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Columbia State Announces 2025–26 First Farmers Performance Series Artist Roster

Columbia State Announces 2025–26 First Farmers Performance Series Artist Roster

Issue #556

September 14, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Weather - Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon w/ High of 89, low of 63

🎵 Columbia State Announces 2025–26 First Farmers Performance Series Artist Roster

👉 $5 Fridays at Rippa Villa From Now Until Halloween

📌 Oct. 24: Special Tour of the Spring Hill Battlefield

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

🎵 Columbia State Announces 2025–26 First Farmers Performance Series Artist Roster

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Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce the artist roster for the 2025-2026 First Farmers Performance Series season. The 23rd season of the Performance Series features a diverse lineup of artists set to perform in the 500-seat Cherry Theater on the Columbia Campus.

“The feel of fall is beginning to spread through the air, and Columbia State—together with First Farmers—is excited to share evenings of outstanding entertainment with our community,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “Each performance offers not only top-tier talent but also a chance to connect with friends, meet new ones, and enjoy a stroll through the Pryor Art Gallery. I look forward to seeing you at the Series.”

“We’re thrilled to unveil what may be one of our best Performance Series lineups at Columbia State,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “This season wouldn’t be possible without the steadfast support of our naming sponsor and the enthusiasm of our patrons. We invite everyone in our community to join us—there’s nothing quite like the energy and connection of live performance.”

“We’re proud to bring a lineup this varied and dynamic to the region we serve,” said Tammy Rosson, Columbia State director of events and alumni relations. “Audiences can experience world-class performances — from storytelling and bluegrass to timeless classics and holiday traditions — in a lovely venue with free parking and easy access. Thanks to the continued support of First Farmers & Merchants Bank, and our patrons, this season reflects our commitment to making live entertainment accessible and unforgettable for our community.”

On Thurs., Oct. 16 @ 7 p.m. SEAN OF THE SOUTH, will be featured. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, humorist and multi-instrumentalist known for his commentary on life in the American South.

Thurs., Nov. 13 @ 7 p.m. is upright bass player SCOTT MULVAHILL. A genre-blending singer-songwriter, who fuses Americana, folk, jazz and experimental sounds into something truly original.

Thurs., Dec. 18 @ 7 p.m. Experience the magic of Christmas with THE IRISH TENORS

Thurs., Feb. 12 @ 7 p.m. THE FRENCH FAMILY BAND will be on stage. Originally from Australia and now Nashville-based, this this brings rich harmonies, dazzling twin guitars and a love for classic country straight from the Golden Age.

THE KODY NORRIS SHOW will appear on Thurs., March 12 @ 7 p.m. This award-winning bluegrass group is all about blending tradition with fresh energy.

The Finale will happen on Thurs., April 9 @ 7 p.m. with THE PLATTERS

Few groups have a legacy as enduring as The Platters®. Founded in 1952 by Herb Reed, they were the first African American group to achieve superstardom, delivering timeless GRAMMY® hits like "Only You" and "The Great Pretender." Today, their music remains a staple of pop culture, film and television.

Tickets for each performance are priced at $35 and include all fees. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit here. Individuals may also contact the Performance Series box office at 931.540.2879, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

🕯️9/27: Candlelight Tour of the Athenaeum

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Please join us at the Columbia Athenaeum Rectory on Sept. 27 from 7-9PM for their Candlelight Tour. Come learn the mourning processes of the antebellum south and see the beautiful Rectory as people of the 19th century would have seen it, by candlelight! Tickets are $10 per person, cash only. All ticket sales goes towards the perpetual upkeep of Columbia's Hidden Gem. For more information, visit www.historicathenaeum.com.

👉 $5 Fridays at Rippa Villa From Now Until Halloween

From now until Halloween, you can experience a one hour guided tour at Rippa Villa for just $5. FRIDAYS ONLY! Purchase your ticket online and arrive any time between 9 AM and 4 PM. Check in at the visitor center when you arrive, and we will place you on the next tour.

Tickets must be purchased ONLINE. No exceptions.

📌 Oct. 24: Special Tour of the Spring Hill Battlefield

Join author and historian Eric A. Jacobson for a tour of the Spring Hill battlefield on October 24 at 9:00 a.m. This two-hour tour will begin at Rippa Villa and will follow the movements of the U.S. and Confederate armies as one of the greatest and most perplexing escapes of the American Civil War took place on November 29, 1864. Be prepared to walk over a mile. Also, you will drive from Rippa Villa to the battlefield park on Kedron Road. This is a rare opportunity to experience the battlefield with the man who wrote For Cause and For Country about the Battles of Spring Hill and Franklin. Tickets are $40 per person, and attendance is limited to 25 participants. Click the link here to purchase a ticket and secure your spot.