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"Country Legends" starring Patrick Thomas & Rachel Potter
2023-04-07 20:00 (America/Chicago) | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
Celebrate the greatest country hits through the decades with Nashville-based recording artists Patrick Thomas (The Voice) and Rachel Potter (Broadway and The X Factor). The pair bring their electric chemistry and charisma to the classics you know and love from Hank Williams to Patsy Cline, Dolly, Garth, and Faith and Tim. You’ll be singing along as the two industry veterans walk you through the decades in a stripped-down version of their touring orchestral show, Country Legends.

An Intimate Evening with SmithField: Stories & Song
2023-04-08 20:00 | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
Rooted in stunning harmonies and sharp songwriting, Trey Smith and Jenn Fielder collectively known as SmithField, are a modern country duo inspired by one of country music’s longstanding legacies: the male-female duet. Smithfield hails from a small town in Texas, where they met at the age of 10, and their families go back 3 generations. Since moving to music city, their song “Hey Whiskey” in 2018 launched the duo into critically acclaimed artists that Rollingstone, Billboard, People, and Forbes have all raved about and called the ‘ones to watch’ in country music. The band has amassed independently more than 80 million global streams, Debuted a #1 Country EP called New Town in 2021, and have over 40 Grand Ole Opry performances. Smithfield has opened for some of country’s biggest acts such as Old Dominion, Kane Brown, Brothers Osborn, and Morgan Wallen to name a few.

The Stories Behind the Songs featuring Tim McGraw, Tom Douglas and The Warren Brothers
2023-04-10 19:00 | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
The Stories Behind the Songs featuring Tim McGraw, Tom Douglas and The Warren Brothers – The Franklin Theatre
The 21st District Recovery Court (Recovery Court) is hosting their first ever singer-songwriter night on April 10 at The Franklin Theatre. The intimate musical experience showcases the talents of Williamson County’s very own Tim McGraw. The superstar entertainer, author and actor will perform some of his greatest hits in a songwriter in the round style event alongside Tom Douglas and The Warren Brothers.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to Recovery Court to support its 20-year mission to end the cycle of addiction and crime in our community by providing accountability and compassion to non-violent offenders in the criminal justice system. “Both Brad and I have a passion to help those who are suffering from alcohol and substance abuse,” said Brett Warren, who also serves on Recovery Court’s board of directors. “This event is one of the ways we are supporting the addiction and recovery community and we look forward to joining Tim and Tom as we share the inspiration behind some of our songs.”
Douglas is an Academy Award, Golden Globe and GRAMMY®-nominated songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member who has written several McGraw hits, including “Southern Voice”, “Grown Men Don’t Cry”, “Let It Go”, “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s”, and “My Little Girl.” McGraw has recorded more than 30 of The Warren Brothers songs including “If You’re Reading This”, “Felt Good on My Lips”, “Highway Don’t Care”, and “Thought About You”.
Presenting sponsors are H.G. Hill Realty Company and Let it Shine Gymnastics. Additional sponsors include: Buerger, Moseley and Carson, Gray Public Relations, Lacie and Kyle Simonton, Judge Deanna Johnson, Brett Warren and David Dingler. The event is in collaboration with Songwriters City.
The inaugural singer-songwriter event adds to Recovery Court’s 2023 fundraisers. The annual Eat the Street Food Truck Festival will be held on Friday, June 2, and the annual Community Luncheon, which is rebranding from its breakfast format to accommodate growth, will be held on Monday, Oct. 30.
Recovery Court is funded primarily through grants and private donations, and receives no taxpayer funding. “Our program is not an easy way out,” said Program Director Connie Martin. “The court only considers applicants demonstrating a genuine desire to confront their addictions. Those that are accepted undergo rigorous treatment and intensive monitoring as they learn life skills and new habits for successful living. Our model is unique in that it uses a non-adversarial, therapeutic approach to crimes rooted in addiction.”
According to local law enforcement professionals, most crimes committed in our community are drug or alcohol related. Recovery Court has proven effective in reducing the revolving door of drug and alcohol related crime as well as reducing the cost to taxpayers. The program spends approximately $14,500 per participant annually compared to an estimated $35,000 to incarcerate each offender for a year.
Those who would like to support Recovery Court but cannot attend the event may make an online donation at 21stdc.org.
About Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw is a GRAMMY® Award-winning entertainer, author and actor who has sold more than eighty-nine million records worldwide and dominated the charts with forty-six number one singles. He is the most played country artist since his debut in 1992, has four New York Times bestselling books to his credit and has acted in such movies as Friday Night Lights and The Blind Side. McGraw recently starred beside Sam Elliott and his wife Faith Hill in the Yellowstone prequel and three-time Emmy nominated 1883. He is the founder and inspiration behind health and fitness brand, TRUMAV. McGraw is considered one of the most successful touring acts in the history of country music. His projects have spawned some of the most meaningful songs of all time, including “Live Like You Were Dying” and “Humble and Kind,” whose messages continue to impact fans around the world.
About Tom Douglas
Tom Douglas is an Academy Award, Golden Globe and GRAMMY®-nominated songwriter. Douglas got his first song recorded by Collin Raye at the age of 41. That song, “Little Rock”, reached #1, earned a nomination for CMA Song of the Year and achieved the Million-Air award from BMI for receiving one million spins on country radio. Since then, Douglas has written numerous number one hits, including: “I Run to You” (Lady A), “Southern Voice” (Tim McGraw) and “The House That Built Me” (Miranda Lambert). The Grammy Award-winning song “The House That Built Me.” Douglas has written countless well-received songs for a wide range of artists, including: Keith Urban, P!nk, Luke Bryan, Celine Dion, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, Kenny Chesney, Kane Brown, George Strait, Chris Janson, and Collin Raye among others. In 2011 Douglas’ song, “Coming Home” received an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song. In 2014, Douglas was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, subsequently receiving a Grammy Nomination for his song “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” recorded by Tim McGraw. Recent work includes “Drunk Girl” recorded by Chris Janson. He also penned the song “Dear Hate” recorded by Maren Morris and Vince Gill, earning the Grammy nomination for the 2019 Country Song of the Year. Douglas is currently signed to Sony Music Publishing, and lives in Nashville with his wife, Katie.
About The Warren Brothers
The Warren Brothers are an American songwriting duo. Brad and Brett Warren have written hits for Tim McGraw (“If You’re Reading This”, “Felt Good on My Lips”, “Highway Don’t Care”, “Thought About You”), Toby Keith (“Red Solo Cup”), Keith Urban (“Little Bit of Everything”), Faith Hill (“The Lucky One”), Martina McBride (“Anyway”, “Wrong Baby Wrong”), Dierks Bentley (“Feel That Fire”), Jerrod Niemann (“Drink To That All Night”), Jason Aldean (“Lights Come On”, “We Back”), Blake Shelton (“Every Time I Hear That Song”), Chris Young (“Sober Saturday Night”) and more. They’ve recorded songs by Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Lady A, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Gary Allan, Tyler Farr, Billy Currington and many other A-list country artists. In addition, the brothers have also written songs for rock bands including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nickelback, Hinder, Joss Stone and Boys Like Girls. They moved to Nashville from Tampa, Fla. in 1995 and in 1997 signed with RCA records, making three albums for RCA’s sister label BNA Records. During that time, they toured with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. As artists, they have seven Billboard Top 40 hits. McGraw took an interest in their songwriting and has recorded more than 30 of their songs. They were CMA nominees for Duo of the Year for six straight years and had GRAMMY® nominations for Song of the Year (“If You’re Reading This”) and a CMA Song of the Year (“Anyway”). In 2013 the duo won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Original Song for ‘Good Afternoon America,’ the theme song for the ABC program ‘Good Afternoon America’ which they co-wrote with Little Big Town.
About 21st District Recovery Court
The 21st Recovery Court serves the 21st Judicial District. Program participants are non-violent offenders with a history of chemical dependency, which has shown to be one of the primary reasons for repeated criminal activity. The program works with law enforcement and the courts as participants engage in a highly supervised, two-year program, providing treatment, supervision and support. Graduates of recovery court programs have a low rate of reoffending, especially compared to those offenders supervised in traditional court probation and parole programs. Participants’ recovery allows them to have a productive life while the community is served by a reduction in criminal activity and cost-effective treatment for offenders. Most importantly, the families and lives of the participants are restored to a safe and positive environment. Recovery courts in Tennessee are not supported by state judicial budgets, rather they are partially funded by a portion of statutory court costs paid by criminal offenders. For more information, visit 21stdc.org or call 615.595.7868.

