NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville are excited to present Songblazers, an innovative country-themed show written and directed by Amy Tinkham. This dynamic theatrical production pays tribute to the legendary and modern trailblazers of country music. Charting the journey of two main characters as they forge their own path to country recognition, Songblazerspromises an unforgettable experience for audiences. Songblazers premieres July 2024 in Nashville, and today, Cirque du Soleil announces seven additional U.S. cities.
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Performing Arts Center® (TPAC): July 2 to July 28, 2024
Sugar Land, TX - Smart Financial Center: August 1 to August 11, 2024
Austin, TX - Bass Concert Hall: August 14 to August 18, 2024
San Antonio, TX - Majestic Theatre: August 21 to August 25, 2024
Birmingham, AL - BJCC Concert Hall: September 12 to September 15, 2024
New Orleans, LA - Saenger Theatre: September 18 to September 22, 2024
Dallas, TX - Music Hall at Fair Park: September 25 to October 20, 2024
St. Louis, MO - The Fabulous Fox Theater: October 23 to October 27, 2024
Pre-sale tickets are available today. General on-sale starts on March 28.
In an exciting addition, Cirque du Soleil proudly announces its collaboration with Sam Williams, a contemporary country artist, grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr, for the creation of an original song for the show Songblazers, fusing gut-wrenching honesty and plainspoken poetics with raw vulnerability and deep empathy, CARNIVAL HEART, is inspired by a personal yearning of self-discovery, friendship, and hope. Williams wrote the spellbinding new song with fellow songwriters PJ Harding and Ned Houston.
“The title idea came to me pretty easily after becoming acquainted with Cirque du Soleil,” says Williams. “Where I come from, most people don’t get to go to the circus. We go to county fairs and carnivals, and the carnival in a small town is filled with joy, excitement, mystery, euphoria, you name it. That feeling is one you always remember, and I think the roller coaster of emotions lines up with what you want to feel seeing such an incredibly beautiful production such as Cirque’s.”
Pre-save Williams’ “Carnival Heart (from Cirque du Soleil Songblazers)” HERE.
Drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of country music, Songblazers pays homage to the legendary trailblazers of the past while embracing the vibrant talents of contemporary artists. Audiences are invited to witness breathtaking acrobatics, awe-inspiring aerial acts, and displays of extraordinary strength. As the crowd grooves to beloved country tunes, they will be entranced by the breathtaking skills of Cirque du Soleil artists, honoring the rich tradition of country music while embracing its evolving spirit.
Here is the creative team for this new theatrical creation, Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever country music-themed show.
- Daniel Ross - Director of Creation
- Amy Tinkham – Show Director & Writer
- Wayne Wilson - Associate Show Director & Comedic Content Designer
- Bruce Rodgers - Set Designer
- Nicholas Mahon - Props and Puppets Designer
- Zerina Rosette Akers - Costume Designer
- Vanessa Ashley - Make-up Designer
- Abigail Rosen Holmes - Lighting Designer
- Gareth Owen - Sound Designer
- Germain Guillemot - Acrobatic Performance Designer
- Danny Zen - Acrobatic Equipment Designer
- Melissa Colello - Acrobatic Choreographer
- Seth Roberts - Music Arranger & Producer
TICKET INFORMATION
Premiering at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center® (TPAC) in Nashville in July 2024, tickets for this new show are now available for purchase. Cirque Club membership offers exclusive benefits such as early ticket access and behind-the-scenes insights. For more information and to secure your seats, visit: www.cirquedusoleil.com/songblazer
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ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.
ABOUT UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE
Universal Music Group Nashville consists of Capitol Records Nashville, Capitol Comedy Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, and Silver Wings Records. Reading like a “who’s who” of Music Row, the combined rosters include Alan Jackson, Anne Wilson, Billy Currington, Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Bryce Leatherwood, Carrie Underwood, Catie Offerman, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Dalton Dover, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, George Strait, Hootie & The Blowfish, Hueston, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kylie Morgan, Little Big Town, Louie TheSinger, Luke Bryan, Luke Grimes, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Sam Williams, The War And Treaty, Travis Denning, Tyler Hubbard, Vince Gill, and comedian Nate Bargatze. For additional information, visit www.umgnashville.com.
ABOUT SAM WILLIAMS
Grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr., Sam Williams is the latest in a long line of American originals, who sings with his own singular voice and writes in his own singular style, fusing gut-wrenching honesty and plainspoken poetics with raw vulnerability and deep empathy. In 2021, Williams released his debut album, Glasshouse Children, which was a testament to his brilliant lyricism and soulful vocals and received rave reviews from Rolling Stone, Music Row, Associated Press, and so much more. In October 2022, Williams also unveiled a deluxe edition of the record, which featured “Tilted Crown,” a reflective track about navigating his legacy in life. Williams followed up his debut with a string of powerful singles in 2023, along with multiple shows at the Grand Ole Opry and show-stopping performances at Nashville’s CMA Fest and the UK’s Country 2 Country Fest. With more music coming in 2024, Sam continues to prove that he is making a legacy for himself that is completely his own.
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