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May at The Franklin Theatre was absolutely ELECTRIC! From Grammy-award winning artists to rock & roll legends, relive the magic with us as we celebrate the music and memories that made May truly an unforgettable month at The Franklin Theatre.

T-Bone Burnett: We kicked off the month on a high note with Grammy-award winning artist T-Bone Burnett, reflecting on his latest record, “The Other Side.” His haunting 12-song collection, featuring luminaries like Rosanne Cash and Lucius, weaves a loose love story amidst eerie, spectral melodies and rich vocals. Departing from his previous works, Burnett embraced a more melodic tone, creating a deeply introspective and accessible album enjoyed by all.

Variety on Main: Our monthly Variety on Main showcase has become one of our favorite traditions on Main Street! May’s lineup included the likes of Lynnmarie & E3, Charlie McCoy, The Kody Norris Show, Victoria Shaw, Alicia Witt, and featured Pat Coil and The Mainstays. If you haven’t yet made it to a Variety on Main show at The Franklin Theatre, we’ve got GREAT news, there is another one coming up next month (June 17th at 7:00 PM!) Get your tickets HERE!

Orleans: Orleans took The Franklin Theatre stage by storm with a special performance highlighting their legendary songwriting prowess and timeless harmonies. From platinum hits like “Still The One” to the infectious melodies of “Dance With Me,” Orleans captivated audiences of all ages with their iconic radio staples. With over five decades of musical excellence and 17 albums under their belt, Orleans proved once again why they remain at the pinnacle of live entertainment, delivering a dynamic blend of unplugged intimacy and full-throttle electric energy. The evening was made even more special with a surprise guest appearance from none other than the legendary John Hall!

Mitch Rossell: From captivating thousands on Garth Brooks’ 2022 stadium tour to earning his first #1 single with “Ask Me How I Know,” Mitch Rossell’s songwriting prowess and undeniable talent came to life at our historic venue. With landmark moments like his Grand Ole Opry debut, where he received a surprise introduction from Brooks himself, Rossell’s original music continues to resonate deeply with audiences, amassing over 103 million all-time streams and solidifying his status as a rising star in country music.

The Money Guy Show: It was an honor to host the first night of the Millionaire Mission Book Tour, presented by our neighbors, Brian and Bo from The Money Guy Show! This interactive event featured a live Q&A and engaging financial insight, and we were thrilled to help kick off this multi-city tour.

Tommy DeCarlo & Jason Scheff: The Franklin Theatre witnessed a night of classic rock bliss as lead singers of iconic bands, Jason Scheff (Chicago) and Tommy DeCarlo (Boston), joined forces for a memorable tribute. With Scheff’s signature high-tenor vocals and DeCarlo’s powerhouse performances, the audience was treated to unforgettable renditions of hits spanning the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Backed by the powerhouse musicianship of SIXWIRE, the concert delivered a timeless journey through the ballads of Chicago and the guitar-driven rock anthems of Boston, leaving the crowd wanting more.

As we bid farewell to May, The Franklin Theatre is still buzzing with the energy of the month’s incredible shows. Don’t miss out on all the fun June has to offer. Check out our full slate of shows, movies and more coming to Main Street HERE!

These experiences include teambuilding exercises, music instruction, and performance opportunities.

The Franklin Theatre is excited to announce the launch of its new Group Experience Packages. Designed for local community, student, business or travel groups and tour operators alike, these Group Experience Packages offer several unique opportunities to enjoy The Historic Franklin Theatre.

Group Experience Packages at The Franklin Theatre incorporate local artists, nonprofit organizations, and educators to bring world-class lectures, workshops, and performances to its stage. Groups as small as 10 are welcome to participate. Whether you’re stopping by to team-build, learn, or just be entertained, the instructors and staff endeavor to offer groups memorable performing arts experiences at The Franklin Theatre.

Group Experience Packages include:

Jazz On The Move

Presented by Nashville’s top jazz artists and educators of the Nashville Jazz Workshop, this program offers world-class music and opportunities to learn more about the genre and its iconic artists. Each performance is led by an individual jazz artist intimately familiar with the jazz great being profiled with an outstanding group of supporting musicians. Groups may choose which artist is profiled through story and song, including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington or Ella Fitzgerald.

