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.

The Gateway Chamber Orchestra’s 10th anniversary season – “Inspiration Abounds.”

The Gateway Chamber Orchestra of Tennessee embarks on a new annual music festival that will feature multiple concerts over five days at various venues in Clarksville and Franklin, Tennessee and Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

The premiere of America’s Haydn Festival, April 4-8, 2019 will honor the father of the Symphony and the String Quartet, Franz Joseph Haydn.

FRANKLIN PERFORMANCES INCLUDE:

Friday 4/5: String Quartet Concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 

Monday 4/8: Full Orchestra at The Franklin Theatre

FOR MORE INFORMATION, TICKETS & FESTIVAL PASSES, CLICK HERE

Gregory Wolynec, Gateway Chamber Orchestra Music Director commented that the roll-out of the new festival could bring even more national attention to Middle-Tennessee, already known as a music tourism destination.

“This festival will be truly one-of-a-kind; there isn’t one like it anywhere in the country,” he states. “Haydn is a composer that we have dedicated so much of our first 10 years to, with performances of his works becoming a calling card for our orchestra. Celebrating the incredible scope of Haydn’s creations, from beginning to end, with some of Middle Tennessee’s finest musicians is the perfect way to start a new festival. His musical career was so expansive and influential that we’ll have inspiration for years to come.”

This new festival will spotlight performances by string quartets and the full Gateway Chamber Orchestra at venues in Clarksville, Franklin and Fort Campbell.

Wolynec went on to add, “We are especially pleased to present a performance for the military community at Fort Campbell Army Post as part of this first festival. Soldiers, their families and members of the military community are invited to hear some wonderful musicians in a very up close and personal setting.” According to Wolynec the date, time and location for the Fort Campbell event will be announced soon.

America’s Haydn Festival will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4 with a String Quartet concert performed at First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Clarksville.

The same program will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Franklin.

At 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 the GCO will present Haydn’s symphonies No. 1 and No. 104, the famous London symphony at the George and Sharon Mabry Concert Hall at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville.

On Monday, April 8th at 7:30 p.m. the same program will be repeated at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin.

GCO Principal Cellist Michael Samis will be featured at both venues performing Haydn’s 2nd Cello Concerto. Samis was previously featured in collaboration with the GCO in his critically acclaimed 2014 debut recording.

America’s Haydn Festival will also be the launching pad for the newly formed Tennessee Military, Veterans & the Arts Chorus. The new choral ensemble will make its premiere appearance to the public at the Sunday, April 7 concert in Clarksville. Members of the chorus include active-duty military service members, veterans and spouses; giving them the opportunity for creative expression through music.

Gateway Chamber Orchestra season ticket holders will have the opportunity to buy String Quartet performance tickets at a discounted rate.

To purchase tickets, visit www.gatewaychamberorchestra.com.

America’s Haydn Festival Franklin Performances:

String Quartet – Friday, April 5, 2019 – 7:30 p.m. – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Full Orchestra – Monday, April 8, 2019 – 7:30 p.m. – The Franklin Theater

For Festival Passes CLICK HERE

VISIT PREVIOUS BLOG POSTS HERE

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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Tim Menzies grew up playing music in Virginia as part of the Menzies family band. In 1980, Tim moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. During the mid 1980’s, Tim began playing guitar on records with artist such as Kenny Rogers, Tammy Wynette, Waylon and Willie and others. Recording with prominent artists and top musicians in Nashville was a dream come true for Tim, but the songs he had written as a boy began a lifelong love of songwriting.

While Tim was making a living playing guitar on records, singing national jingles, for Coca Cola, Bonanza Restaurants, and Chevrolet Trucks, as well as performing in Nashville venues at night, he continued to develop his songwriting. Tim’s songs caught the ear of legendary Publisher, Bob Beckham, and in March of 1985, Bob signed Tim to Combine Music. As Nashville artists began hearing and recording Tim’s songs, he was able to transition to full time songwriting.

Some artists who have recorded Tim’s songs include George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, John Conlee, Gene Watson, Shenandoah, Doug Stone, Diamond Rio, Tracy Lawrence, Shelby Lynne, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Mark Chestnutt, Randy Travis, Patty Loveless, Toby Keith, Martina McBride, Joe Diffie, Trace Adkins, Josh Turner, The Bowling Family, and many others.

In 1991, Tim started attending church and joined a small Bible Study group with his wife Brenda; while studying God’s Word, Tim received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. When Tim wasn’t writing songs, he was absorbed in God’s Holy Word. Over the next several years, God increasingly called and equipped Tim to teach others about the Holy Scriptures, resulting in Tim leading and teaching hundreds of Bible classes and being blessed to witness God’s Word transform lives.

In 2013, Tim, Producer Ben Isaacs, and recording engineer Mark Capps, began recording Tim’s first Christian album. Through the recording process, Tim’s lifelong love of music, his relationship with Jesus, and Ben’s gifts as a Producer resulted in Tim’s GRAMMY nominated album, “His Way Of Loving Me.”

