February 17, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 17, 2014
For more information,
Contact: Amanda Shell
Moxley Carmichael
(865)255-0661
[email protected]
Legendary artist Kenny Rogers, best known for country hits like “The Gambler” and “Islands in the Stream,” will headline the Tennessee Theatre’s annual “Stars on Stage” fundraiser on Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation to support ongoing operations and maintenance for the theatre in the coming year.
Rogers brings to Knoxville his signature raspy vocals and passion for music that has engaged audiences for more than five decades. He has sold more than 120 million records worldwide, recorded more than 65 albums and is the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) 8th best-selling male artist of all time with one Diamond, 19 Platinum and 31 Gold albums.
“Stars on Stage is our only annual fundraising event, and we rely on its proceeds for our operation and maintenance budget for the year,” said Becky Hancock, Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation interim executive director. “Stars on Stage continues the rich tradition of world-class performers appearing at the Tennessee Theatre who truly embody the soul and passion we all feel for this community treasure.”
In 2013, Rogers was recognized for his contributions to the industry and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Though mainly known for his country music, Rogers has branched out to other genres, including jazz, folk, rock, pop and most recently, gospel. “Stars on Stage” guests can expect a healthy mix of country classics like “Lucille” and “Lady,” as well as songs from his new gospel album, “The Love of God.”
The veteran artist reached a new demographic by appearing at the Tennessee music festival “Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival” in Manchester, Tenn., in 2012 – a performance that “Billboard” listed as No. 3 in its Top 10 list of performances at the festival.
“We hope that guests attend this event to enjoy music from the incomparable Kenny Rogers, as well as to support this iconic community asset,” Hancock said.
The Tennessee Theatre will also announce the results of its 85th Anniversary Sustainability Campaign at the fundraiser. The Sustainability Campaign will create an endowment fund to maintain the beautiful, historic theatre building for generations to come. The campaign ensures the theatre has sufficient funds for continuing maintenance and emergency repairs to the historic Knoxville landmark, using interest from the endowment fund.
Tickets for “Stars on Stage” will be available for purchase on Friday, February 21 at 10 a.m. Regular admission tickets for the Kenny Rogers concert will be available for $57 (plus applicable service fees) at Knoxville Tickets outlets, by phone at 865-684-1200, at the Tennessee Theatre box office on Clinch Avenue, and online at www.tennesseetheatre.com. Doors will open to general ticket holders at 7 p.m.
The “Stars on Stage” exclusive VIP pre-show reception in the Theatre’s balcony includes hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a silent auction featuring autographed musical instruments and memorabilia, unique experience packages and other surprises. The bar and hors d’oeuvres area will be available throughout the concert for VIP ticketholders. VIP tickets are $250 and $175 (plus applicable service fees) and include a tax-deductible donation to the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation. The reception will begin at 6 p.m.
Group VIP seating for individual and corporate hosts is also available by contacting the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation at 865-684-1200.
Pilot Flying J is the presenting corporate sponsor, and the Knoxville News Sentinel is the presenting media sponsor of “Stars on Stage.” Supporting Media sponsors also include WBIR-TV and WIVK. Additional corporate sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Becky Hancock at 865-684-1200.
About the Tennessee Theatre
Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928 as a movie palace. The Tennessee Theatre is the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and is listed in the Register of Historic Places. In 2005, the theater underwent a massive restoration project and led the way for the overall revitalization of downtown Knoxville. Today, the Tennessee Theatre is the region’s leading performing arts venue with state-of-the-art theatrical and technical capabilities that draw top entertainment and unrivaled beauty in the lobbies and auditorium for theatre patrons.
