ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville are excited to present Songblazers, an innovative country-themed show written and directed by Amy Tinkham. This dynamic theatrical production pays tribute to the legendary and modern trailblazers of country music. Charting the journey of two main characters as they forge their own path to country recognition, Songblazers show promises an unforgettable experience for audiences.
This brand-new Cirque du Soleil show will premiere this July 2024 in Nashville, TN and will tour across the United States. Today the company is proud to announce 7 new cities to the tour, including St. Louis. Songblazers will be presented at the Fabulous Fox Theatre for 7 performances only from October 23-27.
In an exciting addition, Cirque du Soleil proudly announces its collaboration with Sam Williams, a contemporary country artist, grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr, for the creation of an original song for the show Songblazers, fusing gut-wrenching honesty and plainspoken poetics with raw vulnerability and deep empathy, CARNIVAL HEART, is inspired by a personal yearning of self-discovery, friendship, and hope. Williams wrote the spellbinding new song with fellow songwriters PJ Harding and Ned Houston.
“The title idea came to me pretty easily after becoming acquainted with Cirque du Soleil,” says Williams. “Where I come from, most people don’t get to go to the circus. We go to county fairs and carnivals, and the carnival in a small town is filled with joy, excitement, mystery, euphoria, you name it. That feeling is one you always remember, and I think the roller coaster of emotions lines up with what you want to feel seeing such an incredibly beautiful production such as Cirque’s.”
Pre-save Williams’ “Carnival Heart (from Cirque du Soleil Songblazers)” HERE.
Drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of country music, Songblazers pays homage to the legendary trailblazers of the past while embracing the vibrant talents of contemporary artists. Audiences are invited to witness breathtaking acrobatics, awe-inspiring aerial acts, and displays of extraordinary strength. As the crowd grooves to beloved country tunes, they will be entranced by the breathtaking skills of Cirque du Soleil artists, honoring the rich tradition of country music while embracing its evolving spirit.
SHOW CREATION TEAM
Here is the creative team for this new theatrical creation, Cirque du Soleil’s first ever country music themed show.
- Daniel Ross – Director of Creation
- Amy Tinkham – Show Director & Writer
- Wayne Wilson – Associate Show Director & Comedic Content Designer
- Bruce Rodgers – Set Designer
- Nicholas Mahon – Props and Puppets Designer
- Zerina Rosette Akers – Costumes Designer
- Vanessa Ashley – Make-up Designer
- Abigail Rosen Holmes – Lighting Designer
- Gareth Owen – Sound Designer
- Germain Guillemot – Acrobatic Performance Designer
- Danny Zen – Acrobatic Equipment Designer
- Melissa Colello – Acrobatic Choreographer
- Seth Roberts – Music Arranger & Producer
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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 more than 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, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, and Capitol Comedy Nashville. Reading like a “who’s who” of Music Row, the combined rosters include Alan Jackson, Anne Wilson, Billy Currington, Boy Named Banjo, Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Bryce Leatherwood, Carrie Underwood, Catie Offerman, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Dalton Dover, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Dillon James, Eric Church, George Strait, Hootie & The Blowfish, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Ross, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Kylie Morgan, Little Big Town, Louie TheSinger, Luke Bryan, Luke Grimes, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Nate Bargatze, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Sam Williams, The War And Treaty, Travis Denning, Tyler Hubbard, and Vince Gill. For additional information, visit www.umgnashville.com.