August was a whirlwind of unforgettable performances at The Franklin Theatre! From classic rock legends to rising stars, our stage hosted a diverse lineup that had audiences on their feet all month long. This month, we celebrated the enduring legacy of iconic bands like SIXWIRE, The Lovin’ Spoonful, and Pure Prairie League. We also welcomed talented artists like Stephanie Chapman and the “Variety on Main” performers, showcasing the best of local music legends. Join us as we recap some of our favorite moments from this past month:

Sixwire with John Elefante of “Kansas”: Kicking off the month of August, Nashville’s SIXWIRE absolutely rocked The Franklin Theatre with special guest John Elefante, former lead singer of Kansas! The crowd went wild for classic hits alongside SIXWIRE’s high-energy performance. Elefante’s powerful vocals brought back memories, while SIXWIRE’s musicianship kept the party going.

The Lovin’ Spoonful: The Lovin’ Spoonful brought their hits to The Franklin Theatre! The band played classics like “Daydream Believer” and “Summertime.” The crowd sang along to every word, proving the band’s enduring legacy.

Pure Prairie League: Pure Prairie League, country-rock pioneers, delivered a stellar performance at the “Jewel of Main Street!” Their setlist featured classic hits like “Amie” and showcased their enduring talent. The audience was captivated by their timeless sound and heartfelt delivery, proving that Pure Prairie League’s legacy continues to resonate.

Variety on Main: The Franklin Theatre hosted a dazzling night of variety at its “Variety on Main” show in August! From country legends like Crystal Gayle to up-and-coming stars like the Wilkerson family band “The Biscuit Eaters,” the show offered something for everyone. The audience enjoyed classic hits, heartwarming performances by young talents like ventriloquist Zeta Kenner, and the smooth stylings of seasoned musicians like Val Storey. It was a night that celebrated the rich tapestry of American music under the historic Franklin Theatre roof. 

Stephanie Chapman & Friends: Stephanie Chapman’s “Under An August Sky” album release concert at The Franklin Theatre was a heartfelt evening of storytelling and music. Joined by songwriting collaborators Nathan Chapman, Natalie Hemby, and Emily West, Stephanie shared insights into her songwriting process and performed songs that resonate with her rural roots. The intimate atmosphere and talented performers made for a memorable night.

The Songs of 74: “The Songs of ’74” transported audiences back to the golden era of music! This nostalgic concert featured a talented lineup of Nashville musicians performing iconic hits from 1974. From disco to rock and more, the show captured the energy and diversity of the era, leaving the crowd singing along and dancing the night away.

As we wrap up an amazing month, we can’t wait to see what September has in store! Keep an eye on our upcoming EVENTS PAGE to see who will be taking our legendary stage next.

Main Street came alive with electrifying energy last week as The Franklin Theatre hosted “The Franklin Theatre Sings the Music of Taylor Swift.” This extraordinary event was a testament to the enduring power of Swift’s songwriting and the incredible talent within our local music and acting communities.

The iconic Franklin Theatre provided the perfect backdrop for this musical journey through Taylor Swift’s discography. The intimate atmosphere of our 300 seat venue, coupled with the grandeur of its historic architecture, created an enchanting ambiance for the evening. From the moment the house lights dimmed, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember for all in attendance.

A talented house band, comprised of Nashville’s finest musicians, laid the foundation for a stellar lineup of performances. The evening’s performers brought a diverse range of vocal styles and interpretations to Swift’s beloved songs. American Idol alum and star of The Bold Type Katie Stevens, Brian Logan Dales of The Summer Set, and Broadway’s Allison Bailey, among others, captivated the audience with their powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence. Each artist brought their unique perspective to the familiar lyrics, breathing new life into classic hits and introducing fresh takes on lesser-known gems.

As the night unfolded, the audience was treated to a chronological exploration of Swift’s career, with two songs from each album being showcased. From the youthful optimism of her self-titled debut to the raw vulnerability of “Red,” and the bold experimentation of “Reputation” to the introspective depth of “Lover,” every era was represented. The carefully curated setlist allowed fans to relive cherished memories and discover new facets of one of their favorite artist’s work.

Several highlights of the night included a powerful rendition of Swift’s first single, “Tim McGraw”, a stunning and harmonious duet of folklore’s “exile” originally featuring Bon Iver, and the forever iconic heartbreak anthem, “All Too Well.” The performers who tackled these monumental songs delivered breathtaking renditions that left the audience spellbound.

“The Franklin Theatre Sings the Music of Taylor Swift” was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of music, artistry, and community. It showcased the incredible talent that resides here in Franklin, Tennessee and reaffirmed the city’s status as a music hub. Discover what shows are making their way to Main Street in the near future: LINK

July at The Franklin Theatre was a month brimming with diverse and unforgettable performances. Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone enchanted audiences with their timeless hits, bringing back classic tunes and showcasing Noone’s charismatic stage presence. Variety on Main and The Franklin Theatre Songwriter Series never failed to disappoint, bringing world-class artists to Main Street. The Kenny Rogers Band offered a poignant tribute with personal anecdotes and multimedia reflections on Rogers’ career, while Levi Kreis dazzled audiences with a blend of Broadway hits and Americana.

Herman’s Hermits: Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits recently captivated the crowd at The Franklin Theatre, showcasing their enduring appeal and classic hits. The show featured a mix of iconic songs like “I’m Into Something Good” and “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” highlighting Noone’s charm and dynamic stage presence. The performance captivated a diverse audience, reflecting Noone’s continued popularity and the timeless quality of Herman’s Hermits’ music.

