Clare Bowen to Join John Oates as Musical Guest
Clare Bowen of ABC’s Nashville will accompany previously announced Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Member John Oates as the musical entertainment at Nashville Ballet’s largest annual fundraising event, Ballet Ball 2015, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Saturday, March 7.
Bowen will perform When the Right One Comes Along, which she debuted on screen as aspiring songwriter Scarlett O’Connor in Nashville, along with Sound of Love, written by Bowen, her brother Timothy James Bowen and Nashville singer-songwriter Brandon Young. Bowen will be joined by Young for the performance. 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.
Bowen will take the place of songwriting duo Striking Matches, who recently landed an impressive list of large European tour dates that conflict with Ballet Ball. Their presence will still be felt when Bowen performs their hit song When the Right One Comes Along.
“We’ll miss Striking Matches at Ballet Ball, but congratulate them on an opportunity that couldn’t be turned down,” Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling said. “Their success offers even more evidence of Nashville’s international notoriety, which we can all celebrate.”
Nashville Ballet company dancer Christopher Stuart will choreograph original works set to the soundtrack of Bowen and Oates and performed by Nashville Ballet company dancers. Stuart revisits his choreographic skills after creating Under the Lights set to classic Johnny Cash tunes performed by Sugar and the Hi Lows during 2014’s Attitude.
Bowen has been a series regular on ABC’s musical-drama Nashville since its debut in 2012. As a native Australian, Bowen first made a name for herself in television, film and theater oversees before breaking into the American arena. She is currently working on her debut solo album and will be playing select tour dates this spring and summer.
Oates has wowed audiences for decades as one half of the acclaimed duo Hall & Oates, then as a successful solo musician. 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.
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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