Hold My Hand

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Brandy Clark’s “Hold My Hand” was announced today as a GRAMMY nominee for Country Song of the Year. The song, written by Clark and Mark Stephen Jones, is from Clark’s debut album 12 Stories, which was originally released by Slate Creek Records before being re-released by Warner Bros. Records. Clark performed the song with Dwight Yoakam earlier this year on the 2015 GRAMMY Awards in one of the night’s most talked-about moments.

Clark, who has spent much of the year working on her upcoming second album due out in 2016, said, “Wow! I was not expecting this news today. What a surprise and a fantastic way to start my week. I appreciate the support and respect from the GRAMMY voters. It means the world to me.”This is the fourth career GRAMMY nomination for Clark. She received two nominations in 2014 in the Best Country Album (12 Stories) and the all-genre Best New Artist categories, and one nomination in 2013 for Best Country Song for “Mama’s Broken Heart,” a No. 1 hit for Miranda Lambert that Clark co-wrote with Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves.

Clark is currently on the road with Jennifer Nettles, after opening for Alan Jackson on his “25th Anniversary Tour” earlier this year.  She won the CMA Song of the Year Award last year for “Follow Your Arrow,” which she also co-wrote with McAnally and Musgraves. She was named the 2014 Music Row Breakthrough Artist of the Year. For more information, visit BrandyClarkMusic.com. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/TheBrandyClark and on Twitter @TheBrandyClark.

Simply Christmas Featuring Michael W. Smith & Friends

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Michael W. Smith, a beloved Franklin neighbor, has shaped the Christian music landscape and sold more than 15 million albums, scored 28 No. 1 hits, earned 3 Grammys and more than 40 Dove Awards…including 2015 “Christmas Album of the Year” honors for his Spirit of Christmas project. He’s contributing his talents and sure to capture hearts and the nostalgia of the season in celebration with friends.

The evening promises to one that’s remembered for years to come!

For tickets and more information please visit The Franklin Theatre

Dickens of a Christmas

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Step back in time with the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County when Dickens of a Christmas returns to Franklin’s Main Street December 12-13, 2015.

 

Sponsored this year by Nissan, the 31st annual free street festival will recreate the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s Victorian architecture as the backdrop.  Some 200 musicians, dancers and characters will fill the streets, including several from Charles Dickens’s stories.  Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim Cratchit with his parents from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children.

 

“Dickens of a Christmas is the perfect event for our historic Main Street,” said Mary Pearce, executive director of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.  “Downtown Franklin always exudes its own special magic, and yet this event adds an extra bit of sparkle.  It dovetails perfectly with our preserved Victorian architecture and our commitment to saving and showcasing our historical treasures. As more attention is turned toward downtown Franklin in both the local and national press, we encourage festival goers to dress in Victorian costume and to add to the ambiance as they stroll the streets.  Adding even a hat and scarf to modern attire helps set the scene and get everyone in the holiday mood.”

 

This year’s event will reprise a crowd favorite from last year: it WILL snow at Dickens of a Christmas!  Come decked out in holiday style to capture that perfect family picture.

 

New this year will be the Lucky Scruff Wintery Whisker Revue, a competition among hirsute gentlemen for the finest facial hair.  Those taking advantage of No Shave November will want to hang on to their whiskers until the Sunday afternoon competition on the stage at the Public Square. Winners will take home fabulous prizes courtesy of Lucky Scruff, a new store at The Factory specializing in accessories for the bearded gentleman, and all entrants will receive gift cards. The judging will take place at 3pm. To enter this contest, visit the Dickens event page at HistoricFranklin.com.

 

Favorite Victorian-era activities will return, including sugar plums and roasted chestnuts being sold on the street. Other food vendors will offer heartier old English fare.  A variety of musical and dance performances will take place both on the street and on the stage at City Hall.  Horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo for children, live artisan demonstrations, and more than 70 vendors offering holiday arts and crafts will line Main Street from Second to Fifth Avenues.  Each day will conclude with a town sing of classic Christmas carols.  Saturday’s town sing will take place in front of the stage on the Public Square; Sunday’s town sing will be conducted inside the Historic Presbyterian Church at Five Points.