Snack Pairings Mini Class at Saint Goose!
2023-04-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Saint Goose Wine and Spirits Shop, 134 2nd Avenue North, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
Snack Pairings Mini Class at Saint Goose in Downtown Franklin
Wine and Snacks are a match made in Saint Goose heaven. Join Kate as she pairs wine with your favorite snack foods. We will learn how to use the flavors in wine to complement classic munchies snacks like popcorn, cheeze-its, and candy. See you soon!
About Saint Goose
Saint Goose is a curated wine shop with an inviting whiskey and cigar experience in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Founded in 2021 by Andrew Kilpatrick and Kate Ham, Saint Goose is the local destination for the most optimal selection of world-class wines in Franklin, Nashville and beyond.

Funny Money
2023-04-14 19:30 - 2023-04-16 14:30, 2023-04-19 19:30 - 2023-04-23 14:30, 2023-04-26 19:30 - 2023-04-29 19:30 | Pull-Tight Players Theatre, 112 2nd Avenue South, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
Funny Money – Pull-Tight Players Theatre
A farce from one of the masters of stage comedy, Funny Money will have you laughing all the way to the bank—or Barcelona. Accountant Henry Perkins is down the middle in every way, middle-class and middle-aged, and headed home for another middling birthday dinner with his wife and friends … until he picks up the wrong briefcase on the tube, one filled with a LOT of money. For once throwing caution to the wind, he decides to run away with his wife and the money. But a night of mix-ups, mistaken identities, and a miscreant named Mr. Big have other plans for Henry. Funny Money is a night of hilarious twists and turns that are anything but middle of the road.
Written by Ray Cooney
Directed by Johnny Peppers
Produced by Savannah Aiello
Performance dates
April 14, 15, 19-22, 26-29 at 7:30 p.m.
April 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m.

