Americana

Concert performance for release of Evolution, nine-time GRAMMY® award winner Sheryl Crow’s 11^th full- length studio album, will take place on March 23rd at The Franklin Theatre; Concert to be filmed and televised nationally on PBS

Sheryl Crow and The Franklin Theatre today announced that the nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winner and 2023 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee will celebrate the release of her 11th full-length studio album, Evolution, at The Franklin Theatre on March 23^rd, 2024 with a special concert event.

Tickets are available to Franklin Theatre Loyalty Club members today, with public on-sale this Friday (3/8) at 11 a.m. via The Franklin Theatre’s website: Tickets HERE

The concert will be filmed and broadcast to a national audience on PBS later in the year, marking the first in a series of special events at the Franklin Theatre.

The new album, which features nine new songs, was produced by Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Maroon 5, Keith Urban, Gary Clark Jr) and John Shanks (the track “Do It Again”) will be released via The Valory Music Co. on March 29^th. Evolution is available for pre-order HERE. The album’s stunning title track featuring guitarist Tom Morello is out now. Listen HERE and check out the lyric video HERE. A deluxe version of the album includes the bonus track “Digging In The Dirt,” a classic Peter Gabriel song, with backing vocals by Gabriel himself, available this Friday, March 8^th.

Evolution is Sheryl Crow at her most authentically human self. “This music and these lyrics came from sitting in the quiet and writing from a deep soul place,” she explains. “I said I’d never make another record, thought there was no point to it. But this music comes from my soul, and I hope whoever hears this record can feel that.”

The film, set on the Natchez Trace, follows the events surrounding the death of the famed American explorer & will feature Q & A with Director & Actor

A story of the allegedly unresolved 1809 demise of a national hero, Mysterious Circumstance, directed by Clark Richey, sheds light on Meriwether Lewis’s death by gunshot on the Natchez Trace, an isolated frontier road connecting Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi. The film explores if the famed explorer committed suicide as history reports or was his end far more sinister?

In the film, entangled versions of Lewis’s tragic ending at a remote Tennessee inn are imagined by his friend Alexander Wilson (Billy Slaughter, Mindhunter) during a tense encounter with Priscilla Grinder (Gousset, The Card Counter) – the only witness to Lewis’s final night alive. The historical thriller brings together an award-winning cast and crew that includes Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard), Sonny Marinelli (Entourage) and Evan Williams (Versailles) as Lewis.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to premiere Mysterious Circumstance, at the historic Franklin Theatre,” said Eric Dilts, Managing Director of The Franklin Theatre. “Set just southwest of Franklin, this film is an opportunity for us to shine a light on the rich, and sometimes complicated, history of Middle Tennessee.”

In addition to the screening of Mysterious Circumstance, the evening will include brief remarks before the film and a Q & A with writer & director Clark Richey and Amye Gousset, lead actress & producer immediately following.

Tickets and more information can be found at www.franklintheatre.com/mysterious-circumstance/. Tickets are also available by calling 615-538-2076, or visiting the box office at 419 Main Street, Franklin, TN.

On June 22nd, 2022, The Franklin Theatre hosted the Middle Tennessee premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” to a full house of local celebrities, actors, musicians, and theatre donors. The Warner Bros. Pictures film, which premiered on June 24th, explores the relationship between Elvis (played by Austin Butler) and his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks).

Among those in attendance were Nashville-based music producer and composer Shannon Sanders, The McCrary Sisters, and two of Elvis’ former bandmates, Tony Brown and Larry Strickland. Sanders moderated a short panel with Brown and Strickland who shared memories and insights from their time working with Elvis.

Sanders, who plays a pentecostal pastor in the film, surprised the crowd with a video call from director “Baz Luhrmann.” Luhrmann thanked everyone for their attendance and support and signed off by leading a chant of “it’s time to take care of business!”

This event served as both a film premiere and a fundraiser for the non-profit The Franklin Theatre. Events like this help us further our mission of providing world-class performing arts experiences to diverse Williamson County residents and visitors. We’d like to thank our staff for their hard work in producing this high-quality event, our advisory board for their continued leadership and oversight, our 1937 Society members, our Franklin Theatre donors, and all who attended on Wednesday. Special thanks to our in-kind event partners Cromwell Media, 102.1 The Ville, Menu Maker Catering, Leiper’s Fork Distillery, Curio Brewing Company, and Bite Club Baked Goods.

