Photo Credit: Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil takes a surprising turn with the debut of its first country music show, Songblazers, in collaboration with Universal Music Group Nashville.
Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville debuted their celebratory debut into country music with Songblazers on July 10, in Nashville. The trailblazing theater production, directed and written by Amy Tinkham, paid homage to legendary icons of country music, taking audiences on a journey of the past with aerial acrobatics and singalongs, featuring hits like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”, “Never Gonna Give You Up,” and “Friends In Low Places.”
For the first time, Cirque du Soleil is dedicating a show to country music and its rich storytelling. The unique production features a curated catalog of 35 songs spanning from an impressive 1867 to 2024. With the deep symbiotic relationship between Nashville and country music, it’s no surprise that the show premiered in the heart of Music City.
“To be asked to make a show about country music is a very daunting task because it’s giant. So the approach that I took was to go deeply into the history and crafting of a song, which is really key to country music. Telling the truth and telling the story is the beautiful part of country music, so that’s what Songblazers is about,” says Amy Tinkham, show writer and director.
At the world premiere in Nashville, the Songblazers red carpet welcomed a diverse array of music industry figures, artists, influencers, and community leaders, including Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Sam Williams, Bowen & Young, Carlene Carter, Ty Herndon, Kentucky Gentleman, Rob Mayes, Neon Union, Ryan Larkins, Alison Nichols, Jamie O’Neal, Shane West, and many more.
As audiences are transported through the rich tapestry of country music history and heritage, they’re invited to hold onto their cowboy hats, embarking on a never-before-seen journey. Alongside two passionate songwriters, spectators witness the creative process unfold as they delve deep into the core of country music to craft the ultimate country track that pays homage to its roots while embracing contemporary allure. From the dusty trails of classic ballads to the vibrant energy of modern hits, this production aims to capture the essence of the genre’s enduring legacy.
