After much build-up, Kenny Chesney's Poets & Pirates concert tour is set to kick off in just nine days, and Kenny held a final rehearsal yesterday at the Sommet Center in downtown Nashville, where he let in a small group of industry insiders to view the spectacle.

According to Country Aircheck, the set features a couple of huge high-definition video screens, the four-piece horn section adds a lot of energy, and the entire production conveys a distinct party atmosphere. In fact, there were just two ballads in the entire set list, which fills out an hour and 45 minutes.

That powerful blast is an intriguing contrast to the bluegrass music Kenny played a part in Friday night, when he made an unannounced appearance at the Grand Ole Opry to support band member Tim Hensley, who made his Opry debut. Tim called his experience on the legendary stage "a rush," and Kenny, who produced Tim's new album, didn't want to miss it.

"Being here and getting to be part of something as special as someone's Opry debut, well, that means the world to me," Kenny says. "But just seeing people have the chance to understand who Tim is, what this kind of music is all about, that's been such a wonderful thing for everyone who's been a part of this record."