Tennessee Theatre Revival

Knoxville’s Tennessee Theatre will show off the results of a $25 million restoration project when it reopens in mid-January.

The former movie theatre, which dates back to the 1920s, has been reborn as a 1,631-seat contemporary performing arts center while retaining its original Spanish-Moorish beauty.

Upgrades to the building include new seats with improved sightlines, new lighting, rigging and other equipment, expanded stage and orchestra pit, improved dressing rooms and restrooms, and the addition of elevators.

The national landmark has hosted a variety of top artists through the years including Glenn Miller, Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins and Lionel Hampton.

Acts including Alison Krauss and Lyle Lovett have continued to perform at the venue because of its charm and history even though Actor’s Equity once threatened to blacklist it because of disrepair.

Krauss & Union Station will perform a two-night stand January 20-21 and Lovett is scheduled for February 24th. Other artists on the books through mid-May include Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, Yonder Mountain String Band, Buddy Guy, Elvis Costello, Wynton Marsalis, and John Scofield.