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The Franklin Theatre Expands Programming with Gospel & CCM Series 

The Franklin Theatre Expands Programming with Gospel & CCM Series 

Featuring both established and up-and-coming Contemporary Christian artists.

FRANKLIN, TN (August 10, 2023) – The Franklin Theatre is pleased to present its Gospel & CCM Series beginning August 17th with former American Idol contestant Colton Dixon and concludes with five-time Grammy-nominee Brandon Heath on November 1st. Media support for this series is provided by 97.1 KLove.

Shows in the 2023 Gospel & CCM Series include:

Colton Dixon

Aug. 17, 2023; 8 PM 

Colton Dixon first emerged as a phenomenon after finishing in the top seven on Season 11 of Fox’s American Idol. Delivering a series of fan favorite albums, 2013’s A Messenger achieved “the biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act” and catapulted into the Top 15 of the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart, not to mention, joining the iconic company of Harry Connick, Jr. and Billy Joel as a Steinway & Sons artist. Now, he captivates once again on his 2023 EP, Canvas [Atlantic Records], introduced by the single “My Light.”

Lydia Laird

Aug. 23, 2023; 8 PM 

Not all artists’ work transcends sound to emotion but for artist/songwriter Lydia Laird, she doesn’t make music any other way. Her self-titled debut EP, releasing August 2020 with accomplished producers Jordan Sapp, Jonathan Smith, Nick Schwarz, and Jeff Sojka, will not only introduce listeners to Laird’s powerful vocals but also to her willingness to be in the dark places and find hope there with anthems that honestly address the pain in life along with the power of the Gospel.

Consumed By Fire

Sept. 1, 2023; 8 PM 

No strangers to the road life, up-and coming Contemporary Christian Music band, Consumed By Fire, are living out the name of their band in a brand-new way. Comprised of Caleb Ward (lead vocals), Jordan Ward (harmonies/percussion), Josh Ward (guitar/harmonies), the three brothers from Oklahoma are living out God’s calling for their lives, to share God’s grace far and wide through music.

Sanctus Real

Sept. 29, 2023; 8 PM 

Formed in 1996, the Ohio-based trio has seen major success over their 25-year career span, earning two GRAMMY® Award nominations, a GMA Dove Award® and six GMA Dove nominations. With a total of nine studio albums, most recently 2019’s Unstoppable God, which was the follow-up to 2018’s Changed, Sanctus Real has accumulated eight No. 1’s and eight top five singles on multiple Christian radio formats.

Brandon Heath

Nov. 1, 2023; 8 PM 

The Nashville native released his major label debut in 2006, amassing fans with his introspective vulnerability ripped straight from real life. With six studio albums, a Christmas record and five No. 1 singles to his credit, including the Platinum RIAA-certified “Give Me Your Eyes,” the singer has garnered five GRAMMY® nominations, an American Music Award nod and an Emmy Award. In addition, he’s earned eight Dove Awards, including two consecutive Male Vocalist honors and a win for Song of the Year. He’s also been recognized as a top lyricist in his field with numerous songwriting accolades, including being named BMI’s Songwriter of the Year.

Individual tickets to all Gospel & CCM Series performances are now available at http://www.franklintheatre.com/music, by calling 615-538-2076, or at the box office.

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ABOUT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE

Following a complete restoration by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County in 2011, the historic Franklin Theatre (Est. 1937), re-opened its doors as a state-of-the-art live music venue featuring performances by world-renowned artists. The theatre also honors its heritage by continuing to show movies. The Theatre’s mission is to provide world-class, diverse performing arts experiences to residents and visitors alike and to be a platform for local philanthropic engagement and education, all delivered with unparalleled guest service. For more information about The Franklin Theatre, visit www.franklintheatre.com.

ABOUT THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY

Since 1967, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County has been dedicated to preserving Williamson County’s architectural, geographic and cultural heritage as well as promoting the ongoing revitalization of downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation. Notable projects include The Franklin Theatre, Roper’s Knob, parts of the Franklin battlefield and the Old, Old Jail. Events and festivals produced by the Heritage Foundation such as Main Street Festival, the Heritage Ball, PumpkinFest and Dickens of a Christmas bring an estimated 300,000+ locals and visitors to downtown Franklin each year that creates more a $8 million dollar economic impact annually. The Heritage Foundation owns and operates The Franklin Theatre, Downtown Franklin Association, Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens, and its newest entity: The History & Culture Center of Williamson County. For more information about the Heritage Foundation, visit www.williamsonheritage.org.