The 10th Annual "A Celebration of Christmas Music" With Pianist Dr. Eric Littleton

The 10th annual "A Celebration of Christmas Music", with Harriman's own Dr. Eric Littleton, was again warmly received, as the traditional kickoff to the Christmas season!  Dr. Littleton was supported by Muse Watson, Dr. Littleton's wife Julie, and Keelie Whitaker.

No one enjoys this annual concert more than Dr. Littleton himself.  The man loves his music and playing a fine piano, like the beautiful Yamaha at the Princess Theatre, for a live audience.  Just look at the grin on his face in these photos!

No one plays quite like Dr. Littleton.  He practices all year just for this event, and it's evident in his unique style and sound!  His style is to blend two or more Christmas songs into something that keeps your ears "on point", listening how each melody becomes one unique "mash-up" that leaves you wanting more.

Dr. Littleton takes you to the peak of emotional music appreciation, where a tear begins to form in the corners of your eye, and then Muse Watson steps out and sings "How Great Thou Art"!  That's when the well of tears begins to flow with that Christmas spirit you want and need!

Muse was followed by Julie Littleton and her student Keelie Whitaker.  Julie is an accomplished classical pianist herself and was proud to present to the Princess audience one of her talented music students.  Both contributed to the Christmas concert experience, and we thank them for coming.

The piano music continued after Dr. Littleton had changed into his "holiday" boots!  The audience erupted in jubilant appreciation! 

Don't dare miss this holiday event next year at the Princess Theatre!

 Merry Christmas Everyone!

Resurrection - A Journey Tribute Coming To The Princess Theatre!

Exciting news!  Did you like Journey?  Well, you can relive that experience again!  Coming March 26, 2022, 7:00 pm, Resurrection - A Journey Tribute!  Tickets on sale soon!

Considered to be 'The Gold Standard' by which all Journey tributes are measured, faithfully recreates the experience of a 1980’s Journey concert.  This dynamic and compelling band has featured some of Nashville's hottest musicians, many whom who have performed, written, or recorded with the biggest names in the music industry - including Journey and Steve Perry.  Every show is a brilliant reproduction of sights and sounds that captivate and transport audiences to the glorious age of arena rock.  Lead singer, Ryan Christopher, delivers the vocal precision, appearance, and stage presence of the legendary Steve Perry.  Resurrection - A Journey Tribute continues to garner worldwide attention and acclaim with high profile performances including, Royal Caribbean International cruises, Fraze Pavilion, AT&T Park: Home of the San Francisco Giants, US Cellular Field: Home of the Chicago White Sox, Hard Rock Casino and Hotel.  Fans across the country, including Steve Perry and Journey purists, rave that Resurrection - A Journey Tribute is THE Journey experience!  Take a look (https://notjourney.com/home), attend the show at the Princess!

Christmas 2021 At The Princess

 

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

 

Fleetwood Mac Tribute World Turning Band From Nashville Plays The Princess Theatre

To me, this "tribute band" was one of the most enjoyable concerts I have heard at the Princess; and I've just about seen them all from the beginning!  This is what the Princess was resurrected for; live entertaining, and this one one of the best!

Before we meet the band members, let me just tell you that, from what I witnessed, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  The World Turning Band took us all on a trip back in time; to a time where music had a great beat and the lyrics were soothing and made you want to hear more!  Fleetwood Mac music was just that kind of music.

Twenty-eight of the best of Fleetwood came with no breaks; you just kept rocking and anticipating that the next one would be our favorite.  Problem was, they were all my favorites!

And, if you are like me, the key to the enjoyment and authenticity of this tribute band had to be how the "Stevie" voice sounded.  Jacqi Michaels delivered; not only the voice but the iconic "Stevie" moves!

Below, you will probably see more photos than you want to see, but I had a ball photographing them!  The beat seemed to keep my shutter finger clicking in time!  As Reese's Peanut Butter cup commercials announce; NOT SORRY!  Enjoy!

Now here's the band!  A tightknit group of accomplished musicians that enjoy each other almost as much as the music.

John Foster - John Foster hails from Oklahoma–the Heart of a nation steeped in a rich musical tradition. John’s gifts attracted the attention of country singer Sammy Kershaw, who saw him performing on stage at a theme park and soon invited him to join the Sammy Kershaw Band. He has also performed with the legendary Beach Boys, and was on staff for several years with CDB Music Publishing– owned by the great Charlie Daniels. 

Jacqi Michaels - Jacqi’s musical journey has been quite diverse and exciting. Starring in Broadway shows such as City of Angels, Showboat and Song of Singapore to a recording contract with Atlantic Records to a coveted spot as a back up singer for Barbra Streisand on her Farewell Tour. 

