New Cirque du Soleil Country Show ‘Songblazers’ To Premiere In July
A new country-themed Cirque du Soleil show written and directed by Amy Tinkham, “Songblazers,” is coming to Nashville and seven other cities this summer and fall.
Presented by Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville, the dynamic theatrical production pays tribute to the legendary and modern trailblazers of country music, and charts the journey of two main characters as they forge their own path to country stardom. As the crowd enjoys 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.
“Songblazers” premieres in July 2024 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, and will also visit Austin, Birmingham, New Orleans and more through Oct. 27. Pre-sale tickets are available now, and general on-sale starts on March 28.
Cirque du Soleil is also collaborating with Sam Williams, grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr, for the creation of an original song for “Songblazers” called “Carnival Heart.” Fusing gut-wrenching honesty, raw vulnerability and deep empathy, the spellbinding song is inspired by a personal yearning of self-discovery, friendship and hope. Williams wrote the 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.”
“Songblazers” Schedule:
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC): July 2 to July 28
Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Center: August 1 to August 11
Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall: August 14 to August 18
San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre: August 21 to August 25
Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall: September 12 to September 15
New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre: September 18 to September 22
Dallas, TX – Music Hall at Fair Park: September 25 to October 20
St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox Theater: October 23 to October 27
