'Songblazers' - Cirque du Soleil's first country-themed show - is coming to Buffalo

Tickets available to Cirque Club members; general on-sale starts Monday

Press Release

Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville are excited to present “Songblazers,” an innovative country-themed show written and directed by Amy Tinkham. This dynamic theatrical production pays tribute to the legendary and modern trailblazers of country music. Charting the journey of two main characters as they forge their own path to country recognition, “Songblazers” promises an unforgettable experience for audiences. “Songblazers” premiered earlier this summer in Nashville and is now touring across the U.S.

“Songblazers” will perform in Buffalo at the Shea’s Buffalo Theatre from Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2025. Tickets will be available for purchase Monday, Sept. 30, at www.sheas.org. Group discounts for 10-plus are available by calling at 716-829-1153 or emailing [email protected]. This year, “Songblazers” is a part of Shea’s Buffalo Theater’s Broadway special engagements, locally sponsored by Gallagher.

Drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of country music, “Songblazers” pays homage to the legendary trailblazers of the past while embracing the vibrant talents of contemporary artists. Audiences are invited to witness breathtaking acrobatics, awe-inspiring aerial acts, and displays of extraordinary strength all choreographed to live music performed by the Songblazers Band and musical characters. As the crowd grooves to beloved country tunes, they will be entranced by the breathtaking skills of Cirque du Soleil artists, honoring the rich tradition of country music while embracing its evolving spirit.

Photo credit: Cirque du Soleil 2024 // costume designer: Zerina Akers // courtesy of Shea's Performing Arts Center

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In an exciting addition, Cirque du Soleil proudly announced its collaboration with Sam Williams, a contemporary country artist, grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr., for the creation of an original song for the show “Songblazers.” Fusing gut-wrenching honesty and plainspoken poetics with raw vulnerability and deep empathy, “Carnival Heart” is inspired by a personal yearning of self-discovery, friendship and hope. Williams wrote the spellbinding new song with fellow songwriters PJ Harding and Ned Houston.

“The title idea came to me pretty easily after becoming acquainted with Cirque du Soleil,” Williams said. “Where I come from, most people don’t get to go to the circus. We go to county fairs and carnivals, and the carnival in a small town is filled with joy, excitement, mystery, euphoria, you name it. That feeling is one you always remember, and I think the rollercoaster of emotions lines up with what you want to feel seeing such an incredibly beautiful production such as Cirque’s.”

Listen to “Carnival Heart” here.

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Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on six continents and 86 countries. The company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1,200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, visit cirquedusoleil.com.