In 2019 Tim, Ben, and Mark released a new album entitled, “His Name Is Jesus.” Along with newly written songs from Tim, and a few classics such as “Something About That Name,” and “Walking In Jerusalem,” Tim is honored to be joined by many gifted guest vocalists on “His Name Is Jesus” including The Isaacs, The Gaither Vocal Band, Vince Gill, Karen Peck, and Rhonda Vincent.

Tim is most honored and thankful for the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through “The Word And Song.”

Tim Menzies celebrates the release of his latest album “His Name Is Jesus” at the Franklin Theatre

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24th at 7 pm with special guest, Ben Isaacs. 

CLICK FOR TICKETS

The National Museum of African American Music will present the first public screening of “Charley Pride: I’m Just Me” a feature-length documentary episode of the PBS series “American Masters” at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tenn., on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.

“Charley Pride: I’m Just Me” traces the improbable journey of Charley Pride, from his humble beginnings as a sharecropper’s son on a cotton farm in segregated Sledge, Miss., to his career as a Negro League baseball player and his meteoric rise as a trailblazing country music superstar. A panel featuring filmmaker Barb Hall and Dr. Dina Bennett, senior curator at NMAAM, will immediately follow the film’s conclusion.

“Helping shine a light Charley Pride’s story, struggles and incredible musical talent through this documentary represents the kinds of stories our museum wants to tell,” said H. Beecher Hicks III, CEO and president of NMAAM. “He’s truly a one-of-a-kind, trailblazing artist whose place in our nation’s and our culture’s musical history is undeniable.”

“At a time when African American singers were more notable for R&B hits, Charley Pride followed his passion for country music, overcoming obstacles through determination and raw talent to make a lasting impact on the genre and create a legacy that continues today,” said Michael Kantor, executive producer of “American Masters.”

Tickets can be purchased from the Franklin Theatre website here. A portion of the proceeds from the screening will benefit the National Museum of African American Music.

CCM United, TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) and Yake Films are thrilled to team up to present two nights of the very best classic CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) artists at the historic Franklin Theater in Franklin, Tennessee!

This two-day event called Music, Moments, and Memories – the concert event  will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, February 5^th and 6^th, 2019 at 7:30 PM.

Approximately 20 classic and beloved CCM artists will be featured, with up to ten artists performing each night. Some of the artists performing include, but not limited to: Eddie DeGarmo doing the music of DeGarmo & Key with special guest vocalist, The Katinas, Big Tent Revival, Guardian, Phil Keaggy, Geoff Moore, Bruce Carroll, Wes King, Al Denson, Tammy Trent, Jaci Velasquez, Clay Crosse, Rick Cua, Mark Schultz, John Schlitt, and many more artists along with several special guests.

TBN has renewed the television series Remember the Music for a second season and Stephen Yake and Jentry Yake of Yake Films will produce the show. These impressive two nights will capture live concert footage for the second season (13 episodes) of Remember the Music. Many of the very best classic CCM artists will be featured.

A portion of the proceeds from this two-day event will benefit the Gospel Music Trust Fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to individuals who derive or have derived a substantial portion of their income from the field of Gospel/Christian music. The fund serves to assist artists who lack sufficient insurance in times of need, in the event of an emergency, major catastrophe, or terminal or severe illness. An individual requesting assistance from the Trust Fund–for themselves or for their children–must have ten years of full-time employment within the Gospel/Christian music field.

In 2015, Stan Moser of CCM United, presented CCM United – We Will Stand, a major concert event in Nashville that celebrated 40 years of contemporary Christian music. CCM United – We Will Stand culminated in a DVD and book of the same name. Now CCM United is teaming up with Yake Films and TBN to present an equally important major event!

“Music, Moments, and Memories – the concert event”

Franklin Theater, Franklin, TN

February 5 and 6, 2019, 7:30 PM, up to 10 artists each evening

Top classic Contemporary Christian Music artists will perform live concerts over two nights for the TV series Remember the Music in the historic Franklin Theater. Proceeds will go to the Gospel Music Trust Fund making this evening a VERY special event. Thirteen episodes of Remember the Music will be aired on TBN later in 2019.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enjoy incredible music by some of CCM’s best artists, experience special rare moments, create wonderful lifelong memories, and have a chance to contribute to the wonderful Gospel Music Trust Fund in the beautiful and historic Franklin Theater!

Tickets are on sale at the Franklin Theater Box Office –

• $49.50 main floor in advance; $59.50 main floor at the door
• $44.50 balcony in advance; $54.50 balcony at the door
• $100.00 VIP cabaret table seats and an artist meet and greet with heavy hors d’oeuvres prior to the concert.
• When purchasing a ticket for both nights $10.00 discount will be applied.

Tickets available at the Franklin Theater Box Office website.

Franklin Theater Box Office – 615-538-2075

Facebook page for CCM United – Music, Moments & Memories – the concert event.

For more information contact Les Stoltzfus at morwithles@comcast.net (e-mail) or 717-669-1998 (cell)