Whose Teambuilding is it Anyway

Improv actor-teachers will create customized programs on any topic including the power of “yes, and,” active listening, public speaking, presentations, team building, sales training, ice breakers, brainstorming, group mind, customer service and more. These sessions are high-energy and filled with instantly usable information with the goal that every team member walks out the door with stronger relationships and new skills.

Co-Write a Classic

Groups will work alongside one of Nashville’s notable songwriters in this interactive co-writing program. Groups will compose original lyrics of their own and end the session with a performance of the new tune on the iconic Franklin Theatre stage.

Franklin Cinema in Action

Groups will work with a professional dance or music instructor to learn a dance or song from movies like “La La Land,” “Grease,” or “Singin’ in the Rain” as well as watch the movie on the big screen.

“Name in Lights” Student Showcase

Student performance groups can enjoy performing outside on Franklin’s Main Street, under the Theatre’s beautiful marquee with their name in lights. Following the performance, students will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of The Franklin Theatre.

Additional offerings include:

• Behinds-The-Scenes Tour of The Franklin Theatre
• Concessions and Bar Services
• Group Dining
• Bus Parking

For more information about Group Experience Packages at The Franklin Theatre, visit www.franklintheatre.com/group-packages.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Franklin Theatre. Their work is essential to the patron’s safety and the enjoyment of the performance or event.

You are invited to join us on Monday, August 22nd to learn about volunteer opportunities at the theatre, meet Eric Dilts, our new Managing Director, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of this historic venue.

The Franklin Theatre opened in 1937 and has brought our downtown to life for 85 years!

Please RSVP on the link below and feel free to bring a friend.

Light refreshments will be served.

 RSVP Today → 

Jackson’s commitment to diverse performing arts at The Franklin Theatre extends for 11th year

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN, and Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®) are excited to announce the continuation of a longstanding partnership to support The Franklin Theatre’s efforts to present diverse performing arts experiences for the enrichment of Williamson County.

2022 marks the eleventh straight year that Jackson has been a corporate sponsor of The Franklin Theatre. Their support entails presenting sponsor rights to the Great Performance Series and Franklin Theatre Live Series (FT Live). The Great Performances Series endeavors to curate the finest virtuoso artists from all over the world and bring them here to Williamson County, while FT Live showcases a distinguished lineup of concert and comedy performances in the intimate 300-seat historic theatre.

“Jackson is proud to have supported The Franklin Theatre for eleven years,” said Niya Moon, Corporate Philanthropy Manager at Jackson. “As a civic-minded corporation with an office in the Franklin community, we value the cultural enrichment that The Franklin Theatre brings to our neighbors, employees, colleagues and friends.”

“The Franklin Theatre is known as ‘The Jewel of Main Street’ for its contributions to downtown Franklin and beyond,” mentioned Eric Dilts, Managing Director of The Franklin Theatre. “Through the support of valued sponsors like Jackson, we can continue to present an eclectic array of live performances that meet the diverse cultural entertainment interests of Williamson County residents and visitors.”

Upcoming Great Performances and Franklin Theatre Live presented by Jackson shows include:

LOS ANGELES GUITAR QUARTET; April 8-9, 2022

As one of America’s premier instrumental ensembles, the members of the Grammy® Award-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ) have continually set the standard for expression and virtuosity among guitar ensembles. LAGQ is garnering critical acclaim for transcriptions of concert masterworks with their fresh look at the music of the past, while breaking new ground with their interpretations from contemporary and world music realms.

JESSE COOK; April 11, 2022

An accomplished guitarist, producer and equally prolific film maker, Jesse Cook has evolved his talents to create experiences that delight audiences both in concert, and online. He composed his first album, Tempest, over 25 years ago. Jesse could not imagine that such a humble recording, in which he played all the instruments, would spark into a music legacy with thousands of concerts performed around the world, over 2 million albums sold, 5 PBS TV specials, and tens of millions of content views and streams across the internet.

