The Dr. Eric Littleton Christmas Concert Has Become A Tradition At The Princess

Dr. Eric Littleton's annual "A Celebration of Christmas Music" concert has become a tradition; one that sets the tone for everyone's Christmas!  

Each year around the Thanksgiving season everyone starts posting on the "Friends Of The Princess Theatre" Facebook page, "When is the Christmas concert?", or "Is Dr. Littleton playing again this year?"

Well, the answer is always yes!  Dr. Littleton, probably, as much or more than anyone, looks forward to the intimate piano performance at the Princess Theatre in Downtown Harriman, TN.

There was great anticipation and much popcorn crunching prior to Friday night's concert.

As usual, Chris and Addie Mason introduced the show and soon we were deluged with the wonderful songs of Christmas.  

Even Santa, who sat off stage to avoid stealing the show, tapped his foot to the beats and joyful sounds of singing!

This year the Midway High School drama/choir, directed by Courtney Minton, opened the show and set the theme for the evening.  Not only their talented, but subtle humor quickly won the hearts of audience.

The star of the show is always Dr. Littleton's piano and his honed talent on its keys.  You may come every year, but you never get the same rendition.  He works throughout the year changing his arrangements, so as to make it new and interesting for his audience.

It's hard to pick a favorite Christmas song, and sometimes two or three are found within the same arrangement.  As he tells between pieces, he often gets inspiration from other "non-Christmas" songs he hears during the year.  In the music part of his brain, he can marry an Adele song, like her James Bond theme, to a Christmas carol!  And, when you hear it all come together, you rejoice at the creativity that flows from that mind!

A special moment came when Sophie, joined her father, Muse Watson, and long time family friend Mike Ross, on stage.  I never knew Sophie could play the piano until that moment, but coming from a talented mom and pop, I should have known!  You could tell her dad was bursting with pride.

muse and sophie watson from Douglas Mills on Vimeo. This moment was emotional for me too, but when Muse sang "Mary Did You Know", tears came to my eyes.  It was a very special moment in the show.

Offering Dr. Littleton another break, was his nephew Andrew Littleton, of Huntsville, AL; proving that talent runs deep in the Littleton family.

Missing from this year's lineup was Caleb, Littleton's son, who is off making a name for himself in percussion as part of the band at MTSU.  We wish him well!

Okay, so I'll get to what you are waiting for, the photos from the Christmas Concert.  We had a great time, and hope you have a Merry Christmas, and plan to join us at the Princess next Christmas!

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Bill Landry Has A New Book - See Him December 5th And Get A Copy!

A Celebration Of Christmas Music - Dr. Eric Littleton & Muse Watson

Line-Up For The 2018 Princess Christmas Season Announced!

The 2018 Christmas Concerts Announced!

December Christmas concerts announced: 

Jason Eskridge Christmas Concert

Dec 7, 2018 - 07:00 PM 

Jason Eskridge Christmas Concert DEC 07 7 p.m. 

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Babahatchie Band 

Dec 14, 2018 - 07:00 PM 

Please join us for the annual Christmas Concert by our own beloved Babahatchie Band. Local musicians of all ages and backgrounds gather together to celebrate their love of music and the holiday season. From traditional Christmas carols to modern arrangements, expect to be wowed by what has become a seasonal standard here at The Princess Theatre each year. Sponsored by both the RSCC Arts and Lectures and The Princess Theatre Foundation. Concessions available (cash/check only). Bottled water, popcorn, various types of soda, candy. 

7:00 PM DECEMBER 14, 2018 General Admission/Free to the Public

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Dr. Littleton Christmas Concert 

Dec 21 2018 - 07:00 PM 

Sponsored by the Princess Theatre Foundation. Please join us for the annual Dr. Littleton Christmas concert. As a renowned pianist, Dr. Littleton brings to life the Christmas music (both traditional and modern) we all love. But fans from past years will also tell you, his concert is more than just beautiful music. Each year, this event showcases Dr. Littleton’s talent, wit, and charm. Guest musicians and guest stars are assured, and an evening of family-friendly holiday spirit will warm your heart! Tickets: $10 per person. Available at Earl Duff Subaru in Harriman or Roane Street Grill in Harriman. Also available at the door (cash/check). 