Variety on Main: In July’s Variety on Main at The Franklin Theatre, the audience enjoyed a diverse lineup celebrating talent and tradition. Pat McLaughlin delivered a memorable performance, showcasing his renowned songwriting skills and musical versatility. Yo-yo champion John Narum amazed with his intricate tricks, while Mariachi Viva Mexico captivated with authentic mariachi music. Kim Richey rounded out the evening with her evocative storytelling and acclaimed songs, making for a vibrant and engaging show.

The Franklin Theatre Songwriters Series: This past month’s Franklin Theatre Songwriter Series featured an engaging lineup of musical talent. David DeVaul, balancing a career in private banking with songwriting, showcased his unique storytelling skills. Sevy brought a powerful rock-influenced sound, while Kaitlyn Kilian offered a heartfelt, country-folk performance rooted in her farming background. The evening also included a special appearance by Ben Wagner, known for his award-winning songwriting and placements in popular media. The concert highlighted a rich blend of genres and voices, celebrating the art of songwriting.

Kenny Rogers Band: The Kenny Rogers Band’s visit to The Franklin Theatre offered a unique and intimate experience, featuring special guest Linda Davis. Unlike typical tribute acts, this band, which toured with Kenny Rogers for over 40 years, provided an authentic showcase of his music, enriched with personal stories and multimedia presentations from their extensive tours. Fronted by Don Gatlin, a longtime fan and collaborator with Rogers, the show delivered a captivating performance of classic hits, reflecting both the band’s deep connection with Rogers and their long-standing impact on country music.

Levi Kreis: Levi Kreis recently graced The Franklin Theatre with an unforgettable performance, blending Broadway classics with his signature Americana flair. The Tony Award-winning actor showcased songs from his roles in Hadestown, Million Dollar Quartet, and Violet, infusing them with elements of country, jazz, rockabilly, and gospel. Kreis’s dynamic storytelling and emotional depth captivated the audience, offering a unique and intimate evening that highlighted both his exceptional vocal talent and comedic charm. His performance confirmed his status as a standout talent in both theater and music.

Since 1937, The Franklin Theatre has been the heartbeat of our community, delivering unforgettable live music experiences in our intimate 300-seat venue. As we look forward to the month of August, the excitement continues with a spectacular lineup of shows! See what’s coming next to Main Street HERE!

There’s nothing more magical than being in downtown Franklin during the Christmas season! Whether strolling America’s favorite Main Street with decorations and lights adorning the picturesque streetscape or shopping for the perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones, it’s quite a festive place to be. But perhaps the most exciting thing to do during the last two months of the year on Main Street is seeing a holiday show at the historic Franklin Theatre!

Experience the enchantment of the Christmas season early this year with The Franklin Theatre’s spectacular “Christmas in July” promotions! Tickets to our Christmas concerts and movies are likely to sell out fast, so ACT NOW and secure your seats to make lasting memories this holiday season at the “Jewel of Main Street.”

Get ahead of the holiday rush and get your tickets for our stellar lineup of Christmas concerts and movies The on sale dates are as follows…

Thursday, July 11

• Glenn Miller Orchestra – November 3
• Kathy Mattea – November 26 & 27
• Christmas with the Nelsons – December 1
• Variety On Main – December 4

Thursday, July 18

• David Cook – November 22
• Christmas with the King – December 7 & 8
• Suzy Bogguss – December 13 & 14
• Deborah Allen – December 15
• A Charlie Brown Christmas – December 17
• Songwriters Series – December 19

Thursday, July 25
(*Select dates of the following movies will go on-sale!)

• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• Diehard
• Miracle on 34th Street
• The Polar Express
• It’s A Wonderful Life
• Home Alone
• Elf
• A Christmas Story

PLEASE NOTE: We will only be putting up half of our movie showings during our “Christmas in July” promotions. Be on the lookout for the other half of Christmas movie showings to go on-sale around the last weekend of October!

We can’t wait to welcome you to The Franklin Theatre and share the joy of the Christmas season! Start your holiday planning early and ensure your place at our can’t-miss events. Let the countdown to a magical holiday season begin!

In the country music industry, there’s not a more exciting time of year than CMA Fest Week! This past week, The Franklin Theatre joined in on all the action, bringing exciting new programming and events to Franklin’s historic Main Street. Let’s recap what proved to be an exhilarating couple of days on our legendary stage at “The Jewel of Main Street!”

Sawyer Brown’s “Get Me to the Stage On Time” Documentary: The Sawyer Brown documentary Get Me to the Stage on Time shown at The Franklin Theatre during CMA Fest Week, offers an intimate glimpse into the band’s enduring journey. Highlighting their 40-year career, 24 albums, and 6,000 performances, the film showcased how they overcame industry skepticism with the unwavering support of their fans. This David-and-Goliath tale celebrated the band’s transcendent musical legacy and embodiment of the American Dream. After the screening, the audience was treated to an exclusive live performance by Sawyer Brown.

Wynonna Judd Fan Club Session: The Franklin Theatre was honored to host the legendary country music sensation Wynonna Judd during CMA Fest Week! Hundreds of Wynation fans made their way to our historic venue for a private, intimate session, including an acoustic performance and Q&A with Wynonna!

Charles Esten: To bookend CMA Fest Week at The Franklin Theatre, Charles Esten captivated audiences at The Franklin Theatre with his “loose, rough-cut country” style, showcasing songs from his acclaimed independent debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty. Known for his roles in Outer Banks and Nashville, Esten’s concert reflected his multifaceted artistry and dedication, further solidifying his reputation as a beloved entertainer and humanitarian. He was joined by special guests Julie Cole, and former Nashville co-star, Sam Palladio.

From intimate documentary screenings to electrifying live performances and special fan sessions, The Franklin Theatre provided unforgettable moments highlighting its unique charm and cultural significance in our community. We had a blast playing host during CMA Fest Week to both legendary artists and enthusiastic fans, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Photos by Thomas Crabtree and Jonathan Ruff.