JAKE SHIMABUKURO; April 19, 2022

Over the past two decades, ‘ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has proved that there isn’t a style of music that he can’t play. What’s remarkable about Jake’s transcendent skills is how he explores his seemingly limitless vocabulary – whether it’s jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, folk or even classical – on perhaps the unlikeliest of instruments. Jake has reinvented the applications for this tiny, underappreciated four-string instrument, causing many to call him “the Jimi Hendrix of the ‘ukulele.”

Currently announced FT Live presented by Jackson® performances include:

• The Quebe Sisters; April 24
• Rickie Lee Jones; May 3
• Five for Fighting with String Quartet; May 18
• Darrell Scott; June 3
• The Seldom Scene; June 10, 2022
• The Paul Thorn Band; June 24-25, 2022

Currently announced Great Performances presented by Jackson® shows include:

• Academy of St. Martin in The Fields Chamber Ensemble; October 21
• Julie Fowlis; October 23

Additional FT Live and Great Performances Series shows will be announced this year. For ticket information, visit www.franklintheatre.com or call 615-538-2076. For more information on Jackson, visit their website at www.jackson.com.

Thought leaders in entertainment, marketing and non-profit industries unite to support Franklin’s beloved historic theatre.

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN has appointed a new Advisory Board for The Franklin Theatre with 16 board members representing a rich portfolio of experience in entertainment, marketing and non-profit industries, announced Bari Beasley, Heritage Foundation CEO.  The Advisory Board will work with The Franklin Theatre and the Heritage Foundation teams over the next several years to support long-term vision and planning.

“We couldn’t be prouder of this group of talented people who have stepped up to serve and support our beloved historic downtown theatre and the Heritage Foundation. The combined experience, talent and passion of these 16 people will be a key factor in our strategic planning, fundraising and programming for long-term vision of The Franklin Theatre. With this talented team rallying for us, the sky’s the limit for the possibilities,” says Beasley.

THE FRANKLIN THEATRE ADVISORY BOARD, August 2020

CHAIR Jennifer Parker.  A resident of Franklin for more than 20 years and owner of Parker Haven Interiors, Jennifer Parker brings more than a decade working in the Nashville music industry with artist labels, management companies, recording studios, and branded artist events and marketing. A Leadership Music graduate, she serves on the Heritage Foundation Board as the VP of The Franklin Theater, as well as the Board of Studio Tenn.

Trey Bruce.  An Emmy Award-winning American songwriter, Trey Bruce has written eight Billboard Number One singles with songs performed by Randy Travis, Diamond Rio, Lee Roy Parnell, among others. He has also co-written numerous Top 10 singles for artists including Faith Hill, Leann Rimes, Trisha Yearwood, Trace Adkins, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood.

Ramon Cisneros. A specialist in marketing and engagement for Latinos in the U.S. and Latin America, Ramon Cisneros is also a consultant for corporations nationwide. He has served on the boards of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the Nashville Arts & Business Council, Nashville Symphony, Nashville Opera, Cheekwood, W.O. SMITH School of Music, Sister Cities of Franklin & Williamson County, Williamson Medical Center Foundation and many others. He is a graduate of Leadership Music.

Carla Denham. Carla Denham is a passionate brand campaign producer and marketing strategist with decades of achievement with major product, service and non-profit organizations globally. A veteran in the brand business, she has led and/or grown brand marketing agencies in the South, California and Hawaii and represented brands ranging from Philips Electronics, Chick-fil-A and Gymboree to World Vision, Soles4Souls and Feed the Children.

Fletcher Foster. One of the most connected music industry leaders serving on Nashville’s Music Row, Fletcher Foster has worked with almost every record label and publishing company across the nation, as well as artists that span genre and generation including Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini, Whitney Houston and Annie Lennox. Currently president/CEO of F2 Entertainment Group, he serves on numerous boards including the Academy of Country Music, Leadership Music, Make-a-Wish of Middle Tennessee and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau Council.

David Garrett. A Franklin native and prominent family law attorney who manages the Franklin office of Cheatham, Palermo & Garrett, David Garrett serves as the current president of the Heritage Foundation Board. He also served as president of the Foundation’s board from 2007-2011 during the acquisition, restoration and reopening of The Franklin Theatre. Garrett also served on the Board of Trustees for Battle Ground Academy and is a recipient of the Heritage Foundation’s Patron’s Award and Franklin Tomorrow’s Anne T. Rutherford Exemplary Community Volunteer Award.

