Showcases the Stars of the Show: Iconic Country Music, Dazzling Acrobats,
Engaging Characters, and More
OFFICIAL PICTURES & VIDEO
of Songblazers press conference & CMA Fest performance
Credit: Cirque du Soleil 2024
Costumes: Zerina Akers
(NASHVILLE, TN – June 11, 2024) Cirque du Soleil recently hosted an exclusive media preview event, offering a first look at their highly anticipated country-themed show, Songblazers. The event featured a captivating selection of performances, showcasing the creative fusion of country music and Cirque du Soleil’s renowned acrobatic artistry.
The cast and crew presented an electrifying Honky Tonk scene from the show at an exclusive press preview on June 5, where journalists and photographers were treated to a sneak peek of the innovative production. Held at the Fisher Center of Performing Arts at Belmont University, attendees were captivated by the first look, with many commentating that Songblazers successfully captured the true essence of a Honky Tonk but with the added Cirque du Soleil flare.
The preview event included iconic country songs such as “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain, “Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith, and an original song crafted specifically for Songblazers. The original piece, titled “Carnival Heart,” was penned by the grandson of country legend Hank Williams, Sam Williams, along with songwriters PJ Harding and Ned Houston. “Carnival Heart” is an evocative melody inspired by themes of self-discovery, friendship, and hope. Attendees were treated to mesmerizing acts, including a breathtaking acrobatic performance and more.
Following the buzz generated by the press preview, Songblazers made its first public debut in front of a live audience on June 7 at Skydeck on Broadway. As part of the UMG Nashville Takeover at Skydeck for the 2024 CMA Fest, Sam Williams performed “Carnival Heart,” the ballad he wrote for Songblazers. Sam then introduced a special performance by Songblazers that showcased an energetic bartender juggling red solo cups to Toby Keith’s hit single, Red Solo Cup. The performance gave the audience a first glimpse into the melting of cultures between Cirque du Soleil and Country Music.
Cirque du Soleil, in collaboration with Universal Music Group Nashville, is thrilled to present Songblazers. Written and directed by Amy Tinkham, this groundbreaking theatrical production pays homage to both legendary and contemporary trailblazers of country music. Songblazers charts the journey of two main characters as they strive for recognition in the country music scene, offering audiences an unforgettable experience filled with heart and determination.
Drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of country music, Songblazers celebrates the genre’s historical icons while embracing the vibrant talents of today’s artists. Audiences can expect to be enthralled by stunning acrobatics, awe-inspiring aerial acts, and feats of extraordinary strength, all set to the backdrop of beloved country tunes.
Premiere and Ticket Information:
Songblazers is set to premiere at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center® (TPAC) in Nashville in July 2024. Tickets are now available for purchase. Cirque Club members can enjoy exclusive benefits, including early ticket access and behind-the-scenes insights. For more information and to secure your seats, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/songblazers.
Official Partner:
SONGBLAZERS wishes to thank Gibson, its official partner.
Credit: Cirque du Soleil 2024
Costumes: Zerina Akers
Artist: Bruno Macaggi (Spain)
Credit: Cirque du Soleil 2024
Costumes: Zerina Akers
Artists: Bettina Bodgan (Hungary) and Krisztina Vellai (Hungary)
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ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The company now employs over 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.
ABOUT UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE
Universal Music Group Nashville consists of Capitol Records Nashville, Capitol Comedy Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, and Silver Wings Records. Reading like a “who’s who” of Music Row, the combined rosters include Alan Jackson, Anne Wilson, Billy Currington, Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Bryce Leatherwood, Carrie Underwood, Catie Offerman, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Dalton Dover, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, George Strait, Hootie & The Blowfish, Hueston, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kylie Morgan, Little Big Town, Louie TheSinger, Luke Bryan, Luke Grimes, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Sam Williams, The War And Treaty, Travis Denning, Tyler Hubbard, Vince Gill, and comedian Nate Bargatze. For additional information, visit www.umgnashville.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
For Cirque du Soleil
Christy Walker-Watkins | AristoPR
615-269-7071, ext. 124
For UMG Nashville
Leigh Malleus | UMG Nashville
