2007-2008 Upcoming Performances
SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING
Saturday, September 22, 2007
www.ccplayhouse.com
The Cumberland County Playhouse presents the world professional premiere of the latest installment in the Sanders Family Southern Baptist Tradition. In Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, it’s October, 1945, and the gospel-singing Sanders Family is back together again. The war is over and America’s years of prosperity are just beginning. But there’s another kind of rite of passage at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, where Reverend Mervin Oglethorpe is giving his last service. He has been called to preach in Texas and he’s preparing to ride into the sunset with his wife June, who is eight months pregnant. Tomorrow morning, young Dennis Sanders takes over as Mt. Pleasant’s pastor. Join the Sanders Family as they send Mervin and June off in style, with hilarious and touching stories and 25 toe-tapping Bluegrass Gospel favorites.
Sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission
Adults $20 ($17 Advance), Students $10, Groups (minimum 15) $15
THE DUST POETS
Thursday, February 21, 2008
www.dustpoets.com
A five-piece acoustic folk-pop group with roots deep in the Canadian prairie, The Dust Poets are known for their infectious spirit, powerful stage presence, genre-bending originals, hot instrumental chops, and juicy harmony singing. The Dust Poets perform the original music of veteran singer-songwriter Murray D. Evans. With their unmistakable original sound, the Dust Poets wander easily among different styles, including folk, bluegrass, swing, pop, and circus freak ragtime. The band’s all-acoustic line-up features guitar, upright bass, accordion, mandolin, clarinet, and percussion, plus extraordinary four-part vocal harmonies. The Dust Poets continue to earn fans and attract international attention with great music, a great sense of humor, and great performances every time they take the stage.
Sponsored by Hamilton Sound & Recording
Adults $18 ($15 Advance), Students $10
HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR
Saturday, April 12, 2008
www.eastcoastentertainment.com
The world famous Harlem Gospel Choir gives you an extraordinary evening of foot-stomping and hand clapping blues, jazz and gospel spirituals. From the heart of Harlem in New York City, the Harlem Gospel Choir travels the world as ambassadors for African-American culture, and is loved for its joyous music. The Harlem Gospel Choir has performed for Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, with U2 in their movie Rattle and Hum, Lyle Lovett, The Chieftans, and Diana Ross. This is a musical experience not to be missed. The Choir is a gathering of the finest singers and musicians from various black churches in Harlem.
Sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission & Southern Arts Federation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts
Adults $20 ($17 Advance), Students $10, Groups (minimum 15) $15
WAR BONDS: SONGS AND LETTERS FROM WWII
Thursday, May 8, 2008
www.alkahestartists.net
EBzB Productions presents: WAR BONDS: The Songs and Letters of World War II – a musical journey through a war that redefined the world. This living history cabaret is interspersed with personal letters from the Front and headline news of the period. David zum Brunnen and Serena Ebhardt fill the stage with wartime memories and tunes. Actual veterans’ stories create a sentimental journey back through the days when blackouts and rationing were a small sacrifice in order to obtain freedom. WAR BONDS: The Songs and Letters of World War II explores the dark side of war and the strange juxtaposition of the light-hearted, popular tunes of the era. Musical Director Julie Florin recreates a nostalgic score of familiar tunes. Twenty-two songs of the period lift the mood – even as the atrocities of war are described. Old-timers will sing along and younger audiences will enjoy a lesson in history.
Sponsored by the Southern Arts Federation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts
Adults: $18 ($15 Advance), Students: $10
BONUS EVENT
for Season Ticket Holders
Saturday, February 2, 2008
A pumpkin coach, Prince Charming, a glass slipper and a dream come true will enchant audiences as the Missoula Children’s Theatre and over 50 local students present CINDERELLA. This production is part of the Missoula Children’s Theatre’s unique international touring project.