Presented by The Tennessean Williamson
Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Arthur Laurents
Oct. 3, 2015 at 2:00pm and at 7:00pm at Jamison Hall – The Factory at Franklin, Franklin TN
A long-time short-list production for Studio Tenn, “Gypsy” is widely exalted as the Greatest American Book Musical, integrating a rich, compelling story and complex characters into its Broadway songbook standards such as “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and “Together (Wherever We Go).”
Bombastic and overbearing stage mother Rose is desperate to catapult her children to stardom during Vaudeville’s heyday. When her younger daughter June flees the family and The Circuit, quiet, sidelined Louise steps into the limelight. With Vaudeville waning, mother and daughter find themselves on an unexpected path to fame.
Studio Tenn is going all out in this bold, dynamic production–nothing short of the royal treatment “Gypsy” deserves.
For tickets, show times and more please visit Gypsy.
On Saturday, Sept. 12, patrons and tailgaters gathered to support Saddle Up! and the Rochelle Center at the 19th annual Nissan Chukkers for Charity at pristine Riverview Farm in Franklin, Tenn. The event, hosted by Lee Ann and Orrin Ingram featured world-class polo player, Nic Roldan. Nic’s Gainesway team won the match against opposing team AutoWeek.
The event raised awareness and funds for both the Rochelle Center and Saddle Up! The honorary chairs for this year’s event were Lexie Armstrong and Cathy Brown. Patron Party co-chairs were Mary Kate Brown, Lisa McInturff and Kim Williams who created a theme “Vintage French Circus.” Tarot card readers, acrobats and jugglers were some of the featured entertainers.
The sold-out patron’s tent hosted a dinner for guests following the match which was catered by d.Kates. Hors d’oeuvres included succulent citrus popcorn and roasted nuts, a wide-variety of charcuterie served with a selection of cheeses, jams, nuts, honey, artisan breads and crackers. Dinner featured a mixed baby lettuce salad with fennel, green apples, Kenny’s blue cheese, hazelnuts and blood orange vinaigrette. The main course served up corn-encrusted chicken paillard with peach and green tomato relish and warm cheese soufflé alongside roasted late summer vegetables with hollandaise sauce and delicious dinner rolls. For dessert, patrons enjoyed specialty petits fours, raspberry and pistachio macaroons and chocolate truffles. Drinks were provided by Lipman Brothers and featured a wide-variety of beverages, highlighting Jack Daniel’s products.
The grand prize of the tailgating competition went to the “Wizard of Oz” tailgating team and the most original theme award went to the “Houdini” team. The event also featured a vintage car show and silent auction.
Other sponsors in addition to Nissan were Gainesway Farm, Mary Kate and Josh Brown, Kings’ Chapel Community, The Andrews Agency, Associated Terminals/Turn Services, SilverPointe Properties, YOUR Williamson, Jack Daniel Distillery, Ingram Entertainment, Inc., Nashville Geek, Williamson Source, Jackie and Barry Alexander, Tennessee Equine Hospital, Jones Properties, Limestone Title, Publix Supermarket Charities, Inc. and AshBlue.
Pilgrimage is a music and cultural festival debuting in September 26-27, 2015 in Franklin, Tennessee. Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival invites folks of all ages on a journey to experience a myriad of musical styles, a bevy of food and beverages, and the rich regional spirit of Franklin, TN.
Like most great ideas, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival was inspired by friendship, history, and the desire to create a meaningful experience. Two years ago, Musician and Franklin, TN resident Kevin Griffin was on a September morning jog through The Park at Harlinsdale, a century-old horse farm recently purchased by the City of Franklin. Kevin was so taken by the rolling hills, natural amphitheaters, and breathtaking vistas of the 230-acre farm, he envisioned it as a natural fit for a music festival venue. Considering Franklin’s place, Kevin wanted people to understand the beauty and rustic quality of Middle Tennessee in the fall, and with the blessing of the City, began to dream up a music festival to do it justice.
Partnered with lifelong buddies W. Brandt Wood and Michael Whelan, the trio aspired to highlight the diversity and community spirit of the New Orleans Jazz Fest, tailoring the best elements to Franklin– a richly historic town just 20 minutes south of Nashville. Like Jazz Fest, Pilgrimage will take place during the day, and offer a diverse yet renowned lineup of rock and roll, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, indie, gospel and more. Performing on patina-clad stages reflecting the area’s aesthetic, many bands will “crank it down” and give a partly acoustic set specifically tailored to the day. Moreover, the fest will boast “Pilgri-mashups,” pairing artists together for special one-time collaborations on stage. The Little Pilgrims Stage will be more than a kids’ play area; it will feature a line-up of talented young musicians in their own right, to inspire and entertain kids and adults alike.
