Feb. 25, 2021
The Tennessee Theatre has announced season two of the Ghostlight Series and will spotlight local artists by streaming free concerts from the theatre’s stage.
Season two of series will stream on Tuesdays starting at 8 p.m., and the lineup includes: Kukuly and the Gypsy Fuego, March 2; Josh Oliver on March 9; The Kenneth Brown Quintet on March 16; and Cruz Contreras on March 23. The free concerts, which are prerecorded, can be accessed at facebook.com/TennesseeTheatre, on the Facebook app and via vimeo.com/user42707166.
“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 remains closed – we have called it extended intermission – we want to continue to celebrate music, arts and entertainment. Season two will shine a light on more of Knoxville’s own outstanding artists and provide our community ‘live’ music all month long in March.”
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 tennesseetheatre.com/ghostlight.
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 March 2.
Kukuly and the Gypsy Fuego is a Knoxville-based band that plays jazz with a French accent and Latin standards. Josh Oliver is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who has toured extensively for the past 13 years and calls East Tennessee home. Kenneth Brown grew up in a musical family and is now one Knoxville’s great jazz musicians. Cruz Contreras is the front man, founder and driving force behind The Black Lillies’ raw and rootsy sound.
“As the theatre remains closed to the public due to coronavirus concerns and suspension of touring acts continue, we are excited to return with another season of musical talent from our own backyard,” Hancock said. “Thank you for continuing to support 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.
