Fuse Feud

In fact, marketing people for Fuse refer to “upscale” and “urban” as the “two U’s” that they are striving for in the club’s branding.

Apparently Gaylord’s brass hasn’t gotten the word.

In a misbegotten attempt at corporate synergy, Fuse’s grand opening in early June is slated to feature prominent roles for several Grand Ole Opry performers. Gaylord also has issued an invitation for a blessing and invocation from the minister of Two Rivers Baptist, the megachurch across Briley Parkway from the Opryland complex.

“We haven’t heard back from the church,” says a Gaylord spokesman. “But we’re sure that somebody will be here to bless Fuse on its opening. I mean, why not? A lot of our customers will be Baptists.”

Several Opry members, including Billy Grammer, Charlie Walker and Hank Locklin, say they are planning to attend.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the new club,” says Opry stalwart Little Jimmy Dickens. “I hear it’s a nice place, and since it’s a Gaylord project there will be a lot of good girls and boys working there. I may even sing a song or two to get things going.”

A spokeswoman for Fuse was clearly appalled at the prospect of the Opry influence at the new “hot” club.

“No, I hadn’t heard that Mr. Dickens will be here,” she says through clinched teeth. “That will certainly lend a different kind of air to the proceedings—a little less Vegas and a little more Donelson.”