Three Grand Ole Opry Performances Confirmed: Tuesday, July 19th, Friday, July 22nd and
Charles Esten, singer, songwriter and actor — well known as Nashville’s “Deacon Claybourne” — began releasing new music exclusively through iTunes last Friday, July 15th. “Through The Blue,” the first song on his #EverySingleFriday release list, yielded praise from fans, press and fellow artists.
Rolling Stone Country said, “His impassioned vocals and a blazing guitar solo highlight the tune,” while songwriting icon JD Souther said Charles is a “seriously good actor with seriously good music. I’m keeping my eye on him.’
Charles “Chip” Esten took to Twitter last night for a Q&A that fans participated in by using the hashtag #EverySingleFriday. Fans can also tune in to hear him perform his newly released “Through The Blue” on the Grand Ole Opry stage: Tuesday, July 19th, Friday, July 22nd and Tuesday, July 26th.
In addition, Charles has confirmed his first hometown show at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Of Homestead Music Hall on Sunday, July 24th. The show starts at 8:00 PM (local time) and tickets are available here: http://www.librarymusichall.com/.
On Monday, July 25th, Charles will participate in the 20th Annual Steelers Alumni Golf Classic, where he will accept the “Old Ranger Award” on behalf of his late father, Charles E. “Chuck” Puskar, Jr. This award is presented annually to a former Steeler or friend who exhibits the qualities of charity, community service, and good fellowship exemplified by the late Ray Mansfield – a Steeler center for 12 seasons including two Superbowl victories. Known affectionately as “The Old Ranger,” Mansfield was not only Puskar’s business partner and friend since college, he was godfather to Chuck’s second son, Brian Patrick. After that son’s tragic death due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the two men combined forces through charities like this golf classic to raise important funds for the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Foundation. Puskar went on to found the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of that organization and to serve on its national board.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Charles “Chip” Esten grew up in Alexandria, VA. After starting his acting career in Los Angeles, he was pleased to make his theatrical debut in London, portraying Buddy Holly in the hit West End musical “Buddy.” In that role, he was honored to perform for H.R.M Queen Elizabeth and then, for President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush at The White House. Since then, he has appeared in films and on television, most notably on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and “The Office.”
In 2014, 2015 and 2016 he joined his cast-mates in headlining the “Nashville in Concert” tour with sold out shows across the US and this summer, the UK and Ireland. He is proud to serve as the National Light the Night Walk Honorary Chair for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.