What is Orange Wine? Mini Class at Saint Goose!
2023-04-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Saint Goose Wine and Spirits Shop, 134 2nd Avenue North, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
What is Orange Wine? Mini Class at Saint Goose in downtown Franklin.
Orange Wine…not made from oranges. Join Kate as she takes us through the process of making skin contact wine, and how they taste!
About Saint Goose
Saint Goose is a curated wine shop with an inviting whiskey and cigar experience in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Founded in 2021 by Andrew Kilpatrick and Kate Ham, Saint Goose is the local destination for the most optimal selection of world-class wines in Franklin, Nashville and beyond.

Puppy Pals
2023-04-15 14:00 | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
Puppy Pals – The Franklin Theatre
A Howling Good Time!

Puppy Pals is a family fun action-packed show where adopted and rescued dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Watch as we lead the puppies and audience through challenging and comical tricks as the pooches show everyone who is really boss! Full of surprises and laugh-out-loud canine comedy this performance appeals to children of all ages.
“Anything is Paw-sible”
Wesley Williams has loved animals from a very young age! His mom even says he wanted to purchase a full-on petting zoo at just five years old. It was always something new she proclaimed. One month all he wanted was a potbelly pig, the next month a miniature pony, the next month a flock of chickens, you name the animal, and Wesley wanted it. Although he has always had a passion for working with animals, Wesley pursued his unique unicycle skills at an early age, but always kept that dream of working with furry friends in the back of his mind. Just two years into forming his livelong goal of an animal act Wesley has burst onto the scene with his “Puppy Pals,” an all-new comedic stunt dog show!

The Skylight Sip and Sample at The Factory
2023-04-15 18:00 - 21:00 | THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
Enjoy signature cocktails and small plates made by participating Factory restaurants exclusively for Sip & Sample patrons.

Get the First Look at a Franklin Original
Sip & Sample is the first opportunity to experience the reimagined Factory at Franklin. Enjoy drinks from The Skylight, our brand-new bar and gathering space, while sampling small plates made exclusively for Sip & Sample patrons by participating Factory restaurants. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss.
Participating restaurants include:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Five Daughters Bakery
Two Hands
Mojo’s Tacos
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Honest Coffee Roasters
Etch
Mafiaoza’s Pizzeria
Franklin Juice Co.
Greys Fine Cheese

The Skylight: The Factory’s New Bar and Gathering Space
Located in the heart of The Factory, The Skylight is a place to connect amidst picturesque architecture and authentic community. The bar’s space and drink menu were crafted to celebrate the history and hospitality that make The Factory and our town of Franklin such iconic places.
We are excited to introduce The Skylight to patrons at Sip & Sample. All guests will receive two drink tickets, discounted drink prices, and fun food pairings from participating Factory restaurants.
Join The Skylight’s email list and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay updated about future events, new drink creations, and more.
This event is 21+.

Yancy Riley
2023-04-15 19:00 | The Mockingbird Theater at The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Bldg 6, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
Yancy Riley’s music draws on the diverse cultural and musical influences of his home state, Louisiana. He credits his all-embracing style to the music imprinted on him during his early years, which ranged from soulful gospel to the realness and accessibility of country music. Yancy’s value of family, his convictions, and his determination to succeed have empowered him to continue to mature into the artist he is today. Through this progression, he has learned the power of performance and the grace of delivery.
Embraced by fans from all genres, Yancy continues to build a dynamic following as he performs live. Yancy’s raspy voice and range make him a consistent draw, which is evident by the success he has enjoyed sharing the stage with national acts.
As a recording artist, Yancy has produced a new studio album titled Expectations. Cuts from his album have received regional airplay and overwhelming fan response. Yancy’s new album exemplifies both his writing and production, allowing him to create an album that showcases his soulful vocal approach and his ability to stir the emotions. The album reflects the passion Yancy has for the traditions of country music without compromising his unique approach to the genre and vocal styling by connecting with both days gone by and the days of now.

Deborah Allen
2023-04-15 20:00 | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
Deborah Allen – The Franklin Theatre – April 15
Deborah Allen is one of those rare artists who forged their own path to success and ended up building a world-class career in the process. An extraordinarily talented singer, songwriter, producer and performer, Deborah’s unique abilities as an artist may be matched only by her enthusiasm and creativity as an individual. It is that formidable combination of spirit and talent that keeps the Grammy-nominated entertainer in demand. With her latest album, The Art of Dreaming, Deborah Allen’s music remains as smart, witty and sexy as ever.
Throughout her phenomenal journey of hits and accomplishments in every facet of her career, Deborah Allen remains true to her vision. From her discovery by Roy Orbison, to her friendship with Shel Silverstein, her work with Prince, and her current release, The Art of Dreaming, Deborah creates art entirely on her own terms. With a distinguished career built on success after success as a performer, songwriter and producer, the dynamic Delta singer from Memphis, Tennessee, has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. That’s simply not Deborah Allen’s style. To learn more click here.
Doors open one hour before the show.
FT Live sponsored by Jackson.

