Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov
ATHENS, Tenn. – Athens Area Council for the Arts introduces a diverse lineup of performers in its 38th performance season at the Sue E. Trotter Black Box Theater.
Gullah group, Ranky Tanky, opens the concert series Aug. 25. “Gullah” is a West African word meaning “a people blessed by God.” “Ranky Tanky” translates loosely as “Work It” or “Get Funky!” The concert is filled with playful game songs to ecstatic shouts, from heartbreaking spirituals to delicate lullabies.
Brother Duo The Cactus Blossoms are known for bringing timeless sound to the modern era and perform Sept. 15. By infusing elements of early rock n’ roll and classic country, The Cactus Blossoms have created a sound that is both timeless and contemporary, accompanied by thoughtful lyrics and soaring harmonies.
Folk’s rising star Joan Shelley takes the stage Nov. 10. Backed by guitarist Nathan Salsburg, Shelley's music mixes the sound and feel of down-to-earth Appalachian folk music, airier U.K. folksingers and soothing conversations with an understanding friend.
David Gerald Blues Band is back by popular demand Jan. 26, 2018. Year round the band performs at clubs and festivals across the United States and his most recent album topped numerous blues and roots charts.
Dead Horses closes the series April 26, 2018. Dead Horses have cultivated a soulful roots sensibility beyond their years due to the award-winning vocalist, Sarah Vos. Vos and collaborative artist and bassist Daniel Wolff have crafted a timeless sound that has won them 2016 Americana/Bluegrass “Best Artist” and “Album of the Year” awards and landed them on curated “must listen” lists.
Tickets are on sale now for all events in the Black Box Concert Series. Adult tickets purchased in advance are $15, with tickets purchased at the door $20, subject to availability. Student tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. Concert-goers planning to attend two or more events can purchase a ticket package and save an additional 10%. Athens Area Council for the Arts encourages patrons to purchase tickets early as seating is limited to 200 in the intimate Black Box Theater.
Athens Area Council for the Arts performance sponsors are BB&T and Crescent Sock Company/The Sock Shop. The Black Box Concert Series is sponsored by Athens Federal Community Bank, Logan-Thompson Attorneys at Law, PLLC, Mayfield Dairy Farms, and Tennessee Wesleyan University. All AACA programs are supported by premier sponsors Financial Guidance Partners and Madison Avenue Pharmacy, and Tennessee Arts Commission.
For tickets and more information, visit www.athensartscouncil.org. The Arts Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov