City, County and Businesses Help Henderson Arts Commission Provide Show-stopping 2018 Season

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The Henderson Arts Commission has planned an ambitious, diverse season for the region with the support of the City of Henderson, Chester County and area businesses. Kicking off in April, plans include a performance of the “Million Dollar Quartet,” a Father’s Day Festival, Summer Saturday Arts Academy, children’s theatre experience and an interactive showing of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

"Million Dollar Quartet"

The vision and determination of the Henderson Arts Commission has made a huge impact on our area. It’s thrilling to see the City of Henderson, Chester County and area businesses come together to make their vision a reality, contributing to the rich and full life we enjoy in our West Tennessee home.

The Henderson Arts Commission has planned an ambitious, diverse season for the region with the support of the City of Henderson, Chester County and area businesses. Kicking off in April, plans include a performance of the “Million Dollar Quartet,” a Father’s Day Festival, Summer Saturday Arts Academy, children’s theatre experience and an interactive showing of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

The outdoor showing of the classic Willy Wonka movie is planned for the Chester County Courthouse Lawn Saturday, April 21, at sunset. Admission is free, and Brad and Kristi Montague of Montague Workshop have several surprises in store for leading the interactive movie-viewing experience for children of all ages.

Described by HAC President Jason Bramblett as “Arts in the Alley on steroids,” a Father’s Day Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 16, in Henderson’s Gene Record Park. Musicians will provide the centerpiece for the celebration, festival food will be served, artists will display and sell work and children’s rides and games will be on site. “We want this to be a regional event that celebrates the good things in life — family, time with friends and neighbors and making memories,” Bramblett explained.

Throughout the summer, area artists will conduct Summer Saturday Arts Academy sessions. Free to members, these seminars will help them learn more about areas such as photography, knitting, performing and painting.

Building on the past success of Disney’s “The Lion King Kids” and “Aladdin Kids,” the HAC will work with Becky Hartle and her team for a children’s summer camp theatre experience. It will culminate with June 28-29 performances of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

Planned for the night before the 41st Annual Chester County BBQ Festival and building on the lore of the Rockabilly Highway, the HAC will host the Tony® Award-winning smash-hit musical, “Million Dollar Quartet” Thursday, Sept. 27, in Freed-Hardeman University’s Loyd Auditorium. The show is inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time Dec. 4, 1956. It tells the story of the day these four young musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions ever. “Million Dollar Quartet” features timeless and enduring hits, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog” and more.

Emily Johnson, executive director of the Henderson/Chester County Chamber of Commerce, discussed the 2018 season announcement, saying, “The vision and determination of the Henderson Arts Commission has made a huge impact on our area. It’s thrilling to see the City of Henderson, Chester County and area businesses come together to make their vision a reality, contributing to the rich and full life we enjoy in our West Tennessee home.”

The Henderson Arts Commission exists to recognize, educate, enrich and entertain through the arts in Henderson, Chester County and the surrounding area. Individuals may find information about memberships, sponsorship opportunities and event details at http://HendersonArtsCommission.org or by following http://facebook.com/HendersonArtsCommission.

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Dawn Bramblett
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