Since moving to Nashville a couple of years ago, I've attended three ballets performed by the…read moreNashville Ballet. And I've been blown away by all three. I know that ballet probably sounds old and stuffy and traditional to people, but let me go out on a limb here and say that the Nashville Ballet is pushing boundaries of what ballet is and can be and that their performances are among the best performance art experiences I've had in this city. Don't believe me? Let me try to convince you! My first ballet was Cinderella. It's a traditional ballet with music composed by Sergei Prokofiev. So what did Nashville Ballet's amazing artistic director Paul Vasterling do with it? He showcased men in the roles of the evil stepsisters - all three male dancers had to dance in pointe shoes for the first times in their careers. He made sure that the Cinderella in his version of the ballet was a strong character (not a damsel in distress). The ballet was a joy to watch. My second ballet was The Raven followed by Lizzie Borden (a double feature just time for Halloween). The Raven was a world premiere of a piece inspired by the Edgar Allen Poe poem, and Lizzie Borden examines (you guessed it) the double-murder case in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1892. These probably aren't the ballets you picture when you hear "ballet." They were bold and original and interesting, and I was glued to my seat. Just this past weekend, I attended the Friday night performance of Superstitions and Seven Deadly Sins. Superstitions was a piece composed by a local composer, and the choreography was inspired by both ballet and hip hop/contemporary dance. It was powerful and beautiful. I can't begin to say enough about Seven Deadly Sins. Nashville singer-songwriter collective Ten Out of Tenn composed seven songs inspired by each of the seven deadly sins and performed them live on stage as the ballet was performed. Not only was the music amazing, it was a perfect accompaniment to the ballet's choreography. This is what art in Nashville can be when artists aren't kept in their boxes of classical music, country music, performance art, etc. This was Nashville's talent being used to its fullest potential: great dancers, great choreographer, amazing artistic director, great writers, great musicians. This was inspiring and amazing - and, I'm not kidding, I loved it so much I went again Saturday night. Next year I have tickets to attend Lucy Negro Redux - a world premiere and another performance made possible by talents that might not necessarily collaborate in a city without Paul Vasterling as the ballet's artistic director. Based on a book by a local poet about the "Dark Lady" in Shakespeare's sonnets and featuring an original score by Rhiannon Giddens with spoken word performed by the poet? I'm there. Even if ballet isn't your thing, maybe scroll through their season overview and see if anything strikes you as interesting. Nashville Ballet is always pushing boundaries and experimenting with ballet (but they do keep a few classics - The Nutcracker, for example - on the books for traditional ballet fans), and there might be something that inspires you to give ballet a second chance. The tickets are reasonably priced (less than many concerts in Nashville), and it's a fun night on the town/date night/girls' night to grab a fancy dinner and go to the ballet. I've loved each and every performance of the Nashville Ballet I've seen, so I'll definitely be keeping my eyes out for what they're up to for the 2019-2020 season!

The traditional offerings, such as The Nutcracker, are delightful and well-done. But what sets the…read moreNashville Ballet, and makes it world-class, are the commissioned, original works. Last year I experienced "Lucy Negro Redux," an amazing performance of the spoken word, original music, and amazing dance. This year it was "Attitude: Other Voice," an inventive beautiful work that explored gender and sexuality and gender roles. Nashville is not just "Music City." the Nashville Ballet is helping us become a city that celebrates dance as well.

Just adding my voice to that of others who are fans of this local theater company. Venue is small…read morebut they make the most of it. We are constantly amazed at what they can do with the very small space! Kudos to the Stage and props folks! There are no reserved seats but every seat is close to the stage. A line usually forms out front ahead of time and part of the fun is meeting your fellow theater patrons. Every production we have seen has been first rate. They don't shy away from any genres either, musicals, comedies, drama, you name it! The talent that is active in this area is outstanding. After each performance, there is also an opportunity to meet, greet and thank the cast members out front of the theater. Last weekend, we were able to experience Guys and Dolls, a classic musical theater production and they did an incredible job bringing it to the "small stage". Well acted, well performed, the music was spot on and a big shoutout to the Costumer - those "period" clothes were perfect, right down to the broaches and earrings worn by the ladies. If you want to take in a show, you need to contact them early. Given the small space in the theater and the large number of season ticket holders, there aren't usually many available seats. Even better, become a season ticket holder (like we did!) and you won't regret it!

My husband and I just left The Odd Couple and we laughed the entire time! What a great,…read morehigh-quality theater production at affordable ticket prices. The actors were very talented, the set was perfect, and the intimate venue made for a personable and welcoming experience. This was our first time attending a Pull-Tight Players production and now we're already excited about attending the next show! (For what it's worth, I really enjoy plays but my husband isn't typically a big fan...yet we both had a blast.) Don't miss this gem!