DECEMBER 21, 2018 7 PM

THIS IS THE LAST WEEKEND FOR PIRATE FEST 2018

The Tennessee Pirate Fest has one more weekend, Oct 20-21, from 11a-6p; rain or shine.  The location is 550 Fiske Rd, Harriman, TN, in north Harriman, near the Radio Control Airport.

“We had great entertainment this past weekend!  However, some people missed it.  GPS was incorrectly routing some cars across the river to Swan Pond / Happy Hollow, and Sunday started with light rain.  We have fixed the GPS problem by putting the festival marker at the end of Fiske Road.  We hope people with come out this weekend, rain or shine, and ‘Get their pirate on!’” said Barrie Paulson, VP-manager and entertainment director. 

This weekend the professional entertainment will include The Tortuga Twins (PG comedy show), Up Down Go (circus duo), and Blackbeard Simplified (interactive comedy).  

There will be live music by The CrossJacks (Pirate duo), Black Mass Hollow (Traditional/Celtic duo), and Vere Henry (steel drum).  Entertainment schedules will be available online and at the gate.  

Patrons of all ages can enjoy entering the Costume Contest, where prizes will be awarded by age group and based on audience applause.  Patrons can also share their talents in the Gong Shows to join a pirate crew.  There are also free beach games, photo ops, and the trick or treat Trail of Doom (PG) with humorous and slightly spooky pirate displays.  There are other games available for $1 each and a treasure map for $2. 

Interactive British and pirate characters help to create the fictional town of Port Royale in the Tortugas.  Costumed characters seek to entertain with children’s shows, a talent show, Kombat Kroquet, pirate school, Tales of the True Pyrates, and interactions with patrons.  

Available for purchase are unique crafts including leather, jewelry, bath and body items, candles, dragon eggs, hair accessories, embroidery, crochet, and caricature art.

Festival food includes BBQ pork, turkey legs, brats, hot dogs, gyros, homemade ice cream, and other desserts, and shaved ice.  Hot and cold beverages are also available, including beer (ages 21+ with valid ID).

Tickets are available at the gate for cash or credit.  Prices are $16 ages 13+, $8 ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and under.  

Patrons are encouraged to bring cash, as there is a $2 convenience fee per transaction for using credit, and there is no ATM onsite.  Free field parking is provided at the Radio Control Airport.  

Discounted rooms are available for pirate fans at Baymont Inn in Harriman.  Please call 865-590-9097 and use promo code LKDE.  

For safety reasons, festival rules include no loaded or sharp weapons, all steel weapons must be zip-tied, no pets (service animals only), and no outside food or drinks.  

For more information, please visit www.TNPirateFest.com, https://www.facebook.com/Tennesseepiratefest/, or call 865-376-0319.  

Ahoy, Mates! Tennessee Pirate Fest is Hoving into View!

The third annual Tennessee Pirate Fest is on the horizon.  This outdoor regional daytime costume-play entertainment-oriented festival will come to life in Harriman at the Tennessee Medieval Faire grounds--just 30 miles west of Turkey Creek.  Patrons will feel transported to the fictional Caribbean town of Port Royale in the Tortugas, circa 1700-1800’s. 

 

“The Governor of Port Royale is celebrating his birthday and everyone is invited including pirates!  Come enjoy great entertainment and hours of fun,” said Barrie Paulson, VP-Manager and Entertainment Director.  

Rotating on several stages will be professional musical and comedy acts.  Nautical, Celtic, and Caribbean music will be performed by Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers, The CrossJacks, steel drum by PanEZ Steelband and Vere Henry, The Minstrel Rav’n, Black Mash Hollow, and Sabrina Duvall.  Portable benches will be available for seating, but patrons are welcome to bring lawn chairs for their comfort.  Performing interactive comedy shows will be The Tortuga Twins (PG), Einstein Simplified (performing as Blackbeard Simplified), and Up Down Go (a circus duo).  Some of the acts will be different each weekend, and schedules will be available online and at the entrance.

Although costumes are not required to enjoy the festival, patrons are encouraged to dress in costume and enter the patron Costume Contest.  This will be held twice a day with contestants grouped by age (4 and under, 5-12, 13+), and winners will be determined by audience applause.  Patrons will also be encouraged to share their talents on stage in the Pirate Gong Show to join a pirate crew.  New entertainment this year will include Tales of the True Pyrates, by the Trenton Street Irregulars, where patrons will learn about actual pirates.  Other shows will include Pirate School, Folk Tales and Fairy Tales, the Royal Variety Show, and Combat Croquet performed by the Royal Players interactive street characters.  There will also be a daily parade and on Saturdays the Bucketeers will be participating. 

