COLUMBIA, TN — Columbia State Community College has announced the lineup for its 2026-27 First Farmers Performance Series, featuring six concerts celebrating 250 years of American music.
The 24th season of the series, themed “An American Playlist Sampler: Music That Moves Us,” will be held in the 500-seat Cherry Theater on Columbia State’s Columbia Campus. The season will feature music ranging from jazz and soul to country, classic pop, holiday favorites and the sounds of the 1980s.
The season opens October 22 with The Jazz Legacy Project Presents Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song, featuring acclaimed vocalist and actor Maria Howell in a tribute to the legendary jazz singer.
On November 19, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and recording artist Steve Leslie will bring his full band to Columbia for How Sweet It Is: Steve Leslie Sings James Taylor, featuring music inspired by some of Taylor’s best-known songs.
Country and folk artist Suzy Bogguss will take the stage December 17 for A Swingin’ Little Christmas, combining traditional holiday favorites with selections from throughout her career.
The series continues February 11 with The Lovin’ Spoonful, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band known for hits including “Do You Believe in Magic,” “Daydream” and “Summer in the City.” The current touring group includes founding member Steve Boone.
On March 25, singer, songwriter, guitarist and tap dancer Solomon Jaye will present Tap Into Soul, a high-energy show featuring soul and pop music spanning generations.
The season concludes April 22 with Electric Avenue: The 80s MTV Experience, a production recreating the sound and style of the 1980s through vintage synthesizers, authentic arrangements and music from the MTV era.
Tickets for each performance are $35, including fees. Shows begin at 7 p.m., with the Cherry Theater box office opening at 6 p.m. and doors opening at 6:30 p.m. on performance nights. Free parking is available on the Columbia Campus at 1665 Hampshire Pike.
Tickets and additional information are available through Columbia State’s Performance Series website or by calling the Performance Series ticket line at 931-540-2879.