Dan Haseltine. Dan Haseltine is primary singer/songwriter for 4x GRAMMY AWARD winning band, Jars of Clay, and alt-synth pop trio, The Hawk in Paris.  Dan has written 17 #1 radio singles and is the Composer for the highest grossing crowdfunded television show in history, The Chosen. He is the Founder and Sr. Development officer of the non-profit organization, Blood:Water and co-founder of local non-profit, The PUBLIC. Dan is also author of two acclaimed children’s picture books, “The One, The Only, Magnificent Me,” and “Lulu & the Long Walk.”  He is a music producer, commercial jingle creator, speaker, songwriting coach and marketing consultant. and has lived in Franklin for 25 years with his family.

David Haskell. With more than 40 years of experience in the production business, David Haskell has served as a tour manager, production manager, front of house engineer and producer for several of the biggest names in the music industry. He began his storied career with the band Nantucket in 1978 and then went on to work with artists like Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Hall & Oates, Jim Nabors, Keb Mo and more. Haskell currently serves as president of Morris Light & Sound, a production partner of the Heritage Foundation and The Franklin Theatre.

Paul Jankowski. Paul Jankowski is a recognized expert in entertainment branding, and a thought leader, speaker and Forbes contributor on marketing and creating culturally relevant messaging in the New Heartland. His expertise in all aspects of global brand development is reflected as the founder of Nashville-based New Heartland Group and entertainment agency One Bullet Entertainment. He has served in leadership positions at Elvis Presley Enterprises, SFX Entertainment (Live Nation), Gibson Guitar Corp., MCA Records and SBK Records, and was a co-founder of the T.J. Martell Foundation.

Sherri Leathers.  Sherri Leathers has more than 20 years of experience in arts programming, with an emphasis on performances for school and family audiences. She joined Shaw Entertainment Group in 2017 and is now working as the agent for the Southeast region and supporting other aspects of its operations including artist acquisition, development and retention and a variety of special projects.

Debbie Schwartz Linn. Debbie Schwartz Linn currently serves as Executive Director of Leadership Music and spent her early career with Sony Music in both New York and Nashville. Linn has developed brand partnerships for more than 20 artists including Kenny Chesney with JC Penney; Sara Evans with Libby’s, Maytag and Johnson & Johnson; Jake Owen with Lucky Jeans; Miranda Lambert with Vanity Clothing; and the Country Strong movie and soundtrack with Pepsi and Arby’s.

Matt Logan. A Tennessee native, Matt Logan worked on Broadway for years in costuming and casting for productions like The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera and Spamalot. In 2009, he returned to the South and founded Studio Tenn in Franklin with Emmy Award-winning producer Philip Hall and Broadway actress Marguerite Hall. Since then, he has worked in the creative space with Reba McEntire and on many other special projects.

Dionne Lucas. Currently serving as the Director of Retail Marketing and Sales for the National Museum of African American Music, Dionne Lucas started her professional career in marketing with The Coca Cola Company. She has successfully launched and managed numerous brands and received multiple accolades for her work with RJ Reynolds’ subsidiary Lane Limited and Tantus Manufacturing

Emily Magid. Emily Magid is a Middle Tennessee native and longtime Franklin resident and community advocate. For the Heritage Foundation, she’s best known as one of our most tenured volunteers, past board member, donor and one of the Foundation’s biggest cheerleaders. She also serves and supports many other local nonprofits and organizations including the Harpeth River Watershed Association, Franklin Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity, BrightStone, Alcohol & Drug Council of Middle Tennessee, Williamson County Animal Center, Land Trust of Tennessee and others.

T.J. Portis. T.J. Portis has lived in the Williamson County community for decades and serves other nonprofit organizations like the Williamson County Library as a board member. She was highly recommended to the Foundation to serve on the Franklin Theatre advisory board by African American Heritage Society of Williamson County leader Alma McLemore.

