Join us for a Juneteenth Celebration honoring the freedom to create on Friday, June 14! Presented by producer and songwriter Anthony Smith and artistic director Stephen Miller, this special performance will pay homage to the great pop and soul era of R&B, from Motown into today! Featuring some of Nashville’s most talented up-and-coming pop & soul artists, you’ll hear all the hits you know and love from Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Marvin Gay, The Surpremes, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson and The Jackson Five, and more. Don’t miss Sheldon Thomas, Carmen Dianne, Shyanne, and William Davenport together on The Franklin Theatre Stage, in celebration of freedom and remembrance!
About Sheldon Thomas
Sheldon Thomas was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee, he currently still resides there. He grew up singing at an early age in church and also starred playing saxophone around the age of 11. He loves all things music and enjoys a wide array of artists and genres. He is inspired from artists such as D’Angelo, Usher, Michel Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Babyface and Donny Hathaway. He has done several productions with Nashville Repertory Theater in partnership with TPAC, and has been a touring musician since the beginning of the year. He is blessed to be able to call music more than just his passion but also his career.
About William Davenport
More than words on a page or notes to a melody- William Davenport has had an intimate relationship with music that dates back to his childhood in Atlanta, Ga. A soulful spirit with gospel roots, he scribes music reminiscent of mature love in its truest form. From his beginning days, William has been lauded as a true balladeer and music prodigy skilled in piano, guitar, violin, and organ. While in college pursuing a degree in Engineering, William appeared in and won several high-profile talent shows including: the embassy Records national Talent Search, and the opportunity to be a singer/songwriter for Neyo’s recording label, Compound Entertainment. More recently, William has continued to be recognized as an independent artist, including being spotlighted in the BET Music Matters campaign.
No stranger to the stage, William has shared a stage with legends such as: India.Arie, Will Downing, Boney James, Laura Izibor, Mary Mary, and Kirk Whalum. A powerful voice in his own right, William continues to pen musical stories that genuinely reflect the heart songs of everyday love and sensuality while carving a career in the industry with his unique sound and undeniable talent.
About Carmen Dianne
Carmen Dianne is a Nashville born and raised singer-songwriter, vocalist, and bassist. Carmen finds that the most interesting people don't really fit into one box, so their music shouldn't either. By blending genres like blues and R&B with southern rock and country, Carmen hopes to create a sound as natural and familiar as it is ear-catching and original. With her soulful, angelic voice and deft songwriting skill, Carmen Dianne illustrates stories of regret, hope, willpower and sheer bliss with a striking sincerity that shows that this singer won't be going anywhere soon.
About Shyanne
As an upcoming R&B/Pop artist based in Nashville, Shyanne is emerging from the scene in music city as she releases new-wave music that is making an impact on the industry. Inspired by 80s/90s/00s R&B, Shyanne tends to naturally create records that are reminiscent of that era while still introducing modern techniques that make her sound unique to today.
Some of Shyanne’s greatest inspirations include Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Prince, Elvis, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, Fergie, Christina Aguilera, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, and Adele just to name a few. She will tell you that she is inspired by anyone great, and draws influence from each of these artists in different ways.
From the studio to the stage, Shyanne consistently delivers an unforgettable experience for listeners. Whether people feel related to, empowered, inspired, or all 3, Shyanne lives for the magic that is music, and the intimate connections that she gets to make with her fans in the process.