VALDOSTA – The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts has revealed its 2027 Presenter Series season, featuring a lineup of musical tribute shows. The series includes a rockabilly classic, a musical battle of iconic sounds, and a celebration of a renowned songwriting friendship, all scheduled to take place at the Valdosta High Performing Arts Center, located at 3101 Barack Obama Boulevard.
According to Nancy Warren, a longtime Presenter Series committee member, the 2027 season promises to be one of the most exciting since the series moved to its current home. Warren noted that while the committee appreciates the Valdosta High Performing Arts Center, they do miss the ability to bring large-scale Broadway productions that were previously hosted at Mathis Auditorium. She expressed optimism for a future venue that can accommodate such spectacular shows, but emphasized that the upcoming season is “incredible” and sure to have audiences engaged.
Kicking off the season on January 28 is “One Night in Memphis,” described as a tribute to Sun Records recording artists Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. The performance features former cast members of the Broadway hit ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ and promises over 90 minutes of authentic rockabilly, country, gospel, and rock and roll music.
The series continues on February 23 with “Motones vs. Jerseys,” a musical showdown pitting the soul and swagger of Motown against the harmonies of the doo wop era. Audiences will hear favorites from groups like The Temptations and Aretha Franklin, as well as Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. The show also explores how these legendary sounds influenced subsequent generations of artists, including Tina Turner, Prince, and Bruno Mars.
Rounding out the season on March 9 is “You’ve Still Got a Friend,” a concert event that celebrates the friendship and collaboration between songwriters Carole King and James Taylor. The performance interweaves iconic songs with the stories behind them, featuring beloved favorites such as ‘Fire and Rain,’ ‘Beautiful,’ ‘Sweet Baby James,’ and ‘I Feel the Earth Move.’ This event aims to offer a nostalgic journey through the lives of two legendary artists, highlighting the joy, warmth, and tenderness of their remarkable friendship and the music it inspired.
Warren extended gratitude to current subscribers for their continued support and invited new attendees to join what she anticipates will be a fabulous season. The Presenter Series is made possible through the support of various sponsors, including The Valdosta Daily Times, Mackey Lumber Company, Stifel Investment Services, Coleman | Talley, Dr. Edward Fricker Family, Holiday Inn, Lamar, Synovus, and Talk 92.1. Community Partners for the series include Bush Wealth Management, Cauthan Construction Company, Citizens Community Bank, Gideon Constructors, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Kilby Family Dentistry, Langdale Vallotton LLP, Chuck Ramsey, RISE, Sutherland PT, The Pool Store, Turner’s Fine Furniture, and Valdosta Magazine.
For more information on the 2027 Presenter Series, residents can call 247-2787, visit turnercenter.org, or visit the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts at 527 N. Patterson St.