Dan Rogers. A 20-year veteran of the beloved Grand Ole Opry, Dan Rogers currently serves as vice president and executive producer managing more than 200 performances annually. Rogers got his start at the Opry as a graduate intern and in his words, “…just never left. I came in at minimum wage, and with a lot to learn. But fortunately for me I was given the opportunity to learn on the job.”

The Franklin Theatre, an operating division of the Heritage Foundation, has temporarily suspended all programming until 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions on live entertainment venues. The theatre continues to provide a platform for local philanthropic engagement and to offer diverse programming for all people in 2021 and beyond.

Visit FranklinTheatre.com for 2021 programming.

Shows and events are on sale now for the 2021 performing arts and live seasons

Before The Franklin Theatre will take an extended programming

break through the remainder of 2020, it will host two more live shows: The Gatlin Brothers Fan

Favorites on Saturday, July 25 and Mac McAnally, Friday, July 31. Both shows, which sold seats

at a greatly reduced capacity to comply with COVID-19 social distancing requirements, are sold

out. Each show will also be live streamed from the stage and tickets for the live stream

performance are available.

Paul T. Couch, executive director of The Franklin Theatre, said he and his team were

investigating doing a combination live show/live stream and these two artists seemed like a

perfect way to introduce this concept that may become the new norm for many live venues.

“We had been negotiating these dates specifically as live, socially distanced concerts with an

added live-stream audience,” Couch said. “Since the idea of a combination live show/live

stream from our theater is such a new and innovative concept, we felt that it was in the

theater’s best interest to try this format out as it may influence the theater’s ability to reopen.”

Both the Gatlin Brothers’ and Mac McAnally’s performances will be live streamed directly from

the stage of The Franklin Theatre. To ensure the broadcast is transmitted in a high-quality

format for the online audience, the live stream will be produced by video production veteran

Alan Reitano and his company, Cypress Creek Creative.

Rudy Gatlin, member of The Gatlin Brothers said he is looking forward to the ‘Gatlin Brothers

Fan Favorites’ concert, even though they won’t be playing to a full-house.

“We just finished rehearsing and it was so much fun playing with them,” he said. “I hope the

fans enjoy hearing the songs as much as we’re going to enjoy playing them. So, get your

tickets!”

In addition to having a virtual front row seat for each concert, live stream ticket holders will be

able to message the artists and the artists will acknowledge and respond to as many of those

during the concert as time permits. Couch said ticketholders will get details on how this portion

of the live stream will work prior to the day of show.

Admission to the live stream shows is limited. Both shows will begin at 8 p.m. Doors to the

theater, for those with tickets to seats in the venue, will open at 7 p.m. To reserve your ticket to

the live stream, visit www.franklintheatre.com, or call the box office at 615-538-2076. Box

office hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Also, check out the theater’s 2021 season of shows, which contain new dates for many of the

performances in 2020 that had to be rescheduled due to changes in touring schedules and

other COVID-19-related issues. Most of the live shows and performing arts season were able to

be moved into the 2021 season. That schedule can be found at FranklinTheatre.com/All_Events

We are pleased to announce The Heritage of Brentwood as the Presenting Sponsor of our Silver Matinee Film Series.

The Heritage at Brentwood^® is a Life Plan Community in Williamson County, also known as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that provides residents with a choice of independent living options, including apartment homes, villas and garden villas, as well as a continuum of care on campus.

The Silver Matinee Film Series was created in 2019 as a day out for the senior community where seniors are invited to enjoy the shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Franklin, along with taking in a classic movie at The Franklin Theatre. Silver Matinees are typically shown once a month on a weekday at 2 PM.   Previous movies included “Singin’ In the Rain” (1952), “High Noon” (1952), “That’s Entertainment” (1974) and “Holiday Inn” (1942).

WAKM 950AM has played host to the event and coordinated fun contests and giveaways. While the event was created for the senior community, all ages are welcome. It’s been a delight for us to see families and multi-generations enjoying a classic movie together.

JOIN US FOR THE NEXT SILVER MATINEE:

“BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S” (1961)

WED 2/19 at 2 PM

CLICK FOR TICKETS