Available for the brave of heart will be a trick or treat Trail of Doom (PG).  This is a 7-10 minute walk in the woods with slightly spooky displays and interactive characters giving out candy.  Other free activities include corn hole, volleyball, croquet, tetherball, stocks, and steel drum.  There will be other games to play for $1 each and a treasure hunt for $2.  

Merchants will help create the village by selling custom crafts such as chainmaille, leather, and jewelry.  Delicious food will be available including smoked BBQ, turkey legs, ribs, grilled brats, gyros, Bourbon chicken and rice, Philly steak and chicken sandwiches, homemade ice cream, Dixie fried donuts, cobblers, fresh fruit, shaved ice, and hot and cold beverages (including beer--21+ years with valid ID).  A list of vendors and their fare can be found on the festival website.

 
The media are invited to take sneak-peek pictures at the final dress rehearsal on October 6, from 3-5pm ET, at the festival site, meeting in the pub tent.  Refreshments will be provided.  Please RSVP.  

The Tennessee Pirate Fest will be open rain or shine on October 13-14, 20-21, from 11am-6pm ET.  The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman.  Free field parking is provided.  Ticket prices are $16 for ages 13+, $8 for ages 5 to 12; and free admission for ages 4 and under.  Tickets may be purchased on festival days at the ticket house for cash or credit.  Ticket prices include sales tax; however, a $2 convenience fee will be added per total transaction for credit usage.  There will be no ATM onsite, so patrons are encouraged to bring cash for purchases, tips, and convenience. 

Festival safety rules include no pets (service animals only), no firearms or sharp weapons (all stage weapons must be sheathed and zip tied), and no outside food or drinks.  There will be no onsite public camping, but a motel discount is available with free breakfast at the Baymont Inn in Harriman (call 865-590-9097 with promo code LKDE).  

For more information, please visit www.TNPirateFest.com, like the Tennessee Pirate Fest on Facebook, or call 865-376-0319. 

Get Yer Pirate On!

Sold Out 1964 - The Tribute Concert Was One Of The Best!

Not since Marshal Tucker, at the Grand Opening back on March 24, 2012, has a concert at the Princess Theatre been sold out, but it happened last night with the 1964 - The Tribute band!  What a show...what memories...what a great time!

The house was packed with Beatle lovers, music lovers, and just curious folks!  Could they live up to their memories of the Beatles?  Yes, and how!

I remember hearing my first Beatle song, "I Want To Hold Your Hand", while sitting at the red light that used to be at the Church of Christ on Roane Street, and I've love their music and talent ever since.  I didn't really expect this group could bring back that old feeling, but they did.  The guys are really, really talented, and they brought it all back!

Mark Benson (John Lennon), Tom Work (George Harrison), Mac Ruffing (Paul McCartney), and Bobby Potter (Ringo Starr) truly delivered!  The look, the accents, the hair cuts, the jokes, and, most importantly, the sound of the Beatles.

It's been said that you really didn't hear the Beatles at concerts back in the day; with all the screaming and the poor amps they had.  But 1964 delivers a song that you can hear and enjoy.  Honestly, this was the best sound set up with had at the Princess.  The voices were slightly under the music at times, but 99% of it was clear and crisp.

 

This was quite a catch for the Princess, The Tribute plays all the major cities across the country, and even hits Carnegie Hall once a year, so we are honored to have had them perform for us.  There's a possibly too, that we will get them again!

There wasn't any dancing down front, which I had expected, but there was some back behind the sound control center, and there were those that danced in place!  However, the iconic Ringo head shaking, done to perfection by Bobby Potter, created a lot of head-bobbing, including mine!

The Tribute did two 45-minutes sets and included all the favorites, and a great encore that had the house jumping!  And, of course, each song ended with the obligatory Beatles bow, and the last bow, sadly meant it was over.

  

1964 - The Tribute is made up of some really nice guys.  The took time to talk to you and were overly giving to fans back stage.  

Although they stick to the script and stay in character when in costume, you could tell they liked our venue.  So, that's encouraging when wondering if they will come back.  Let's hope so.