The Franklin Theatre ‘Elvis’ Premiere Press Coverage:

• Williamson Homepage >

Regional Premiere for the widely anticipated film to serve as fundraiser for nonprofit Theatre.

The Franklin Theatre, in partnership with Shannon Sanders and Cromwell Media, will be hosting a one-night-only premiere screening of Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann’s biopic “Elvis” on June 22^nd. This event will include introductory remarks and a panel discussion before the screening.

The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (played by Austin Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (played by Olivia DeJonge).

The film also features Nashville residents and artists with Nashville ties including Shannon Sanders (3-time GRAMMY award winner & Executive Director, Creative BMI), Yola, Gary Clark Jr., a gospel choir comprised of numerous local singers, and more.

“We’re incredibly proud to be chosen by Warner Bros. Pictures to present this historic film at our historic theatre two nights before the national release. Having hosted record releases and Hollywood premieres, like 2004’s Friday Night Lights and 2005’s Elizabethtown, The Franklin Theatre provides the perfect backdrop to this film exploring the life of Elvis Presley,” said Eric Dilts, Managing Director of The Franklin Theatre. “We’ll be using this event as a fundraiser to support our nonprofit Theatre’s operations so that it continues to shine and be the jewel of not just Franklin but for all of Middle Tennessee. The premiere will be a special event for our current supporters, many of which are artists living in the local area.”

Shannon Sanders noted, “I am honored to have played a role in the film, and grateful to Baz and all who worked on the film for their vision. Elvis made so much of his career in Nashville, and there’s no better way to celebrate his legacy and this film than bringing Hollywood to Middle Tennessee.”

The “Elvis” regional premiere Franklin Theatre fundraiser will be Wednesday, June 22 beginning at 6:30 PM. The event will include a reception immediately following the screening.  A limited number of passes will be available to first time and legacy donors to The Franklin Theatre.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the event or become a donor.

FOR PRIVATE MOVIE PARTIES CLICK HERE  |  FOR VALENTINE’S DATE NIGHT CLICK HERE

Join The Franklin Theatre and Heritage Foundation of Williamson County as we work to #KeepItGoing

As a division of the Heritage Foundation, we are part of their mission of saving places that matter and to serve our community. Our history, our community and our heritage matters now more than ever.

The Heritage Foundation is why we were able to re-open our doors in 2011. We’ve been bringing you world-class entertainment up close in what we think are the greatest 300 seats anywhere. And, we will not stop. We have been rescheduling shows affected by our temporary closure, as well as adding new ones to a calendar that is promising the rest of 2020 to be filled with exciting Franklin Theatre Live and Performing Arts Season programming.

This is an unprecedented time for us all as we have been forced to navigate through some tough changes. Music and the arts have the power to heal and bring us together again.

So, we are saving you a seat right here for when the doors open and the show goes on.

Join us in our commitment to #KeepItGoing and see what our future holds for you.

Visit FranklinTheatre.com.

#SavingYouASeat

Watch the video message below from our CEO, Bari Beasly.

Visit the HeritageFoundation.org for blog updates on what the divisions are each doing to #KeepItGoing.

Audience participation encouraged at Mafia-themed show…

Backlight Productions, a theater arts program for adults with special needs, will host a mass interactive game experience based on the classic “whodunnit” party game, Mafia, at the Franklin Theatre.

The game will be led by Backlight actors performing alongside professional actors, and will also include audience participants as they seek to weed out the guilty amongst the innocent.

Audience members can choose to be interactive participants or observers, and all levels of tickets can be purchased HERE. It’s sure to be the perfect event for anyone looking to do something fun and unique.

The Mafia Experience will be held on Oct. 27 from 6-9 p.m. CLICK HERE for more information.

Having received more than 200 submissions the festival program, the final films have been selected for the 2019 Franklin International Independent Film Festival.  The opening night for FIIFF will be held at the Franklin Theater on August 14, 2019 with screen local film director, Barbara Hall’s American Masters film “CHARLEY PRIDE, I’m Just Me.”

