Cirque Du Soleil Meets Country Music

What better place than Nashville, Tenn. to unveil a country inspired acrobatic show?

Cirque du Soleil, renowned for its circus-inspired entertainment, has ventured into the world of country music in collaboration with Universal Music Group Nashville. The result of this unique partnership is "Songblazers," a country music spectacle that premiered on Wednesday, July 10, at Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Directed by Amy Tinkham, who has previously worked with music legends like James Taylor, Aerosmith, and Sir Paul McCartney, "Songblazers" represents Cirque du Soleil’s first foray into the realm of country music. The production weaves key milestones of the genre with the troupe’s signature acrobatics and timeless ballads, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

"To be asked to make a show about country music is a very daunting task because it’s giant,” Tinkham remarked in a press release. “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.”

The show functions as a musical timeline, featuring 35 songs spanning from 1867 to the present day. Notable contemporary hits in the lineup include Shania Twain’s "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!," Garth Brooks’ "Friends In Low Places," and Rick Astley’s "Never Gonna Give You Up." This eclectic mix highlights the genre's evolution and its enduring appeal.

The premiere event drew a star-studded audience, including notable figures such as Sam Williams, Carlene Carter, BOWEN & YOUNG, Ty Herndon, and Rob Mayes, among others. The positive reception at the debut has led to additional performances being scheduled in Nashville, with hopes that the show will eventually tour internationally.

Cindy Mabe, Chair and CEO of UMG Nashville, expressed her enthusiasm for the production: "This production is a love letter to country music, highlighting its enduring impact through the ages. It's about celebrating our heritage while embracing the future.”