 

Dickens of a Christmas will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 12, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 13.  The event is free and open to the public; some attractions will involve a small fee.  More information and a schedule of events will be available at www.historicfranklin.com.

 

Producing Dickens of a Christmas is just one of the many activities of The Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County.  Since 1967 the non-profit group has been dedicated to protecting and preserving Williamson County’s historic, architectural and geographic resources; in short, saving the places that matter.

 

Hats Off to High Hopes

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Hats-Off To High Hopes Franklin TNHats Off to High Hopes Charity Concert at Ryman Auditorium

Hats Off to High Hopes, the non-profit’s largest fundraising event of the year, helps provide much-needed funds so that children throughout Middle Tennessee receive equal opportunities for lifelong success through a specialized, child-centered learning environment as well as through outpatient therapy services.   High Hopes is honored to feature Jonathan Cain, keyboardist of the legendary group JOURNEY, author of the classic Journey ballad “Faithfully” and composer and pianist on songs such as “Don’t Stop Believin’”, as headliner. Long-time High Hopes’ supporter and Grammy-winning songwriter Tim Nichols, author of songs such as Live Like You Were Dying” and “Heads Carolina, Tails California”, will also share the Ryman stage.  Accomplished singers/songwriters The Warren Brothers, who have had top 40 hits as well as written hit songs including “The Lucky One” and “Red Solo Cup”, will add their talents to the evening. Singer/songwriter Jamie O’Neal, who had back-to-back #1 singles “There Is No Arizona” and “When I Think About Angels”, rounds out the lineup. The stage may also host other surprise singers and songwriters as the concert helps support children and families who need it most, when they need it the most.

Event URL:  http://www.highhopesforkids.org/news-events-2/hats-off-to-high-hopes/

Tickets:  http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B004F37113D7D8A?brand=ryman

 

 

Martin Masters Fine Art Show – Cocktail Reception

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Martin Masters Fine Art Show10th Anniversary Martin Masters Fine Art Show and Cocktail Reception

Art preview, meet and greet, and cocktail reception fundraiser.  Art enthusiast will delight by attending the kick-off cocktail party, Friday from 5-8:00 p.m., attendees will enjoy great music and fine wine sponsored by Grapevine Wine and Spirits and G Catering as well as a chance to preview the art and meet the artists, including featured artist Ron York, York & Friends Fine Art.

Artist to include:

Guest Artist: Ron York, York and Friends Fine Art

Frank Baggett, Barbara Bays, Stacy W. Beam, Cindy Billingsley, Barbara Bullard, John Cannon, Evelyn LeNoir Chandler, Ginny Elder, Nick Fielder, John Fisher, Frank Gee, Kathy Goodhart, Dennis Harris, Jann Harrison, Josephine Haworth, Jean Gauld Jaeger, Susan Jones,Ron Kegarise, Shari Lacy, Ginger Oglesby,Michael Poindexter, Rick Poole, Angela Powers, Sarah Reeves, Jade Reynolds, Jacqueline Saporiti, Tony Scott, Midge Simpson, Dot Small, Beverly Basham Smith, Jill Smith, JJ Sneed, Streater Spencer, Jeremy Seth Tummins, Marilyn Wendling, Betty Wentworth, Wanda Wright

Participating Jewelers: Paula Barnett, Nola Jane & Hugh Bennett

For more information or to purchase tickets:

The Martin Center

Phone: (615) 376-0102

scoss@fiftyforward.org

An event to benefit FiftyForward Martin CenterFiftyForward Martin Center enriches the lives of adults 50+ by providing pathways to health, well-being and lifelong learning.

 

 

Myers to speak at Spring Hill veterans service

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Spring Hill Memorial Funeral Home and the City of Spring Hill will host the 14th Annual Veterans Day Memorial Service at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8. Spring Hill Memorial Funeral Home is located at 5239 Main Street in Spring Hill.

