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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.

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.

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 →