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Hear the Stories Behind the Songs at This Month's Mulehouse Songwriter Series

Issue #756

June 23, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Clouds & sunshine w/ high of 84, low of 63

🎤 Hear the Stories Behind the Songs at This Month's Mulehouse Songwriter Series

🗳️ Honor a Veteran at the Polls Through Tennessee's Honor Vote Program

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Hear the Stories Behind the Songs at This Month's Mulehouse Songwriter Series

The Mulehouse's monthly songwriter series has become a favorite for music lovers, and this month's lineup is packed with talent. Karen Staley, Aaron Barker, and Gary Chapman will take the stage to share songs, stories, and the experiences behind some of country music's most recognizable hits.

KAREN STALEY

Karen Staley is an award-winning songwriter and performer whose songs have been played more than 13 million times on radio and sold over 20 million albums, singles, and downloads. She has written hits for artists including Faith Hill and Tracy Byrd, earning ACM Song of the Year for “Keeper of the Stars.” A longtime performer at Bluebird Cafe, Karen has also toured with artists like Reba McEntire and Patty Loveless. In 2022, her song “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee” became an official Tennessee State Song.

AARON BARKER

Singer-songwriter Aaron Barker is best known for writing a string of hits for George Strait, including “Baby Blue,” “Love Without End, Amen,” and “I Can Still Make Cheyenne.” A talented performer and entertainer long before his songwriting success, Barker also recorded as a solo artist and became widely recognized for his Blue Bell Ice Cream jingles. His songs have also been recorded by artists including Lonestar, Clay Walker, Willie Nelson, and Trace Adkins, and he was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007.

GARY CHAPMAN

Gary is an American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter and former television talk show host. He has won seven Dove awards and five Grammy nominations as an artist! He also hosted TNN's flagship show and the Sam's Place series at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Along with Amy Grant, Gary wrote the iconic "Tennessee Christmas" song we all know and love.

Honor a Veteran at the Polls Through Tennessee's Honor Vote Program

Ahead of Early Voting, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is reminding all registered Tennessee voters to join the Honor Vote program and cast a ballot in honor of United States veterans or active-duty service members.

This year, Tennesseans who join the program will receive a special commemorative 250th Honor Vote button, celebrating America’s founding and the enduring sacrifice of the men and women who have protected or are currently protecting our freedom.

“At a time when our freedoms are on full display, the Honor Vote program offers Tennesseans a meaningful way to recognize those who defend them,” said Secretary Hargett. “Casting a ballot in someone’s honor is a simple yet powerful way to express our gratitude to the brave men and women who protect the United States of America.”

The Honor Vote program allows registered voters to dedicate their vote to a U.S. veteran or active-duty service member—a visible reminder that the right to vote has been secured through courage, sacrifice, and service.

Participants will receive an informational guide along with the limited-edition 2026 commemorative Honor Vote button, which they can proudly wear at the polls. Dedications will also be recognized on the official Tennessee Honor Vote List.

Tennesseans are encouraged to share their participation and tributes online using #GoVoteTN and #TNHonorVote, helping spread a message of gratitude and civic pride across the Volunteer State.

To register your dedication or learn more, visit honorvote.govotetn.gov.

Key 2026 Election Dates:

• Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
• Early Voting Period: Friday, July 17 – Saturday, August 1, 2026
• Election Day: Thursday, August 6, 2026

For polling locations, hours, and more information, download the free GoVoteTN app or visit GoVoteTN.gov.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday. June 24th

Thursday, June 25th

Friday, June 26th

Saturday, June 27th

Sunday, June 28th

Stay Tuned For More Events!

Discount Code: Deeper

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, June 25

Twisted Punk Bazaar - Twisted Copper Brewery, 5-10:30 PM
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6-9 PM

Friday, June 26
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Nick Black - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Open Mic - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 6-9 PM
Songwriter Series - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Walker County - Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
DownSouth Band - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, June 27
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12-6 PM
Vince Moreno - Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Tunes for Tails - The Mulehouse, 6 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6-8 PM
The Tim Turner Band - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Yonder Grove - Twisted Copper, 7-10 PM
Curated Writers Round - Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
MFT Rebelling - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
The Howlin Embers - Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Six Strings Revolvers - The Boondox, 8 PM
Luvscene - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, June 28
TBA - Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Greg Minear - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2-5 PM
Zmed Brothers - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM

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