“I could not be more excited about the program lineup,” said Nancy Puetz. President of Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission.  “The storytelling brought by this amazing group of filmmakers is exciting, thought-provoking and most of all entertaining. These filmmakers have carved out their carefully drawn images for film lovers and other filmmakers with a keen eye and great respect for the process. Our festival program is an homage to the power of a truly international group.”

The doors open for the FIIFF programming at 9:30 AM on the 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th with incredible programming in all genres. As Ms. Puetz said, “From documentary, music and drama to comedy and animation and purpose films, there is a film for everyone to enjoy.”

August 17th daylong programming is at Columbia State College with television/ music panels and workshops with such acclaimed experts as Petra Terzi, recent Cannes Film Festival winner of AFI Peacemaker award. Filmmakers represent Cyprus, the Republic of Georgia, Canada, Sweden, Korea and the United States. Local industry greats such as, David Deborde, Andy Hill, Steve Hayes, and others whose passion and knowledge of film, music and media will provide advice and a roadmap for long-term success. A long requested workshop presented by Seed and Spark, the Indie Film crowdfunding platform is also on the program for Saturday.

As an added bonus to audiences, a special celebrity guest host is planned for opening night.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS:

Festival Passes: http://bit.ly/FIIFFTN 

Daily Events at The Franklin Theatre:  FIIFF 8/14, FIIFF 8/15, FIIFF 8/16, FIIFF 8/18

Workshops and Panels at Columbia State College: FIIFF 8/17

May 6 concert will benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation

On Monday, May 6, 2019, GRAMMY-nominated, MULTI-PLATINUM Country duo Thompson Square will perform A Night of Hope: A Concert to End NF at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, TN, to raise awareness and money for neurofibromatosis.

Also known as NF, this rare genetic disorder causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. It affects 1 in 3,000 people of all populations and there is no cure. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation the leader in the fight to end NF and a model for innovative research endeavors.

Thompson Square is comprised of husband-and-wife team, Keifer and Shawna Thompson. Since breaking out in 2010 with their 2X-PLATINUM #1 smash “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” the pair have gone on to score two Top 5 albums and another romantic #1 hit with PLATINUM-certified “If I Didn’t Have You” while also racking up multiple GRAMMY nominations and three trophies as Vocal Duo of the Year from the ACM and CMA Awards. Thompson Square’s third studio album, MASTERPIECE, is out now.

“We’re honored to be performing at A Concert to End NF and helping to bring awareness to this devastating disease,” shared Keifer.

Shawna adds, “Family is everything to us, and it means so much to be a part of something that is bringing the community together, making memories, and helping raise money for research.”

The benefit concert takes place during NF Awareness Month, a month-long awareness campaign that includes online and offline events designed to educate the community about this under-recognized genetic disorder, and bring together those living with NF with their families, friends, the larger community, fundraisers and researchers. As part of the international Shine a Light on NF campaign, the Korean Way Veterans Memorial Bridge (Nashville, TN) will glow blue and green, joining hundreds of landmarks around the world. In prior years, former Governor Haslam has proclaimed the month of May as NF Awareness Month in Tennessee. (Photo credit: Garrett Merchant)

“The Children’s Tumor Foundation is thankful that Thompson Square will perform this benefit concert during NF Awareness Month,” said Annette Bakker, PhD, Children’s Tumor Foundation President. “It takes many different ways of raising money and awareness to make an impact and drive research forward, and we’re ecstatic to have the support of Thompson Square.”

Currently there is no cure for NF, but clinicians and scientists are optimistic that with funding for more research, actionable treatment options to improve the lives of the 2.5 million people living with NF will be attainable. WSMV-TV Features Reporter Terry Bulger will host the evening.

To purchase tickets to see Thompson Square perform in A Night of Hope: A Concert to End NF, CLICK HERE.

To learn more about neurofibromatosis and the Children’s Tumor Foundation, visit www.ctf.org.

Nashville Elvis Festival Returns to Franklin Theatre and Paragon Studios March 28-31, 2019

Join fans from around the world for the 3rd Annual Nashville Elvis Festival – March 28-31, 2019. Nashville Elvis Festival is a premier Elvis event unlike any other, celebrating the music and legacy of Elvis Presley. Join us for a weekend of live music performances, celebrity appearances, an Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition and more! Nashville Elvis Festival is hosted by TOM BROWN!