Jimmie Vaughan and The Tilt-A-Whirl Band
2023-04-16 20:00 | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
Jimmie Vaughan and The Tilt-A-Whirl Band – The Franklin Theatre
In true Texas fashion,four-time Grammy-winner Jimmie Vaughan has helped breathe new life into the music that has been his lifeline all these decades, becoming a hero to those who cherish America’s real gift to musical history.
“When I talk about country and blues, they’re the same thing,” Jimmie Vaughan says. “Muddy Waters and Hank Williams, Webb Pierce and Jimmy Reed. When I was a kid, I didn’t understand the difference. Everybody was always asking me, ‘Why do you want to play blues? Why don’t you play country?’ But I would listen to the country guys and they would be doing a Jimmy Reed song. They’re playing the same lick. And Ray Charles, Little Milton, Guitar Junior, Lonnie Brooks, B.B. King–they all did country songs. Is Bob Wills country blues or jazz? And the answer is, it’s American music. I’m tired of trying to pigeonhole everything. I want to bring it together; it comes from the same place.”
As a young teenager in Oak Cliff, Texas, his father told him to take guitar lessons if he wanted to really learn the instrument. But when Vaughan’s teacher told the guitar student it wasn’t going to work because the student “was too far gone” to learn from the lesson books, Jimmie Vaughan knew he was on his own. Which was perfect for him, because the blues would be his teacher for life. For those who find themselves living inside this true American music, it becomes a way of life, and a musical force to follow forever.
Jimmie Vaughan became possessed by his instrument while listening to the blues on the Black radio station in Dallas, and it has been that way ever since. When something this strong takes over, there is no way out—the pursuit just keeps going deeper.
Jimmie Vaughan has been playing the blues he hears in his head and feels in his heart for over a half-century.
When he first heard songs like Phil Upchurch’s “You Can’t Sit Down,” The Nightcaps’ “Wine, Wine, Wine” and B.B. King’s many hit songs in the early 1960s, he knew he had found his music. And ever since then, it’s been a constant quest to play the blues, whether it was in early 1970s Austin bands like Storm and then the Fabulous Thunderbirds, or later with brother Stevie Ray Vaughan on their FAMILY STYLE album, and on his own releases throughout the 1990s and in 2001.
Then the solo albums stopped, until in 2010, Vaughan had an idea to start recording The Great American Blues Songbook. He assembled the kind of band most musicians can only dream about, and began recording his dream set list at Top Hat and Wire Studios in Austin. Never one to back down from a great idea, in 2011 Vaughan and band went back into the same studio and recorded a second collection of some of his favorite songs, zeroing in on that music’s ability to light a fuse wherever it was heard.
Last fall, to help celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the first of the BLUES, BALLADS AND FAVOURITES albums, THE PLEASURE’S ALL MINE compiled both albums as a collection,?and was released alongside a Vinyl reissue of 2016’s JIMMIE VAUGHAN TRIO featuring Mike Flanigin LIVE AT C-BOY’S release, which featured songs recorded at the venerable Austin nightspot that Vaughan and crew call home when they are in town.
In 2019, his newest release, BABY, PLEASE COME HOME brought him back into the spotlight with yet another Grammy nomination, and a Blues Foundation Award for Best Male Artist.
This year, he celebrates his life in the blues and on the road with THE JIMMIE VAUGHAN STORY, a special limited-edition box set and book including over 200 photos covering his life and the breadth of his remarkable career. And yet, Vaughan still feels like he is just getting started, devoted to making sure he is able to give back to the music that has given him so much. The blues is in Jimmie Vaughan’s blood, has been there since the start, and will stay there forever.
FT Live sponsored by Jackson.

Music 4 Music Songwriters Night
2023-04-17 19:00 - 22:00 | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
The Ravenwood Band presents Music 4 Music, a Songwriters Night & Silent Auction, to be held at The Franklin Theatre, to benefit the Ravenwood High School Band.
The evening will feature acoustic performances by award-winning singers & songwriters who have written songs for nationally known artists such as Chicago, Martina McBride, Blake Shelton, and Tracey Lawrence.
Featuring Jackson Dreyer, Mikey Wayne, Marc Beeson, Dan Couch, Brinley Addington, and more.
To purchase tickets please visit:
https://www.franklintheatre.com
Silent Auction opens April 1st:
https://fly.causepilot.com/rhs/music
Proceeds from ticket sales & silent auction will help to fund our very own band tower. The fundraiser will be held April 17th, 2023 at the historic Franklin Theatre.

An Evening with The Warren Brothers benefitting Faithfully Restored
2023-04-18 19:00 | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
Join Faithfully Restored for a night out for a cause featuring live music from The Warren Brothers. Funds raised from the evening will benefit Faithfully Restored’s programs, including mothers at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago this Mother’s Day.
Entertainment: The Warren Brothers are a songwriting duo that have written hits for Tim McGraw (“If You’re Reading This”, “Felt Good on My Lips”, “Highway Don’t Care”, “Thought About You”), Toby Keith (“Red Solo Cup”), Keith Urban (“Little Bit of Everything”), Faith Hill (“The Lucky One”), Martina McBride (“Anyway”, “Wrong Baby Wrong”), Dierks Bentley (“Feel That Fire”), Jerrod Niemann (“Drink To That All Night”), Jason Aldean (“Lights Come On”, “We Back”), Blake Shelton (“Every Time I Hear That Song”), Chris Young (“Sober Saturday Night”) and more!
Those who would like to support Faithfully Restored but cannot attend the event may make an online donation at www.faithfullyrestoredwomen.com.
Additional Information:

Adult only event
Wine, beer and mixed drinks are available for purchase.
Thanks to our sponsor Vaco, 100% of ticket purchase goes towards our mission to spread hope to women walking through hardships.

