The Band Perry Helps Nashville Ballet Honor Tharp

The Nashville Ballet is going country as it celebrates its 25th anniversary and honors dance icon Twyla Tharp during its annual fundraising gala this weekend.

Twenty dancers will perform original pieces choreographed by ballet artistic director and CEO Paul Vasterling. Songs will be played live by The Band Perry and Country Music Hall of Fame songwriter Pat Alger on Saturday.

The Band Perry, recent winner of The Academy of Country Music’s top new duo or group award, will play its breakthrough hit “If I Die Young,” and Alger will play his “Lone Star State of Mind.”

Photo: AP Photo

CMA Awards, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tenn.

Former “Dancing with the Stars” champion Julianne Hough will serve as master of ceremonies and will present Tharp with the ballet’s Vasterling Award for Artistic Vision and Excellence in Dance.