John Oates and Striking Matches to Perform at Ballet’s Largest Annual Fundraiser

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Member John Oates and breakout duo Striking Matches will join forces with Nashville Ballet to perform at the company’s largest annual fundraising event, Ballet Ball 2015, continuing a tradition of combining ballet with Music City’s finest musicians and artists.

On Saturday, March 7 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Oates will perform Hall & Oates hit She’s Gone and Lose it in Louisiana, a track off his 2014 solo album Good Road to Follow. Striking Matches will also play two selections, including When the Right One Comes Along, which was written for ABC’s Nashville, along with an original piece created specifically for this event.

Nashville Ballet company dancer Christopher Stuart will choreograph original works set to the soundtrack of Oates and Striking Matches and performed by Nashville Ballet company dancers. Stuart revisits his choreographic skills after creating a piece set to classic Johnny Cash tunes performed by Sugar and the Hi Lows during 2014’s Attitude.

“This year’s collaboration with John Oates and Striking Matches continues our mission of cultivating the local arts scene through partnerships with the musicians that make this Music City,” Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling said. “Incorporating original choreography from one of our company dancers adds yet another layer onto this already special collaboration.”

Oates has wowed audiences for decades as one half of the acclaimed duo Hall & Oates, as well as in his successful ongoing solo career. After releasing 21 albums and selling more than 80 million units, Hall & Oates is considered the most successful duo in rock history. No. 1 songs include Rich Girl, Kiss on my List, Private Eyes, I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do), Maneater and Out of Touch. Since launching a solo career in 1999, Oates has recorded five albums.

“I'm always looking for new avenues of expression and collaboration. This opportunity with Nashville Ballet is very exciting for me to see how dance will enhance my songs,” Oates said.

Striking Matches, comprised of duo Sarah Zimmermann and Justin Davis, has catapulted to international success following their wildly successful 2012 self-titled debut EP, as well as a string of songs performed regularly on Nashville. Their debut album Nothing but the Silence, produced by Grammy Award-winning T Bone Burnett, combines elements of country, rock and blues and will be released on March 24, 2015.

Tickets for Ballet Ballet are by invitation only. Younger arts patrons can purchase tickets to the Ballet Ball’s Late Party, which features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a seat at the performance. Standard Late Party tickets are $125 per person. VIP Late Party tickets are available at $175 per person and include premium seating in Schermerhorn's exclusive loge boxes during the gala performance, complimentary refreshments and special name recognition.

The 2015 black tie gala marks Ballet Ball’s 26th anniversary. Ballet Ball provides the necessary funding for Nashville Ballet’s Outreach and Community Engagement Program, which introduces the art of dance to more than 37,000 children and families throughout Nashville and the surrounding area each year. 

This year’s Ballet Ball co-chairs, Dr. Kerri Cavanaugh and Mrs. David J. Mahanes III, combine their passion for Nashville Ballet with their dedicated leadership in the community and previous event experience to present the highly anticipated event.

For more information about Ballet Ball or to purchase tickets to the Late Party, please visit Nashville Ballet’s website or Facebook page.

About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company NB2 (a pre-professional training company) serve nearly 60,000 adults and children annually through performances and our outreach and community engagement programming. Curriculum-based outreach programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. The School of Nashville Ballet provides world-class instruction in ballet and other forms of dance for dancers of all ages.

Nashville Ballet is funded in part by Ingram Charitable Trust, Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission, Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, The Shubert Foundation, Caterpillar Financial, The Memorial Foundation, Publix Super Market Charities, The HCA Foundation, The Mall at Green Hills, Gateway Tire and Service Centers and thousands of individuals who contribute to our annual operating fund.

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AuthorNashville Ballet