The 1861 Project

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin, we’re proud to present “The 1861 Project - New Songs about the Battle of Franklin.”

Performers include Country Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Bare, Irish singer extraordinaire Maura O'Connell, Grammy nominated singer songwriter Kim Richey, acoustic music star Sierra Hull, Irene Kelley, Craig Market, Eric Brace & Peter Cooper, J.T. Brown, and more!

These stellar performers will be backed by an all star band that includes seven time Grammy winner Mark Fain on bass, multi-instrumentalist Justin Moses, Lynn Williams on drums and Sierra Hull on mandolin. Our bandleader will be producer and principal songwriter of "The 1861 Project" Thomm Jutz.

"The 1861 Project," is a series of recording releases universally acclaimed for their groundbreaking blend of soul-stirring music and historical perspective. The final installment, "Volume 3: Franklin" commemorates one of the Civil War's final, and most brutal conflicts, known as "the five bloodiest hours of the Civil War"…the Battle of Franklin.

Performers will interpret new and original songs in honor of the people who fought and lived through this battle. Characters known to locals, historians and students of the Civil War, will come to life through the power of music.

What better time and place to commemorate this epic struggle than two nights before the 150th anniversary of the battle than at the historic Franklin theatre. This evening is a one-time event for students of history and lovers of American roots music.

Historical information to the songs will be provided by executive producer Paul Schatzkin, famed author Robert Hicks, and battlefield preservationist and director of the Lotz House, JT Thompson.

Songs from "The 1861 Project" Volumes 1 & 2 will be presented as well.