Secrets of the Goose Mini Class at Saint Goose!
2023-04-19 17:30 - 18:30 | Saint Goose Wine and Spirits Shop, 134 2nd Avenue North, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
Secrets of the Goose Mini Class at Saint Goose in Downtown Franklin. It’s a Secret! Show up and be surprised.

About Saint Goose
Saint Goose is a curated wine shop with an inviting whiskey and cigar experience in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Founded in 2021 by Andrew Kilpatrick and Kate Ham, Saint Goose is the local destination for the most optimal selection of world-class wines in Franklin, Nashville and beyond.

An Evening with AJ Croce
2023-04-19 20:00 | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
An Evening with AJ Croce at The Franklin Theatre
Over the past three decades, A.J. Croce has established his reputation as a piano player and serious vocal stylist who pulls from a host of musical traditions and anti-heroes — part New Orleans, part juke joint, part soul. On his new single “So Much Fun” (co-written with Gary Nicholson) he handles lead vocal and rollicking piano with an irresistible New Orleans loose-and-easy style.
While his 2017 album, JUST LIKE MEDICINE, paired him with soul legend Dan Penn and an all-star cast of players, his newest album was born of memories — of favorite artists and shows, but mostly, of late-night gatherings with groups of friends, many of them fellow musicians, with Croce at the piano taking requests. Available now, Croce revisits these musical evenings on BY REQUEST, 12 personally curated covers that traverse decades and genres, propelled by his spirited, piano mastery and emotive vocals. It’s a tribute to Croce the music fan as well as Croce the musician that both the variety and execution is inspired, aided by a full band and horns.
BY REQUEST is the first album Croce has released since losing his wife of 24 years, Marlo Croce, after a sudden heart ailment; and the first to feature his full touring band: Gary Mallaber on drums (Van Morrison, Steve Miller band), David Barard on bass (Allen Toussaint, Dr. John), and his previous guitarist Garrett Stoner.
From sharing an obscure song by Motown artist Shorty Long, “Ain’t No Justice,” to his funky, dead-on version of Billy Preston’s “Nothing from Nothing,” Croce keeps the virtual party hopping. While he delivers faithful recreations of such nuggets as The Five Stairsteps’ “Ooh Child” and Allen Toussaint’s “Brickyard Blues,” he puts his own spin on piano-driven arrangements of songs by Neil Young, The Beach Boys, Sam Cooke, The Faces and more. Young’s “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” is reinterpreted as a gospel song, and The Beach Boys’ “Sail On Sailor” becomes a trippy, rollicking ride.
Over his ten studio albums, it’s clear that A.J. Croce holds an abiding love for all types of musical genres: Blues, Soul, Pop, Jazz, and Rock n’ Roll. A virtuosic piano player, Croce toured with B.B. King and Ray Charles before reaching the age of 21, and, over his career, he has performed with a wide range of musicians, from Willie Nelson to the Neville Brothers; Béla Fleck to Ry Cooder. A.J. has also co-written songs with such formidable tunesmiths as Leon Russell, Dan Penn, Robert Earl Keen and multi-Grammy winner Gary Nicholson. His albums have all charted and done so on an impressive array of charts: Top 40, Blues, Americana, Jazz, College, and Radio 1. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter also has landed 20 singles on a variety of Top 20 charts. While it’s clear A.J.’s recordings and shows span many aforementioned genres, his tastes and extended influences reach even further to classical styles and world music styles from Latin Jazz to music of Africa, Eastern Europe, or India.
The late, great New Orleans piano player and Croce hero, Allen Toussaint, summed him up best: “In such a crowded music universe it is a pleasure to witness triple uniqueness: pianist, songwriter, singer and at such a level, and who does he sound like? The answer is himself…A.J. Croce.”
A.J.’s last few albums epitomize these qualities: 2014’s Twelve Tales found him working with six celebrated producers — “Cowboy” Jack Clement (Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley), Mitchell Froom (Los Lobos, Crowded House), Tony Berg (Fiona Apple, Bob Dylan), Kevin Killen (Elvis Costello, Peter Gabriel), Greg Cohen (Tom Waits, John Zorn), and Toussaint (Dr. John, Lee Dorsey) — who each chose two songs (a single’s “A” and “B” sides). The resulting collection was recorded in five cities with six different bands. American Songwriter wrote: “Regardless of the genre, Croce slides into these songs with an easy charm.”
In 2017, A.J. enlisted legendary Muscle Shoals producer/songwriter Dan Penn and an all-star backing crew that included Steve Cropper, Vince Gill, David Hood, Colin Linden, Bryan Owings, The Muscle Shoals Horns, and The McCrary Sisters for his album Just Like Medicine, which ABC News praised as sounding “like it was crafted with the influence of greats like Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello in mind.”
A.J.’s deep love for music is understandable considering that his mother, Ingrid, was a singer/songwriter as was his father, the late Jim Croce. His father died in a tragic plane crash just before his second birthday. A.J., who started playing piano at a young age, purposely avoided his father’s music in order to establish his own identity as a musician. A.J.’s relationship with his father’s music began changing around 15 years ago, when he began digitalized his father’s tapes. One old cassette contained a bar performance of Jim Croce playing blues tunes that had influenced him. These were deep-cuts by folks like Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Blake, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, and A.J. was amazed since these songs were the ones that he had been playing since he was 12.
After more than 25 years making his own musical mark, he began performing some of his Dad’s songs live and forming a special show out of it. In the past few years, A.J. has begun periodically performing a “Croce Plays Croce” concert, where he shares stories & songs of Jim Croce, his own tunes, and covers that influenced the two of them. He loves seeing “the joy it brings audiences,” as well as enjoying that he can keep the shows fresh and exciting because he has the flexibility to change up the set list each time out. In Fall of 2022 he debuts the 50th Anniversary of You Don’t Mess Around With Jim concert (on a U.S. tour), a special edition of Croce Plays Croce, performing that debut Jim Croce album completely, incorporating video projection, and a larger ensemble.
A.J. Croce’s family musical legacy is just part of his very unique life story. Born outside of Philadelphia, A.J. moved with his mother and father to San Diego just before he turned two. Around the age of four, he went blind due to horrific physical abuse from his mother’s then-boyfriend. A.J. was hospitalized for half a year and was totally blind in both eyes for six years. It was during this time that he started playing piano, inspired by blind pianists like Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. Croce, who regained sight in his left eye when he was ten, went on to spend his early teen years performing, including at his mother’s establishment, Croce’s Jazz Bar.
As he celebrates 30 years of a music career, with his newest album BY REQUEST and single “So Much Fun” is his way of inviting you over for a private gathering at his place. He says, we listen to great music, laugh, make great food and after a few drinks and maybe a few more we end up in my music room and I start taking requests of every genre and era. The music is always fun and completely diverse. We’ll play and sing all kinds of music. Some of my friends are professional musicians, some do it for fun and many friends are just serious music fans. So you’ll fit right in.
Welcome to my home, by request, you’re hereby invited to join the party.
www.ajcrocemusic.com
www.facebook.com/ajcrocemusic
FT Live sponsored by Jackson.