We had a fantastic experience seeing a play (The Play That Goes Wrong) at the Turner Theater!…read more The location inside The Factory is perfect for getting a meal or cocktail before or after a show. The staff was friendly and welcoming, offering help at every turn. The theater is small but well appointed, and I really think there's not a bad seat in the house. The performers were excellent, and the play was fun and funny (OK, hilarious!). We had such a good time we immediately bought tickets for another show.

First visit to Turner Theater in the Factory At Franklin for a performance of Crimes of the Heart…read moreby Studio Tenn. Very pleasant small (~300 seat) theater. Seating was comfortable and roomy, wider than many performance theaters. Sat on the third row (C), which has a railing in front, as it's the first row above floor level. At first that seemed nice, but the railing goes all the way to the floor, I suppose to prevent accidents, which makes for no legroom at all for that row. It's hard, even standing, to make enough room for others to pass, and I found it easy to get cramps, unable to move my feet at all. Looked like every other row did not have that problem, so just something to be aware of. There's a sort of "box seating" row on up high on each side. the angle might not be perfect for every performance, but it looked like a fun option to try for a future show. Was completely impressed by the quality of Studio Tenn's work. The set, staff, actors, lighting, everything was excellent quality and perfectly executed. Without exception, the actors were wonderful. A truly fabulous theatre experience. It's also so convenient to be in the Factory, makes for so many dining, drinking, shopping options before or after a show. On a Saturday afternoon/evening, the Factory was buzzing with activity. Parking is the biggest downside, there were cars wandering the parking rows just waiting for someone to look like they were leaving. We found it worthwhile to spring for the valet parking by Edley's and avoid that headache. Already planning for the next show. We're fans.

Williamson County Performing Arts Center is doing amazing work bringing in different artists and…read moretributes to past legends and genres of music. Center management is doing an excellent job of offering a variety of styles and experiences.

Amazing theater and amazing show! The sound and lights were great and the band was great!read more

Music City Roots is a hidden gem of the Middle Tennessee music scene. The live radio and music show…read moreis held in Liberty Hall, the largest venue inside of the Factory in Franklin. Seats are set up in rows by the stage theater-style and then they have food from Puckett's Grocery available for sale on a side area of the hall with tables and seating. There is also a cash bar which you can purchase beer, wine or mixed drinks. Upon arrival, they have a table setup to get you checked in if you have reserved tickets ($15) or if you are buying door tickets ($10). Considering that there are several artists for each show this is an amazing deal. We had reserved tickets which was nice to not have to worry about seating as our names were already on our seats. The show has co-hosts who will begin the show with a bit of banter and dialogue. In between acts they will interview the artists and allow them to answer several questions. The artists were selling some of their merchandise in the back of the hall as well so you had time to check that out. When we came the artists included Sunny Sweeney, the Rev. Peyton's Band and the Blackfoot Gypsies. If even one of these artists did a solo show they could have easily charged that amount alone. I was amazed that I was able to see Sunny here as she has done shows at the Grand Ole Opry before. She was absolutely incredible! This event is well-organized and I was so surprised at the quality of artists who participate in this radio show. It's a unique and fun experience that anyone would enjoy.

What a great place to check out a show! Music City Roots is an old throw back radio broadcast with…read more4 or 5 acts each playing about 30 minutes or so with interviews during set changes. We have seen great popular entertainers new and old. Just check out their webpage to see who all as been there and you will be amazed! Another great part of Music City Roots is seeing bands that you have never heard of before and becoming fans of them! Tickets are only $10 for general admission and 15 for reserved. But there is not a bad seat in the house. They only have one bar, I think, so the line can get kinda long. But no worries. They also have local restaurant that caters the event, but we have never ate there. This season it is Pucketts. I have heard great things about their food.

It's always a great time with this bunch of songwriters and their stories! I've been lucky enough…read moreto be in the audience watching the show, as well as a participating songwriter for these shows, and either way, it's a good time! You just book the show for your private event, no matter how big or small, and BOOM! You have songwriters at your place ready to perform! Everyone from multi-platinum hit songwriters to up & coming artists.... there's a good time to be had for you & your party!

What a GEM of Entertainment in City Square! Had no idea what to expect. Efficient check in from box…read moreoffice to getting seated. Concession Stand was just right for this venue. Theater layout is audience close and no bad seats, Sound & Lighting were perfect! We saw Cherry Bomb, Improv Musical the Sat Night we went. Laughed SO MUCH. Will book a play soon and have this local establishment on our list of regular outings.

I got the attend the Blackberry Jam Music Fest and our group enjoyed it so much! Great local flair…read moreand some awesome bluegrass music and bands. BYOB and roll out a picnic blanket and you're all set. They have a slew of food trucks during the performances as well as Italian ice. Kids and dogs are welcome, and they have a few lawn games to play to pass any time between sets.