styles, and we exist to prove that difference.

Cowtown Opry Club coordinators & show hosts provide guidance through song lists, lyrics, and rehearsals by request, in addition to providing performance opportunities. CTO Saddle Pals and Buckaroos are expected to make efforts to expand a personal western music repertoire and make timely arrivals for shows.

Cowtown Opry Club coordinators & show hosts are:

Saddle Pal Sundays -  Devon Dawson  817-521-4969 devon@cowtownopry.org
       (includes Cowboy Jam, Western Hour, Silver Screen)

Buckaroos -     Judy James  817-929-1853  judy@judyjames.com

Bunkhouse Gospel (5th Sundays) - Devon Dawson  817-521-4969 devon@cowtownopry.org


FENCE LINE #2 - Dress Code (aka 'CTO colors')

All Cowtown Opry performers and parade participants are representing the Cowtown Opry in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District and are expected to dress in western attire. The performer who is a member of the Saddle Pals and all Buckaroos should observe the following dress codes:

-White, long-sleeved western/cowboy shirt. No T-shirts, short sleeves or sleeveless shirts!  (Please maintain a neat appearance, with a belt and tucked in shirt tails....it's the COWBOY WAY.)

-Blue denim jeans or skirt. Darker washes preferred, no rips.  No shorts!

-Western boots - Choose comfortable boots, you will be standing.  No athletic shoes!

-Red bandana tied at neck (other colors at Christmas and St. Patrick’s may be provided by Opry)

-Cowboy hat (optional for ladies) No ball caps or "gimme" caps!

**If you are a vocalist and will only stand up for one or two vocals, you do not have to be in 'CTO colors', BUT all attire should be neat, attractive and in keeping with western showmanship and a wholesome family atmosphere. PLEASE: no short sleeve or sleeveless shirts, T-shirts, ball caps, or athletic shoes.

* A vest or coat is seasonally optional, and should enhance the theme and the Opry image.

FENCELINE #3 - General Schedule for Cowtown Opry Club Members

The regularly scheduled performances are as follows (arrival at 1:30 allows for check in and set up):

1st Sunday - Cowboy Jam 2 -3 pm (emphasis on western swing, 'the official music of Texas'! ( - think Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys...)

2nd Sunday - Buckaroo Club 2 -4 pm. For kids 17 and under. Includes educational/rehearsal/performance time for the kids. (Adults function as back-up only.)

3rd Sunday - Western Hour 2 -3 pm (emphasis on 19th century cowboy ballads, as well as traditional and contemporary western music)

4th Sunday - Silver Screen Sunday  2-3 pm (emphasis on music of the singin' cowboy movies (think Gene, Roy, Rex, Tex, Dale, & Patsy!)

5th Sunday - Bunkhouse Gospel Sunday 2 - 3 pm (emphasis on faith songs of traditional cowboy culture)

** Note: All CTO members are not contacted personally prior to show days. Members in good standing, who are present on Cowtown Opry performance days, properly dressed and prepared, will usually be welcomed to perform, provided that the performer checks in with the coordinator at least 30 minutes before showtime (Buckaroos require 60 minutes befire showtime), and provided there is room in the show schedule.


FENCELINE #4 - Parades

The Cowtown Opry usually participates in 4 major parades yearly, and we ask that Opry members prioritize appearing in these events. Sing lively! Be flashy! All parades have judges at the reviewing stands. We are unique for our live musical presentations and we often win in our category!  'CTO colors' are worn on all parades, unless otherwise notified by the parade chairperson.   Devon Dawson  817-521-4969

The parades are:

In the Stockyards National Historic District -
-Cowtown Goes Green (near St. Patrick's Day - dates TBA)
-Christmas In the Stockyards Parade (first Saturday in December)

in Downtown Fort Worth-
-Ft. Worth Parade of Lights (Sunday evening before Thanksgiving)
-Stockshow Parade (2nd Saturday morning of January. This is the "Queen" of all Fort Worth parades - it is the largest, and oldest all-western, non-motorized parade in the world!  OFFICIAL kickoff for Stock Rodeo season. Be There!   www.fwssr.com