Mixtape - 80s Tribute Band
2023-04-20 20:00 - 2023-04-21 20:00 | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
Mixtape – 80s Tribute Band – The Franklin Theatre
Mixtape – 80s Tribute Band has headlined festivals, packed music venues, and rocked corporate events for companies ranging from small businesses to massive Fortune 500 companies. The members of Mixtape have toured in over 6 countries with internationally known recording artists, as well as shared stages with Rick Springfield, .38 Special, Foreigner, Mickey Thomas and Starship, Anthrax, Kiss, Brett Michaels, Chicago, and many more! Mixtape – 80s Tribute Band is America’s #1 touring tribute to our 80s mix tapes!
The 80s gave us MTV, big hair, arena rock, the Moonwalk, the Rubik’s Cube, Max Headroom, Trapper Keepers, Atari and Nintendo, and John Hughes movies. And in the 80s, we totally cruised the park on the weekend, hung out at the mall, lived at the arcade…and we made mix tapes! We made mix tapes for that guy or girl we liked. We made mix tapes for our trip to the lake for the weekend. We made mix tapes for that special friend who was moving away so they’d never forget about us. Do you remember calling in to the radio station to make a request just so you could add that song to your mix tape? We would sit by the boom box and wait for the DJ to play that request so we could hit “record!” Mixtape – 80s Tribute Band is America’s #1 touring tribute to our 80s mix tapes, and a Mixtape – 80s Tribute Band show will immediately transport you back to a time when we were all having the time of our lives!
A Mixtape – 80s Tribute Band concert is so much more than just a concert. The setlists will take you back in time on a journey through the greatest decade in music history. The band will bring you into the show with a multimedia display that’s designed to stimulate every one of your senses. Dual front men will bring all of the biggest hits from the widest variety of artists and bands to the stage. While ordinary tributes will play hits from one band or artist, Mixtape – 80s Tribute Band will keep you on your feet all night long with number one hit after number one hit! You’ll relive the biggest hits from artists and bands like Journey, Bon Jovi, Toto, Huey Lewis & The News, Van Halen, REO Speedwagon, Mr. Mister, Chicago, Bryan Adams, The Outfield, Tears For Fears, Dire Straits, The Romantics, Poison, Night Ranger, A-ha, Yes, Glass Tiger, Bad English, Don Henley, Peter Gabriel, Loverboy, and a ton more! In addition to having the most talented and entertaining singers and musicians on stage, you’ll also be blown away by a fully customized 80s laser lights AND video display as you’ll no doubt spot some of your favorite 80s music video moments on stage. As each Mixtape – 80s Tribute Band show unfolds, the night presses on and the wheels usually come off when the hair band hits start thumping!
If you haven’t seen Mixtape – 80s Tribute Band in person, you’re missing out on a live concert experience that you will never forget! Find the band on tour when they come to your area because it’s time to press play on YOUR……..MIXTAPE!
April 20 – 8 PM
April 21 – 8 PM
FT Live sponsored by Jackson.
More event details are below.