9 of the events will be held at the Historic Franklin Theatre, with additional events taking place at Paragon Studios and ALOFT Hotel. For detailed event descriptions and a complete festival schedule, please visit www.NashvilleElvisFestival.com!

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

10:00 AM – ELVIS IN CONCERT: Cote Deonath & Michael Cullipher with special guest DEAN Z

Join award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist Michael Cullipher and 2018 Images of the King champion Cote Deonath, plus very special guest DEAN Z, for a career-spanning tribute to Elvis, covering Elvis hits from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s! Filled with costume changes and electric performances, you’ve never seen an Elvis tribute event quite like this. Don’t miss this official Nashville Elvis Festival kickoff concert event!

2:00 PM – ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST CONTEST – ROUND 1

Come watch 20 of the top Elvis tribute artists from around the world compete in Round 1. All tribute artists will be backed by the EAS Band. The winner of the Nashville Elvis Festival ETA Contest will advance to Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ to be held in Memphis in August 2019.

7:00 PM – ELVIS IN CONCERT: Diogo Light & Brandon Bennett

Join us for this special concert event featuring two of the world’s top Elvis Tribute Artists backed by the EAS Band! First up, Brazil’s DIOGO LIGHT (our 2018 winner and runner up at the 2018 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist world championship), followed by 2008 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist world champion BRANDON BENNETT. Don’t miss this event!

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

10:00 AM – ELVIS IN CONCERT: Louisiana Hayride featuring Riley Jenkins and special guests

Three months after Elvis recorded “That’s All Right” in 1954, he made his first of several appearances on the storied Louisiana Hayride. Join us at Franklin Theatre as we commemorate those early performances with a historic recreation that will be the talk of the festival. Don’t miss this very special glimpse into the early years of Elvis featuring Riley Jenkins!

2:00 PM – ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST CONTEST – ROUND 2

Come watch 20 of the top Elvis tribute artists from around the world compete in Round 2. All tribute artists will be backed by the EAS Band. The winner of the Nashville Elvis Festival ETA Contest will advance to Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ to be held in Memphis in August 2019.

7:00 PM – ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST CONTEST FINALS + ELVIS IN CONCERT: Dean Z

The Top 10 Elvis tribute artists will compete in the Final Round. All tribute artists will be backed by the EAS Band. The winner of the Nashville Elvis Festival ETA Contest will advance to Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ to be held in Memphis in August 2019. Immediately following the Finals, DEAN Z, the 2013 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ world champion will present a live concert event that is sure to be a highlight of your festival experience!

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

10:00 AM – ELVIS GOSPEL LIVE!

Join the EAS Band along with Dean Z, Diogo Light, Cote Deonath, Michael Cullipher, Riley Jenkins, Jeff Lewis, Gary Chapman and Terry Blackwood of The Imperials for a very special concert event featuring the Grammy Award-winning Gospel Music of Elvis Presley.

2:00PM – ELVIS MOVIE SPECIAL EVENT: “VIVA LAS VEGAS” featuring a LIVE performance by Cote Deonath

Join us for this very special Elvis movie event! We’ll be screening the MGM hit Viva Las Vegas, followed by a special live performance celebrating the music from the film by award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist Cote Deonath. In celebration of the 1964 release, all seats for this event only will be $19.64!

7:00 PM – JOHN SCHNEIDER IN CONCERT **BONUS CONCERT**

John Schneider is best known for the iconic role of “Bo Duke” on The Dukes of Hazzard, as well as CW’s Smallville and his current series, Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots on OWN. He also recently danced his way into America’s heart on Dancing with the Stars! In addition to his extensive acting career, John is a celebrated country music artist with 4 #1 singles and 10 albums to his credits. His very first hit was 1981’s cover of Elvis Presley’s “It’s Now Or Never,” which reached #4 on the Billboard Country chart. It remains the top charting Elvis cover of all time in any genre to date. This is a separately ticketed event and is not an official part of the Nashville Elvis Festival.

***Click here for tickets to see JOHN SCHNEIDER with Special Guest Gary Chapman!***

For All Events & Tickets at The Franklin Theatre CLICK HERE.

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