The Deborah Allen & Friends Sunday Gospel Matinee Series at The Franklin Theatre celebrates the soulful heritage of gospel music through uplifting performances designed to foster joy and community unity. Hosted by Allen alongside world-renowned guests, this new series offers an inspiring, multi-generational experience that truly feeds the soul.
Deborah Allen
Deborah Allen is an award-winning singer-songwriter whose career has spanned more than four decades as a recording artist, hit songwriter, producer, and entertainer. Best known for her chart-topping hits “Baby I Lied,” “Rock Me,” and “I’ve Been Wrong Before,” Deborah has also written songs recorded by some of country music’s biggest stars. Many know Deborah from her SIRIUSXM radio show, as well as her appearances on television, in film, and on stages around the world.
A passionate woman of faith, she created the Deborah Allen Sunday Gospel Matinee Series to bring together outstanding artists for uplifting afternoons of music, inspiration, and community. With her unmistakable voice, warm storytelling, and heartfelt spirit, Deborah welcomes audiences to an unforgettable celebration of faith through music.
Billy Gaines
Billy Gaines is a multiple Dove award winning singer, songwriter, and recording artist. He was formerly one half of the contemporary christian music duo Billy and Sarah Gaines, having recorded and released five albums on Benson Records, and one album on Warner Alliance/SoundHouse records. Billy’s most recent, and solo album, is “Ten Thousand Angels” released on SoundHouse records.
Heidi Newfield
Honky-tonker, bandleader, songwriter, blues-harp blower, and full-hearted flag bearer for real music: that’s Heidi Newfield.
Raised in small-town Healdsburg, California, Heidi rode high school rodeo, broke horses for her folks, and grew up on Hank, Patsy, and Loretta. At 15, she caught the blues bug and picked up the harmonica.
After years of trips to Nashville starting at 13, she moved there after graduation and in 1996 co-founded Trick Pony, earning 10 Top 20 singles, Grammy nominations, and ACM, CMA, and AMA wins.
Her first solo single, “Johnny and June,” made her the most-nominated female artist at the 2009 ACM Awards. She co-produced 2020’s The Barfly Sessions, co-writing 12 of its 14 songs, and co-wrote two cuts on her hero Jimmy Hall’s #1 blues album, Ready Now.
The McCrary Sisters
The McCrary Sisters sing gospel with a groove, blending traditional roots with the classic soul, Americana, blues, rock, and R&B that shaped them. At the heart of every show is joy, and a mission to spread hope, love, healing (and dancing).
Ann, Regina, Alfreda, and Deborah are the daughters of the late Rev. Samuel McCrary, a founding member of the legendary gospel quartet The Fairfield Four. Raised in Nashville, they sang at home and in their father’s church, and performed with Bob Dylan, Elvis, Isaac Hayes, and Stevie Wonder.
Since forming The McCrary Sisters in 2011, they’ve recorded or performed with Delbert McClinton, The Black Keys, Martina McBride, Eric Church, Rosanne Cash, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris, Gregg Allman, and many more. Their catalog spans five albums and singles, from Our Journey (2011) to A Very McCrary Christmas (2019) to “Your Amazing Love” (2024).
SPONSORSHIP DELIVERABLES:
- Naming Rights: "### Presented by ###"
- 4 tickets to sponsored event
- Logo or name recognition on:
- On-site digital signage (marquee and screens)*
- Franklin Theatre website*
- Cross-promoted on social (175k) and email (approx. 75k)*
- Opportunity for lobby giveaways (pending approval from Corporate Sponsorships)
*Subject to printing and publishing deadlines