Brockwell Nason live at The Mockingbird
2023-04-21 19:00 | The Mockingbird Theater at The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Bldg 6, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
Brockwell Nason is a singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee who has been writing and releasing music for the past three years. He graduated with a music degree at Middle Tennessee State University and has loved getting to apply what he learned in school as an artist. Writing songs, playing guitar and singing is something that he has always loved to do, and recording his recent music has finally made his life-long dream a reality. He believes that his music, an acoustic pop sound, reflects his personality as an outgoing and positive guy. He wants his music to be easy for people to listen and relate to, as well as catchy enough to get stuck in someone’s head (in a good way of course).
In addition, Jamie Smith, a rising comedian from Nashville, will be joining Brockwell. Jamie has a passion for making people laugh and loves to shed light on past experiences. Her relatable stories and jokes make you want to be best friends with her!

Live in Concert - The Jolly String Quartet
2023-04-21 20:30 - 22:00 | Puckett’s Restaurant Franklin, 120 4th Ave. S., Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
The Jolly String Quartet, Russian-born siblings with an amazing story, mix velvet vocals and fiery fiddling with red-hot mandolin and guitar for a blend of folk, pop, jazz, gospel, and newgrass. This remarkable group has graced the stages of The Opry House, Carnegie Hall, The Country Music Hall of Fame, and The Ryman Auditorium and have entertained in venues as diverse as Nashville’s Puckett’s Restaurant and the Orleans Casino in Las Vegas. Stunningly skillful musicianship and diversity of style – along with a compelling story of redemption from the darkness of a Russian orphanage – produce a concert experience that is certain to intrigue and entertain. Viktor, Gorsha, Yara, and Kristina Jolly, who make up The Jolly String Quartet, were born in Far East Russia, but they now have deep Southern roots that enrich their music with all-American values of freedom, faith, and family. Russian beginnings, an American upbringing, and the flair of a fiery fiddle make music that is both extraordinary and just plain old hand-clapping fun.
To learn more about their music and story please visit – http://www.thejollystringquartet.com/about

Bubbles + Donuts Mini Class at Saint Goose!
2023-04-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Saint Goose Wine and Spirits Shop, 134 2nd Avenue North, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
Bubbles + Donuts Mini Class at Saint Goose in Downtown Franklin
This is a crowd favorite! Sip through a handful of bubbles, learn how each type is made, and discover that donuts truly are the perfect pairing. Donuts are provided from local bakeries. Ideal for bachelorette parties, bridal showers, or brunch.
About Saint Goose
Saint Goose is a curated wine shop with an inviting whiskey and cigar experience in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Founded in 2021 by Andrew Kilpatrick and Kate Ham, Saint Goose is the local destination for the most optimal selection of world-class wines in Franklin, Nashville and beyond.

39th Annual Main Street Festival 2023
2023-04-22 10:00 - 2023-04-23 18:00 | Franklin’s Main Street, 106 3rd Ave N., Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County presents the 39th Annual Main Street Festival, sponsored by First Horizon, held in Historic Downtown Franklin, Tennessee on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23.
The first of the three annual festivals organized and operated by the Heritage Foundation, the Main Street Festival has continually grown in stature and anticipation with the 2022 Festival attracting more than 140,000 attendees.
Photo by Daniel C White Photography
The family-friendly arts and crafts street festival is free to the public. Along with the heralded assortment of local shops and destinations the downtown corridor is known for, guests will enjoy local food and drink vendors, children’s activities, live music, and arts and crafts.
Photo by Daniel C White Photography
As always, there will be an exciting full lineup of special features, which include:
Spring Street, presented by HG Hill Realty
An interactive cultural and art area including art demonstrations, cultural performances, and collaborative art experiences.
PetZone, presented by Petsense by Tractor Supply
Featuring pet-centric activities and promotions.
Whiskey Lounge, presented by Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Tastings and information sessions for whiskey lovers.
Beer Garden, presented by Bavarian Bierhaus
A special array of beer offerings from Bavarian Bierhaus.
Buskers Corner
After debuting at Pumpkinfest, Buskers Corner returns to embed music into the footprint of the festival right next to vendors, in addition to the festival Main Stage and Acoustic Stage (Acoustic Stage is presented by Lipscomb University).
Jazz Day Showings
The Franklin Theatre will be screening performances from International Jazz Day.
More to be announced!

More than 150 artisans and craftspeople will showcase their work at the festival this year. It is made possible thanks to presenting sponsor First Horizon Bank, whose financial support gives back to the community through its continued commitment to the Main Street Festival.

All downtown Franklin merchants will be open and celebrating the event with specials, features and promotions for enhanced shopping, dining and entertainment throughout the historic district.
Entertainers and vendors will be announced soon.
Saturday, April 22nd – 10 AM to 6 PM
Sunday, April 23rd – 10 AM to 6 PM
About Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN is a Franklin-based non-profit who’s mission is to preserve and share regional history, local historic places and signature events that carry on our community traditions and cultural heritage through fundraising, research, advocacy, education, preservation, and community engagement.
More event details are below.