Ralph Graham - Originally from New York, Ralph Graham, has lived in Nashville TN since 1985. Ralph has been involved with music since his early teens playing in bands in the New York area. Initially, having moved to Nashville to pursue a contemporary gospel writing and performing career, the opportunity to hit the road with a friend and New York artist, Billy Falcon, as his keyboardist and background vocalist became available…touring with such artists as Don Henley, Stevie Nicks and Richie Sambora. 

Drew Bourke – Drew Bourke is a drummer/songwriter who moved from Denver to Nashville in 1987. He’s played a song or two with Lee Greenwood, Trisha Yearwood, Sticky Fingers, Tanya Tucker, and Gregg Allman. He performed for two years in Opryland USA’s Rock & Roll Show, has played on television at the Grand Ole Opry, and had one of his songs recorded by country music legend, Charley Pride. 

Gary McGuire - Gary McGuire was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio. He started playing guitar, with his brothers guidance, at the age of 12.  He moved to Nashville in 1985 to pursue his career in music while attending Belmont University. After graduating, with a BS degree in Mathematics, he immediately started touring with Charly McClain. He began touring with Sammy Kershaw in 1994 which continued for 22 years. He has performed with country artists including Joe Diffie, Aaron Tippin & Little Texas. Over the past several years he has toured with the “Little River Band”. 

Beth Dean - Beth Dean is a newcomer to the Nashville music scene from Lexington, Ky. A Classically trained pianist from the age of 4, she immediately began her performance career. After earning her degree in Piano Performance from Eastern Kentucky University, she initially focused her musical talents as the music director at Crossroads Christian Church in Lexington. Ten years later, Beth opened Studio 88, an award winning teaching studio in the Lexington area dedicated to creating future musicians, where she spends most of her time coaching and training pianists and vocalists for the stage.

You need to start coming to the Princess and enjoy these concerts.  It's important to support this theater, 'cause we sure would miss it if it closed.  We need the arts and we need to be entertained.

So, keep up with the scheduled events on this blog, on the "Friends of the Princess Theatre" and "Princess Theatre" Facebook pages!  Sign up today!

Enjoy...

Get Outdoors at the 6th Annual Tennessee Medieval Faire

Travel back in time to 1199 and Live the Age of Chivalry with Robin Hood at the 6th annual Tennessee Medieval Faire.  This outdoor interactive family-friendly special event will spring to life on October 2 and run for three consecutive weekends in Harriman.

“The Sheriff of Nottingham is throwing a grand Faire to impress the evil Prince John and to win the innocent Lady Marian’s heart,” said Lars Paulson, general manager.  “The Sheriff has also invited Robin Hood and his merry friends to the festivities to lure them in for capture.  But who will be the mouse and who will be the cheese?  Come and see!” 

Patrons are encouraged to come with a sense of play and adventure.  Patrons can enter the costume contest to win a prize; share their talents onstage to join Robin Hood; give suggestions in the improv show; compete in yard games in the Medieval Olympics, and learn to sword fight with Pirates of Bretagne.  Other activities include getting knighted; folk dancing; speed courting; petting goats; getting photos taken with woodland fairies; and playing corn hole, the stocks, giant chess, and steel drum. 

Throughout the day, there will be professional stage entertainment in the eight-acre medieval village.  On the Field of Honour will be The Royal Joust by Debracy Productions and Human Combat Chess by the interactive street characters.  On the five other stages will be comedy stunt shows by The Flaming Ginger, Lords of Adventure (Oct 2-3) and Two Noisy Knights (Oct 9-10, 16-17).  Patrons will feel transported by Celtic music from The CrossJacks, Kris Colt, Thunder and Spice (Oct 2-3, 9-10), and Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers (Oct 16-17).  For the young and young at heart, there will be puppet shows, fairy tales, and Sherwood School.  Entertainment schedules will be posted online and will be available at the entrance on show days.

Adding to the festivities will be a variety of juried craft vendors, selling period costumes, accessories, and unique gifts.  Food will be available for purchase, including turkey legs, wraps, salads, and sandwiches.  Hot and cold beverages will also be available (including beer for adults 21+ years of age with a valid photo ID).

The Tennessee Medieval Faire will be open rain or shine.  The dates are October 2-3, 9-10, 16-17.  Hours are 11am-6pm ET.  The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN.  Free field parking is provided.  Admission tickets may be purchased with cash or credit on festival days at the ticket house.  Admission prices include all taxes and fees and are $19 for ages 13+, $9 for ages 5 to 12; and free for ages 4 and under.  There will be no ATM onsite, so patrons are encouraged to bring cash for purchases, tips, and convenience.  For public safety, all are requested to follow CDC guidelines regarding Covid.  

The festival is sponsored by Roane Tourism, Roane County News, Baymont Inn and Suites, and the Roane County School Board; with assistance from the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at Roane State Community College.  For more information, please visit www.TMFaire.com, and like and follow the Tennessee Medieval Faire on Facebook.

Live the Age of Chivalry!