The region’s best food and drink will be on display at the Kitchen and Sippin’ stages at scheduled times throughout the weekend, and carefully selected food and merchant vendors will be featured in the Bazaar. When performances wrap at 7:30pm each day, guests can conveniently head back into the heart of downtown Franklin, within walking distance from the Park at Harlinsdale, to imbibe the best of the town’s restaurants, shops, and great weekend lineup of nighttime shows.
Ultimately, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival invites folks of all ages on a journey to experience a myriad of musical styles, a bevy of food and beverages, and the rich regional spirit of Franklin, TN.
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival.
Pilgrimage is a music and cultural festival debuting in September 26-27, 2015 in Franklin, Tennessee. Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival invites folks of all ages on a journey to experience a myriad of musical styles, a bevy of food and beverages, and the rich regional spirit of Franklin, TN.
Like most great ideas, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival was inspired by friendship, history, and the desire to create a meaningful experience. Two years ago, Musician and Franklin, TN resident Kevin Griffin was on a September morning jog through The Park at Harlinsdale, a century-old horse farm recently purchased by the City of Franklin. Kevin was so taken by the rolling hills, natural amphitheaters, and breathtaking vistas of the 230-acre farm, he envisioned it as a natural fit for a music festival venue. Considering Franklin’s place, Kevin wanted people to understand the beauty and rustic quality of Middle Tennessee in the fall, and with the blessing of the City, began to dream up a music festival to do it justice.
Partnered with lifelong buddies W. Brandt Wood and Michael Whelan, the trio aspired to highlight the diversity and community spirit of the New Orleans Jazz Fest, tailoring the best elements to Franklin– a richly historic town just 20 minutes south of Nashville. Like Jazz Fest, Pilgrimage will take place during the day, and offer a diverse yet renowned lineup of rock and roll, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, indie, gospel and more. Performing on patina-clad stages reflecting the area’s aesthetic, many bands will “crank it down” and give a partly acoustic set specifically tailored to the day. Moreover, the fest will boast “Pilgri-mashups,” pairing artists together for special one-time collaborations on stage. The Little Pilgrims Stage will be more than a kids’ play area; it will feature a line-up of talented young musicians in their own right, to inspire and entertain kids and adults alike.
The region’s best food and drink will be on display at the Kitchen and Sippin’ stages at scheduled times throughout the weekend, and carefully selected food and merchant vendors will be featured in the Bazaar. When performances wrap at 7:30pm each day, guests can conveniently head back into the heart of downtown Franklin, within walking distance from the Park at Harlinsdale, to imbibe the best of the town’s restaurants, shops, and great weekend lineup of nighttime shows.
Ultimately, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival invites folks of all ages on a journey to experience a myriad of musical styles, a bevy of food and beverages, and the rich regional spirit of Franklin, TN.
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival.
Now in its 15th year, the Nov. 26 race is designed for families looking to run off a few calories and have fun, as well as serious runners wanting a certified course to train for longer races. Last year, 2,884 people participated, making it the largest stand-alone 5K in Middle Tennessee.
The 5K, which is run on a USATF certified course, will begin at 8 a.m. at the D1 Campus, 7115 S. Springs Dr., just south of CoolSprings Galleria. Participants run or walk throughout the Cool Springs area. The Fun Run for ages 9 and younger starts at 9 a.m.
The community-wide event raises money for GraceWorks, which provides immediate and long-term resources for Williamson County families in need. In 2014, GraceWorks served families with 40,906 needs valued at $3.5 million, including food, rent and utility assistance, school supplies, newborn needs and more. More than $1 million was distributed in food alone.
Early Bird registration fees for the 5K through Oct. 31 are $30. The cost increases to $35 from Nov. 1-23. Registration Nov. 25 and 26 is at D1 Sports, and the cost is $40. The price for the Fun Run is $10.
A team/family discount is $5 off each additional participant after the first two are registered. To qualify for the discount, all team members must register online at the same time.
Sponsorships are also available. More information about registration, sponsorships and the event itself are available at www.turkeytrotfranklin.com.
2015 Chili Cook-off Oct. 24 on Third Avenue North during Pumpkinfest
Franklin Tomorrow’s 13th annual Chili Cook-off is set for Saturday, Oct. 24, on Third Avenue North between Bridge Street and the Franklin Public Square as part of the Downtown Franklin Association’s annual Pumpkinfest. FirstBank for being our presenting sponsor in this year’s event.
Teams ready to compete for the coveted People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice Awards, as well as Best Booth Décor, include Granite City Food & Brewery; My Friend’s House; Franklin Noon Rotary BBQ Society; Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant; Circa Grill of Thompson’s Station; Fountains of Franklin; Franklin Firefighters Association; Big Shake’s Hot Chicken; Brian Irvin’s Nailed it Chili; 101st Airborne, Franklin’s Adopted Sons Bulldog Chili; Corner Pub Franklin; Father-Son Bowl; Franklin City Club; and Culver’s of Franklin.