World’s Best Beer Garden
2023-04-22 11:00 - 2023-04-23 16:30 | The Harpeth Hotel, Franklin Downtown, 130 2nd Ave N., Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
World’s Best Beer Garden, The Harpeth, Downtown Franklin
Over Main Street Festival weekend, The Harpeth in downtown Franklin will be hosting its second pop-up bar experience, World’s Best Beer Garden, offering a variety of both draft and bottled beers from local and international breweries, craft hard seltzers, and other refreshing beverages. Chef Thomas and his team will be grilling out in the courtyard with fun beer garden-inspired food items, along with live music, lawn games, and local vendors throughout the hotel.
Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM
Sunday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM

Agave Mini Class at Saint Goose!
2023-04-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Saint Goose Wine and Spirits Shop, 134 2nd Avenue North, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
We love agave-based spirits! Join us as we dive deep into the delicious world of agave spirits.
About Saint Goose
Saint Goose is a curated wine shop with an inviting whiskey and cigar experience in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Founded in 2021 by Andrew Kilpatrick and Kate Ham, Saint Goose is the local destination for the most optimal selection of world-class wines in Franklin, Nashville and beyond.

One Night Only 2023: Fosse
2023-04-22 18:30 - 21:30 | Liberty Hall in The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Rd., Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
STUDIO TENN’S THEATRE COMPANY’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA – ONE NIGHT ONLY
Please join Studio Tenn’s Board of Directors for One Night Only 2023: Fosse, honoring the legacy of the prolific Broadway and Hollywood choreographer, Bob Fosse. His iconic catalogue comes to life on April 22, 2023, as we transform Liberty Hall in The Factory at Franklin into a moody, exclusive club for One Night Only!

Foozer
2023-04-22 19:00 | The Mockingbird Theater at The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Bldg 6, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
Performed by El Scorcho & February Stars, “The Foozer Experience” is a 2+ hour Weezer/Foo Fighters tribute show based off their 2005 co-headlining tour with the moniker “Foozer.”
The songs of both Weezer and Foo Fighters are powerful and memorable rock anthems and sing-a-longs that have proven the test of time over their 20+ year careers. The Foozer Experience delivers anthem after anthem from these two giants of the Alternative Rock era.

Movie Gang Presents: The Princess Bride
2023-04-22 19:30 | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
Movie Gang Presents: The Princess Bride – The Franklin Theatre
Inconceivable! Fantasy, sword fighting, romance, and Andre the Giant are back! The Movie Gang are so excited to throw an event celebrating one of our favorites of all time: THE PRINCESS BRIDE! Our goal is to always bring the heart and soul of a film to life and this event will be no different! From the time the doors open to the end of the film, Saturday, April 22nd, will be a royal night of fun. At the time of doors, we will be hosting a pre-movie lobby art show featuring a few of our favorite local artists with pieces inspired by the film. Corey Basil, “When Bunnies Fly” By Alexis Colbert, & Olivia Noel Art will all be featured. Also to honor the great queen Princess Buttercup, we will be giving away free peanut butter cups. As you wish!!!! So many more surprises to come

Rose All Day Mini Class at Saint Goose!
2023-04-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Saint Goose Wine and Spirits Shop, 134 2nd Avenue North, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
Rose All Day Mini Class at Saint Goose in downtown Franklin
Is it SUMMER yet??? We love pink wine. Join Kate as she takes us through a progressive tasting from morning to night and which roses she pairs with each meal!
About Saint Goose
Saint Goose is a curated wine shop with an inviting whiskey and cigar experience in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Founded in 2021 by Andrew Kilpatrick and Kate Ham, Saint Goose is the local destination for the most optimal selection of world-class wines in Franklin, Nashville and beyond.

We The Music Documentary: Making a hit song in 30 days
2023-04-26 18:30 | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, 37064, United States
Think there’s only one way to make it in the music industry? Think again. Accomplished innovator Parker Wonser and up-and-coming music producer Dan Peerbolt, along with 20 local creatives, have collaborated with the world to create a hit song in 30 days. They’ve recorded their unique process in a 25 minute original documentary and are now ready to show it to you!
Dress fancy! Fashion code is Semi-formal. Come along for the ride as the voice of the world determines an original song and be one of the very first to hear the finished product.
Get $5 off your ticket with early bird savings before Monday, April 24, 2023.
USE PROMO CODE: 30DAYVIRAL!

Let's Spritz Mini Class at Saint Goose!
2023-04-27 17:30 - 18:30 | Saint Goose Wine and Spirits Shop, 134 2nd Avenue North, Franklin, TN, 37064, United States
Let’s Spritz Mini Class at Saint Goose in downtown Franklin
Ladies + Gentlemen, it is official. The summer of 2023 is the summer of the spritz. We’ve all heard of the Aperol Spritz but this is the season of vermouth! Join Kate as she explains the basic equation of what makes up a spritz and taste a few of her favorites!
About Saint Goose
Saint Goose is a curated wine shop with an inviting whiskey and cigar experience in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Founded in 2021 by Andrew Kilpatrick and Kate Ham, Saint Goose is the local destination for the most optimal selection of world-class wines in Franklin, Nashville and beyond.
