August 18, 2020
The Tennessee Theatre announces its new Ghostlight Series, spotlighting local artists by streaming concerts from the Tennessee Theatre stage.
“The ghost light is a longstanding tradition designed to keep a theatre lit when it otherwise would be completely dark,” Tennessee Theatre Executive Director Becky Hancock said. “Though the Tennessee Theatre currently is closed, or at extended intermission as we like to say, we aim to continue to celebrate music, arts and entertainment. We want to bring that light into your homes even when we can’t gather together in the theatre. The Ghostlight Series will shine a light on Knoxville’s own outstanding artists and allow the theatre to continue to bring ‘live’ music to our community.”
The Ghostlight Series will stream on Tuesdays, and the lineup includes: Kelle Jolly and Will Boyd on Sept. 1; Count This Penny on Sept. 8; Frog and Toad’s Dixie Quartet with Brent Thompson on Sept. 15; and Guy Marshall on Sept. 22. All prerecorded concerts will stream via Facebook Live and can be accessed for free starting at 8 p.m. at www.facebook.com/TennesseeTheatre and on the Facebook app.
In a flipped view from regular concerts, the auditorium will serve as the backdrop so viewers can enjoy the overall beauty of the historic theatre while watching the newly recorded concerts.
The Ghostlight Series also provides an opportunity for the community and fans to support the arts, as the COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on musicians, performers, behind-the-scenes crews and venues. The Tennessee Theatre will accept donations that will be split with the featured performers. Donations can be made online at www.tennesseetheatre.com.
The public also can support the Tennessee Theatre by sharing the free concert opportunity with friends and followers via social media and word of mouth, as well as tuning in to the performance on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. starting Sept. 1.
The lineup features artists known and beloved across East Tennessee. Vocalist Kelle Jolly, “The Tennessee Ukulele Lady,” is the host of “Jazz Jam with Kelle Jolly” on WUOT. Count This Penny is a singer-songwriter duo born in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and who have graced the stage alongside Melissa Etheridge, Kacey Musgraves and The Head & the Heart, among others. Frog & Toad’s Dixie Quartet focuses on Dixieland and early swing tunes. Guy Marshall is a band that blends country and alternative melodies with easy-to-singalong lyrics.
“While the theatre remains closed to the public due to coronavirus concerns and suspension of touring acts, we hope this series brings light and joy to the community and showcases the musical talent in our own backyard,” Hancock said. “Thank you for supporting the Tennessee Theatre. We cannot wait to welcome you here once again to enjoy live performances. Until then, we promise to keep the ghost light burning.”
For more information about the Ghostlight Series and how you can support the Historic Tennessee Theatre, visit www.tennessetheatre.com.
*Please note: Neither news media nor the public will have access to the theatre during this event. Remote and safely distanced interviews may be set up in advance.
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 National Register of Historic Places. The Tennessee Theatre is the region’s leading performing arts facility with advanced technology, staging and lighting that draws top entertainment to the Knoxville area. The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation is a nonprofit organization tasked with maintaining and preserving the historic theatre and ensuring diverse arts and cultural entertainment remains in downtown Knoxville. For more information, visit www.tennesseetheatre.com.
