In a town rich with history, charm, and Southern spirit, one cultural treasure has quietly enriched community life — Columbia State Community College’s Performance Series. For more than two decades, Tennessee’s first community college has curated remarkable performances, offering audiences the opportunity to experience exceptional music from familiar favorites to rising stars.

Now entering its 23rd season, the Performance Series at Columbia State’s Cherry Theater continues its tradition of presenting world-class talent in an acoustically rich, intimate setting. From rock to bluegrass, classical to country, the series delivers high-caliber performances across multiple genres.

Nestled on the Columbia Campus — one of the college’s five regional campuses — the 500-seat Cherry Theater combines small-town hospitality with big-stage quality. Audiences enjoy an inviting atmosphere paired with exceptional live music. Free parking, convenient access, and a complimentary art exhibit in the Pryor Art Gallery, held before each performance, make every visit enjoyable and accessible to the community.

“The series offers high-quality performances with artists recognized within their genres for their talent,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “You’ll enjoy a fun night of entertainment while enriching the community by supporting the arts. Thanks to our sponsors and patrons, we’re able to keep ticket prices affordable and bring these performances to our region.”

This season offers something for every musical appetite. Storytelling charm and Southern wit open the season with Sean of the South, whose blend of humor, heart, and front-porch wisdom has earned him a devoted following. Next, acclaimed songwriter and bassist Scott Mulvahill brings jaw-dropping musicianship and soulful vocals to the stage — a performance guaranteed to leave an impression.

A holiday highlight follows as The Irish Tenors, accompanied by an 18-piece orchestra, fill the Cherry Theater with classic Christmas favorites. Their rich, soaring harmonies and dynamic arrangements have captivated audiences worldwide. This December, they’ll bring that same magic to Middle Tennessee — the perfect way to usher in the season.

The lineup continues with The French Family Band, known for their authentic sound, tight-knit harmonies, and music rooted in family and faith. Bluegrass enthusiasts — and newcomers alike — won’t want to miss The Kody Norris Show, an ensemble blending tradition, energy, and showmanship. Rounding out the season, The Platters, a carefully hand-selected group carrying on the legacy of the original ensemble, bring their smooth, timeless sound to the Cherry Theater. Audiences can expect classics like “Only You” and “The Great Pretender”— proof that great songs never go out of style.

The Performance Series is made possible by the generosity of First Farmers & Merchants Bank, whose ongoing title sponsorship reflects their dedication to the arts and community life. “As the long-standing title sponsor for the Columbia State Performance Series, we are honored to support an initiative that brings the magic of the performing arts to our community. This series, spearheaded by the Columbia State Foundation, is a lifeline of cultural and educational enrichment,” said First Farmers Chief Executive Officer Brian K. Williams. “Our investment supports the work of the Foundation to help ensure these transformative experiences remain accessible, underscoring our commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally enriched community.”

Beyond the performances, it’s the audience and hospitality teams who make the series truly special. Ushers include a welcoming mix of Columbia State alumni, familiar faces from the community, and music lovers eager to share the experience with others. The audience reflects the spirit of the region — some have been attending for years, while others are discovering the Performance Series for the first time — all drawn by the quality of music and a shared commitment to supporting the arts.

“From the initial planning stages to the night of the performance, our goal is to bring beautiful artistry to our community,” said Director of Events and Alumni Relations Tammy Rosson, who manages contracts, coordinates with performers, and oversees ticket holder hospitality, from ticketing to night-of-show details. “We strive to create a welcoming environment where audiences can enjoy familiar favorites, discover new voices, and connect with others, making each performance a unique and memorable experience that brings our community together.”

With extensive experience in managing performing arts events, Columbia State’s Theater and Event Services Coordinator, Lili Eubank, understands what it takes to create a truly memorable experience for both artists and audiences.

“Managing a live performance venue is like conducting an orchestra,” said Eubank. “While planning sets the stage, it’s the day-of coordination — making sure every technical detail is in place — that truly brings each unique show to life. Every performance is its own symphony of creativity, connection, and community, and helping artists and audiences come together has been my passion for many years.”

At just $35 per ticket (fees included), with free parking and a complimentary art exhibit before each show, the Performance Series offers a world-class arts experience in the heart of Middle Tennessee, without the downtown hassle or big-city price tag.

As one of the largest performance venues in Maury County, the Cherry Theater has been providing unforgettable evenings of music for more than two decades — yet many still don’t realize the caliber of talent happening just around the corner. This season, Columbia State is on a mission to change that.

Whether you’re a devoted supporter or ready to experience something new, the 23rd Performance Series offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy outstanding music, engaging stories, and the kind of evening that stays with you long after the final note.

Visit ColumbiaState.edu/PerformanceSeries to learn more or reserve your seat. Come enjoy a unique and memorable experience!