Serving will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 3:30 p.m. or the chili runs out!
Each $10 tasting tray will contain two-ounce samplings from each of the teams. A ticket for voting accompanies every tray. Hot dogs will be available for sale, as well as drinks and chips.
If you would like to apply to enter a team, complete this 2015 Chili team registration form and send it to donna@franklintomorrow.org.
Historic Travellers Rest and the Tennessee Arts Commission are hosting the annual Trades Festival which allows participants to go back in time 200 years. The event will take place on Tuesday, Sept 22 and Wednesday, Sept 23, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Historic Travellers Rest Plantation.
“We look forward to welcoming many students and patrons at the Trades Festival every year,” said Education Director at Travellers Rest, Tonya Staggs. “We are excited to provide visitors with the chance to experience life in the 19th century.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to watch history come alive with more than thirty artisans and re-enactors. Artisans for the event will include a blacksmith, basket weaver, hat maker, 19th century seamstress and many more. Re-enactors such as a civil war surgeon, a potter, a spinner, and more will bring 19th century authenticity to the festival. There are numerous hands-on activities including, candle dipping, corn grinding, quill pen writing, the opportunity to make corn husk or hanky dolls among other various activities. Visitors can stop by the Historic Travellers Rest Gift Shop for shopping. Picnic lunches are welcome.
Reservations are required and tickets are $5.50 per person. For more information about the festival or registration, contact Tonya Staggs by phone 615-832-8197 or by email tonya@travellersrestplantation.org.
About Historic Travellers Rest
For more than fifty years, Historic Travellers Rest has been an integral part of the Nashville community. The historic house, built originally in 1799, was restored by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Tennessee to interpret the early 19th century life of Judge John Overton, one of the state’s first Supreme Court Justices, the founder of Memphis and a close personal friend of Andrew Jackson. The property serves as a gateway for learners of all ages to explore Nashville’s historic past. For more information, please visit www.travellersrestplantation.org.
Now in its 42nd year, the Heritage Ball–the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williams County’s premiere annual fundraiser–is Williamson County’s longest-running black tie benefit and the social event of the season.
This year’s Ball will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, and will cast special spotlight on the ca. 1941 Old, Old Jail, the Foundation’s first permanent headquarters and the community’s future Big House for Historic Preservation.
Ball attendees can anticipate an unexpected look to the Heritage Ball, held each year at the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park in Franklin.
Inspiration for the gala, Design Chair Matt Logan says, originated from the classic 1951 film American in Paris and the classic 1924 George Gershwin song “Rhapsody in Blue,” – cultural bookends to the era of the Old, Old Jail, the beneficiary of 2015 Ball proceeds.
“What I love about historic preservation is that truly everything that is old, is new again,” Logan said. “We wanted to celebrate things past with a contemporary, creative approach.”
Logan, who is the artistic director of the celebrated theatre and production company Studio Tenn, says cool tones will accentuate the setting, with elements of gold throughout to warm the environment. Dark blue tablecloths will be highlighted by art deco-inspired china and set off by brass cutlery.
Blue light cast on the top of the tent, complemented by hung Edison and cafe bulbs, will play off the evening sky to add a whimsical element to the ambiance.
“We took ideas from Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ painting, and the magic of that. You’ll see that the design has a bit of period to it, but with overlying modern touches,” Logan said. “It will be very current.”
Predominantly white flower arrangements–overseen by Steve McLellan of Garden Delights–that include orchids, calla lilies, and roses will form sculptural designs, offering dramatic pockets throughout the Ball.
“Matt, Steve and Cathi [Aycock, Ball Chair] have dreamed up this rich design scheme that feels very Old Hollywood,” said Lynne McAlister, Heritage Ball coordinator. “I can promise that the 42nd Annual Heritage Ball will truly be unlike any other year.”
All proceeds from the Heritage Ball support the non-profit Heritage Foundation’s mission to protect and preserve the architectural, geographic and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County and to promote the ongoing economic revitalization of downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation.
To learn more about the 42nd Annual Heritage Ball, visit www.historicfranklin.com. To purchase a ticket, please contact Lynne McAlister at 615-591-8500.
10K Run • 5K Walk/Run • 1K Kids Run
LABOR DAY – September 7, 2015
Historic Downtown Franklin
The 37th Annual Franklin Classic is hosted by and to benefit Mercy Community Healthcare. The event includes live music and a free Kids Zone.
Schedule
5:45am Registration Opens
7:00am 10K Run
8:30am 5K Walk/Run
9:30am 1K Kids Fun Run 10:00am Award Ceremony
To register and for more information please visit 37th Annual Franklin Classic.









