GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Curt Towne Band has performed on some of the most famous stages in the United States. Now the Green Cove Springs guitarist and songwriter has a chance to play at the grandest of all – the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 23 in Nashville.

Towne’s band was nominated in the Country Rock/Southern Rock Group of the Year for the eighth annual Josie Music Awards. Winners will be allowed to play at one of the most-hallowed venues on the planet.

It also will fulfill one of his biggest dreams as a musician.

“I'm really new to the whole thing. I was just honored that they nominated us for Southern Rock Band of the Year,” Towne said. “In June, around mid-June, we'll find out if they've selected us to perform. I don't know if it'll be one song or a few songs or anything, to be honest with you. So it's hard for me to say, but it's the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium. So for me, there's no bigger, better stage on the planet. I mean, literally, nothing compares to that.”

Towne’s band has generated a large following, playing with such notable bands as Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Blackberry Smoke, Montgomery Gentry, The Outlaws, Atlanta Rhythm Section and Black Stone Cherry.

Now they have the chance to be a headliner.

“I'm really finding more and more out about it. I believe we were recommended to be looked at, you know, ‘Hey, you should check these guys out,” he said.

Towne is deeply immersed in the history of both the Grand Ole Opry House and the Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, but it outgrew its bluegrass roots. The Grand Ole Opry House opened in 1974 and has hosted shows since.

One of Towne’s fondest memories is having a photograph taken of him standing on the stage years ago.

“I got to stand on that stage,” he said. “I have stood on the Grand Ole Opry stage and got my picture taken, but I never got to stand on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium. And that's been honestly a lifelong dream.

“I love country music so much the old country music the real country, country, country music, the historical country music, I guess you would call , but when I was a kid growing up, I loved it and I still do,” he said.

Judges apparently will listen to a song from the band’s upcoming Extended Play, called “Cyclone.” Judges remain anonymous throughout the competition.

“I've been blessed to play some really awesome places, but none of them ever would touch that,” Towne said. “So I hope and I pray they select us.”