The post A Front-Row Seat to Unforgettable Music — Columbia State’s Performance Series Enters Its 23rd Season appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Newsboys stand as one of the most influential bands in the history of Christian music, with over 10 million records sold across 23 albums. Their impressive achievements include an RIAA® Platinum certification, eight Gold certifications, 30 #1 radio hits, four GRAMMY® nominations, two American Music Award nominations, and numerous Dove Awards. The band is known for iconic tracks like “We Believe,” “Born Again,” and the chart-topping Platinum-certified anthem “God’s Not Dead,” which inspired the popular film franchise with the same name.

As Newsboys continue to earn accolades with their reinvigorated sound, their latest project, Worldwide Revival, is a two-part album featuring 16 new songs, supported by a national tour. For more than 30 years, the band, with current members Adam Agee (lead vocals), Duncan Phillips (drums), Jeff Frankenstein (keyboards), and Jody Davis (guitar), has delivered electrifying live performances around the globe. Originating in Australia and now based in Nashville, the band remains dedicated to sharing a consistent message of faith with uplifting lyrics driven by a passion for God.

With no signs of slowing down, Newsboys released the Worldwide Revival Deluxe edition this past May, featuring “Fortress,” a song inspired by Psalm 91, and “New Name,” both new original songs. Additionally, it includes new versions of “How Many Times (Oh How You Love Me)” and “Christ & Crucified” with vocals by Adam Agee, who has been with the band for three years and stepped in as lead singer in early 2025.

As the band continues to uplift and inspire with their dynamic blend of Christian rock and pop, along with worship elements, they remain deeply committed to their mission of service and faith. During a recent hometown show at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on the Worldwide Revival Nights Tour, Newsboys gave fans a stellar performance showcasing the old and the new in front of family and friends.

Opening the evening, Agee said, “The coolest thing ever was when these guys invited me to be in their band. It was an honor, and I was so grateful they invited me in to be a part of the writing process for this record, Worldwide Revival. The very first song I wrote for this project … it’s a song called “How Many Times.” I remember wanting to write about my journey until this point in my life, where I could not have even fathomed or guessed what God had in store for my life. This was not on any of my five or ten-year plans at all, but it’s a song about the seasons in life. I know I’ve been through a lot of them. [Sometimes] you’re celebrating, other times the seasons are very difficult … but it feels like through the years God has given me these little glimpses of hindsight where He says, ‘You had to go through that so you could be where you are right now. You must go through that valley so I can show you this mountain top.’ I want to encourage any of you here tonight, Nashville, whatever season you are in, remember God is there, He is with you, and the song “How Many Times” is about how much He loves us … ”

With family in attendance at the Fisher Center, it was an evening filled with heartfelt moments, and the night held particular significance for keyboardist Frankenstein, who joined the band in 1994. “My wife and I just welcomed our fifth child into the world a few days ago,” he shared. “I have to say it is really bizarre to go from making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for your kids at lunch to being on stage at the Fisher Center after dinner. So, thank you guys for letting me play Rockstar for an hour and a half before I go back home. I appreciate it!”

The Worldwide Revival Nights Tour offers a powerful show with a global reach that spreads a Christian message with the Newsboys’ high-energy music. The band’s drummer, Duncan Phillips, is renowned for his exceptional drumming skills and electrifying stage presence. During live shows, he performs while strapped into his signature rotating drum riser, spinning mid-air as he plays—a stunning sight to behold.

Phillips has been a band member since 1993 and has been instrumental in shaping the band’s dynamic sound. Sharing his enthusiasm for the Worldwide Revival Nights Tour, he stated with his thick Aussie accent, “As a Christian band, we do sing about faith, but it’s not about pushing your faith on others. During the COVID restrictions, I think many people started searching for something a little deeper, especially Gen X and Z, yearning for something more. A lot of people are breaking out of the matrix, what they have been told, and experiencing the spiritual life that maybe they never thought they could. I believe the world is due for another revival, and that gets me very excited.”

Over the years, fans may have noticed what appeared to be a revolving door of guitar players in the band. Looking back over the photos of the guitarist, from the guy with the big hair to the man looking a little ragged, Davis laughed as he squashed the rumors, “It turns out they were all me. I had a little identity crisis in the ‘90s.” Davis joined the band in 1992 and left the band in 2003 for personal reasons, rejoining Newsboys in 2009.

Along with their passion for music, the Newsboys have been about giving back and using their platform and resources that God has given them to fight for those who need it the most. In April 2025, the Newsboys traveled to Guatemala in partnership with Children International to perform and share the gospel. “The band has been sponsoring children through Children International for years, and this trip was special because we got to meet some of the kids we sponsor,” Agee explained. “It’s different than seeing the little packet with a piece of paper. It’s hard to describe when you see that child’s face, they hug you and say thank you for changing my life when I have basically given up nothing.”

For additional information on the Newsboys and tour details, visit newsboys.com/tour and follow them on social media at @newsboys. “Sometimes the messenger changes, but the message remains the same. We will do whatever we can to tell the world about Jesus. We do it because we are the Newsboys,” Agee concluded.

Join the Newsboys to help change the life of a child living in poverty, and visit the Children International website, children.org, to sponsor a child. You can help transform the life of a child today for only $39 per month and help end poverty for good!

The post Newsboys Worldwide Rival Nights Tour appeared first on Williamson County Living.