Beginning this fall, Westerly’s United Theatre will host a series of intimate live shows featuring Nashville singer-songwriters, presented by the city’s legendary Bluebird Cafe.
Dubbed “Nashville North,” the initiative is a new collaboration with the Bluebird and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which is home to the Taylor Swift Education Center.
“We are thrilled to bring this experience to New England, beginning this fall and continuing quarterly providing our region with an exclusive opportunity to experience the Bluebird Cafe’s signature songwriter-driven performances,” Tony Nunes, artistic director of the United Theatre, said in a news release Wednesday.
Nunes says Nashville singer-songwriters will also be performing at The United’s sister venue, The Knick.
The collaboration is the brainchild of Scott Swift, father of acclaimed country music artist Taylor Swift, who is a part-time resident of Watch Hill in Westerly.
“We are incredibly grateful to him for recognizing the potential of uniting Nashville’s extraordinary songwriting tradition with the musical heritage of Westerly and for setting in motion what will be an unforgettable and ongoing exchange of artistry and storytelling,” said Carly Callahan, executive director of the United Theatre.
In addition to the live performances, the United Music School will take part in an arts education program, allowing Westerly Middle School students to work with Nashville-based musicians and artists on crafting original songs.
The program, called Words and Music, is offered through the Taylor Swift Education Center at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
This story was reported by The Public’s Radio.