The event celebrates patriotism and community, and includes music and special guest speakers. This year’s theme is “Remembering and Celebrating Veterans,” and the guest speaker is retired Lt. Col. Glenn Myers from the U.S. Air Force

Myers was born in 1941 in East McKeesport, Pa. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Air Force through the ROTC program at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., on Jan. 19, 1965, and on active duty beginning April 19, 1965.

Myers next completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Moody AFB, Georgia, in May 1966, followed by Tactical Reconnaissance Training and RF-4C Phantom II Combat Crew Training, from May to September 1966.

His first assignment was as an RF-4C pilot and Pilot Systems Operator with the 22nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, from Oct. 1966 to June 1967, and then as an RF-4C pilot with the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam, from June 1967 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on Aug. 9, 1967.

After spending over 2,000 days in captivity, Myers was released during Operation Homecoming on March 14, 1973.

He was briefly hospitalized at Patterson AFB to recover from his injuries, and then attended pilot requalification training and Pilot Instructor Training.

His next assignment was as an instructor pilot with the 97th Flying Training Squadron at Williams AFB in Arizona, from Sept. 1974 to April 1977.

Myers served as a C-141 pilot with the 20th Military Airlift Squadron at Charleston AFB, South Carolina, from January 1979 to July 1983. His final assignment was as Director of Operations for the U.S. Air Force-Civil Air Patrol Middle East Liaison Region at Andrews AFB, Maryland, from July 1983 until his retirement from the Air Force on Nov. 1, 1985.

His Silver Star Citation reads: On 31 August 1967: This officer distinguished himself by gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions and propaganda materials.

This American resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Photo of Lt. Col. Glenn Myers

Holiday Crafts and Car Show

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Time to celebrate the seasons of Halloween and Christmas at the 25th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and Kris Kringle Kar Klassic on October 31 and November 1, 2015 at the Williamson County Ag Expo Arena, 4215 Long Ln. This annual family event is presented by the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department (WCPR) and features an invitational car show along with great holiday shopping, plus on-site trick or treating, visits and photos with Santa, and a community band concert.

On Saturday and Sunday, over 140 vendors will be participating in the arts and crafts show, with unique, handmade gifts, holiday and home décor, jewelry, apparel and other goodies made by local crafters and artists. Select holiday gifts for the whole family! Vintage and repurposed gifts, original art, pet items and more will be for sale at the show, so bring a shopping list.

On Saturday, October 31, the craft and car shows will celebrate the spirit of the Halloween season! Bring the kids in costume and trick or treat from all 140 vendor booths indoors from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

On Sunday, the show will switch gears to December holiday fun with Santa on hand to listen to wish lists and take photos with the kids from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Plus, you can enjoy a concert by the Williamson County Community Band on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Vote for your favorite vehicle in the car show, sponsored by Hyundai of Cool Springs. The craft show is sponsored by NASH FM 103.3.

The Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and Kris Kringle Kar Klassic will be Saturday, October 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 1, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 per person, and includes the car and the craft show, both held indoors at the Williamson County Ag Expo Arena, 4215 Long Lane, (I-65, exit #61) in Franklin. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Parking is free. Concessions will be on sale both days.

For more information about the craft show and booth availability (vendors may still apply), contact Sarah Foster at (615) 790-5719, ext. 2028. For information about the Kris Kringle Kar Klassic, contact Trish Bilbrey at (615) 790-5719, ext. 2044, or visit www.wcparksandrec.com.

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For registration and additional information, visit www.wcparksandrec.com, or call (615) 790-5719, ext. 2010. You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook or following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or on Pinterest.

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, Franklin TN

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Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival Franklin TN 2015Pilgrimage 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.

Gypsy

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Presented by The Tennessean Williamson
Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Arthur Laurents

Sept. 17 – Oct. 4, 2015  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.

Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival

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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 and fellow New Orleanians 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 30 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.