Tennessee Connections Run Deep in Super Bowl 59 Matchup

Issue #348

09 Feb

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☁️ Columbia’s Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 45 & low of 32

🏈 Tennessee Connections Run Deep in Super Bowl 59 Matchup

🎭 Watershed Public Theatre Presents PROOF, A Powerful Drama of Family and Genius

📌 2/22: The Well Outreach Presents “Night of Hope” Concert With We The Kingdom

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

❤️ Looking For Things To Do in Columbia on Valentine’s Day? Click Here

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

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

Upcoming Local Events

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

Sunday, February 9th

Monday, February 10th

Tuesday, February 11th

Wednesday, February 12th

  • Vet 2 Vet Meet Up at McCreary’s Irish Pub - 5:30 PM

Thursday, February 13th

Friday, February 14th

Tennessee Connections Run Deep in Super Bowl 59 Matchup

As millions gather to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee football fans will recognize plenty of familiar faces. Former Titans, Vols, Commodores, and Memphis Tigers are scattered across both rosters, making their mark on the NFL’s biggest stage. From dynamic playmakers to crucial coaching staff, Tennessee’s influence runs deep in this championship showdown.

Kansas City Chiefs

  • Anthony Firkser, TE – Former Tennessee Titan who played four seasons in Nashville, appearing in 58 games and making two starts. His best season was in 2020, with 39 receptions for 387 yards and a touchdown.

  • Patrick Mahomes II, QB – While not from Tennessee, his father, Pat Mahomes Sr., pitched for the Nashville Sounds in 2003 and 2004.

  • DeAndre Hopkins, WR – Spent two seasons (2023-24) with the Titans, leading the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2023 before being traded to Kansas City.

  • Trey Smith, OG – Former Tennessee Volunteer and Humboldt native has started every game this season and has 67 career starts with the Chiefs.

  • Pat Sperduto, Co-Director of College Scouting – Former coach of the Nashville Kats in the Arena Football League and previously worked with the Titans in coaching and scouting roles.

Philadelphia Eagles

  • Reed Blankenship, S – Middle Tennessee State product in his third NFL season, with 78 tackles, four interceptions, and a fumble recovery this year.

  • Khari Blasingame, FB – Former Vanderbilt fullback who played two games for Chicago and three for Philadelphia this season, currently on the Eagles’ practice squad.

  • A.J. Brown, WR – Drafted by the Titans in 2019, Brown totaled nearly 3,000 receiving yards in three seasons with Tennessee before being traded to Philadelphia in 2022.

  • Oren Burks, LB – Former Vanderbilt linebacker who played four years at Green Bay before joining the Eagles. Earned a starting role late in the season after Nakobe Dean’s injury.

  • Jake Elliott, K – Memphis alum and longtime Eagles kicker, converting 28 of 36 field goals this season and six of seven in the playoffs.

  • Kenneth Gainwell, RB – Memphis product and backup running back for Philadelphia, contributing 290 rushing yards and a touchdown this season.

  • Bryce Huff, DE – Former Memphis defensive end who started six games this season, recording 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss.

  • Kyle Philips, WR – Former Titans wide receiver who played two seasons in Tennessee before joining the Eagles’ practice squad.

  • Jeremiah Washburn, DE/LB Coach – Son of longtime Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn. Has been on Philadelphia’s staff since 2019.

With talent from Tennessee colleges, former Titans players, and coaching connections, the state will have plenty of representation when the Chiefs and Eagles face off in Super Bowl 59.

Watershed Public Theatre Presents PROOF, A Powerful Drama of Family and Genius

The cast of PROOF pictured left to right, top to bottom: Reid Gregory, Maggie Hernandez, JR Knowles and Christian Randell

Watershed Public Theatre will kick off the second half of its 2024-2025 season by bringing PROOF to the stage in Columbia, TN. This math-centric modern classic was written in 2000 by David Auburn, and went on to win a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

The story revolves around Catherine (Reid Gregory), whose brilliance is a burden. She takes after her father, groundbreaking mathematician Robert (JR Knowles), for better or worse. In the aftermath of her father's death, Catherine bonds with her father's former student, Hal (Christian Randell), and confronts family tension with her more polished, put-together sister Claire (Maggie Hernandez).

PROOF's production style is rather minimalist. Four actors and one set may seem like a simple equation, but the starkness showcases the characters’ complicated problems. These are problems that many can relate to: the strain of taking care of an aging parent, resentment between siblings, being underestimated, and struggles with depression.

Seasoned actor and director R. Scott Cantrell was drawn to the play particularly because of Catherine's underdog adversity and its realistic portrayal of depression. Cantrell has starred in several shows for Watershed Public Theatre, but this will be the first that he's directed for the company. Cast members Christian Randell and JR Knowles are also pillars of the Watershed community. JR runs the WPT Apprentice Company, which trains and develops aspiring actors and crew members; Christian sits on the Watershed Board of Directors, as well as the company's Artist's Lab, which is helping the local theatre scene become innovative by developing outside-the-box programs. 

Maggie Hernandez will return for her second Watershed production following last summer's popular Riverwalk Park hit, A Midsummer Night's Dream. Last but not least, this marks the Watershed Public Theatre debut for Reid Gregory, who will be starring in the role of Catherine.

Performances will take place in Ledbetter Auditorium at Columbia State Community College (1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia), February 21, 22, 28 & March 1 at 7pm, and February 23 & March 2 at 3pm. Tickets are available online or may be purchased in person at the venue. 

2/22: The Well Outreach Presents “Night of Hope” Concert With We The Kingdom

The Well Outreach is pleased to present their 2025 "Night of Hope" on February 22nd, 2025 at Worldwide Stages featuring Christian Contemporary Artists, We The Kingdom! It's going to be an evening full of inspiring live music, worship, and hope - plus, your ticket helps feed local families in need.

What's Included:

- Your ticket feeds a family of four with groceries for a week

- VIP/Meet & Greet opportunities (with upgraded ticket)

- Small bites and tastings before the show

- A live auction to support The Well Outreach’s cause

- A powerful concert and worship experience with We The Kingdom

This event raises important funding for the rest of the year so that The Well can meet the needs of thousands of families coming to their food pantry with food insecurities. This is more than just a concert - it's a night to come together in faith and make a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most. 

Tickets are still available, including limited seats to a special meet-and-greet with We The Kingdom plus tickets by the seat or table.

For more information on the work and mission of the Well Outreach, please visit their website: thewelloutreach.org

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Sunday, February 9th

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Monday, February 10th

Brooklyn Ray, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Tuesday, February 11th

Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Austin Gray, The Rebel, 6 PM

Wednesday, February 12th

Mika Lynch, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, February 13th

Oliver Pigott, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Mexican Grill, 6-9 PM
Admiral Radio, Cherry Theater, 7 PM
Murphy Ridge, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, February 14th

Annie Moses Band, Packard Playhouse, 6-7 PM
Open Mic, Grinder's Switch, 6-8 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary's Irish Pub,7-9 PM
Lynn Marie & E3, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Grace West Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, February 15th

Tarryn Aimee, Puckett’s, 10 AM-2 PM
Annie Moses Band, Packard Playhouse, 6-7 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary's Irish  Pub, 7-9 PM
Kristy Cox, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Box of Rox, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, February 16th

Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 4-7 PM

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