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Dolly Parton Narrates “Tennessee: The Original Frontier” Ahead of America's 250th

Issue #644

January 13, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌧️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Rain w/ high of 47, low of 19

📰 Dolly Parton Narrates “Tennessee: The Original Frontier” Ahead of America’s 250th

👉 Get Your Tickets For the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance Meeting on Jan. 29th

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Dolly Parton Narrates “Tennessee: The Original Frontier” Ahead of America’s 250th

On Friday, Governor Bill Lee unveiled Tennessee: The Original Frontier, a new short film celebrating the iconic people, places, and events that define the state’s contributions to America. Narrated by Tennessee native and national treasure Dolly Parton, the short film highlights the state’s history, from its early frontier roots and agricultural heritage to its lasting influence on music and culture. Parton’s narration underscores the pride, resilience, and optimism that have long defined the spirit of the Volunteer State.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, I’m grateful to Dolly Parton for lending her powerful voice to Tennessee’s story of courage, perseverance, and opportunity,” said Gov. Lee. “This short film honors the generations of Tennesseans whose contributions shaped America, and invites people across our state and nation to reflect on our rich heritage that defines us.”

In July 2025, Gov. Lee announced a year-long, statewide America 250 celebration by visiting historic farms in each of Tennessee’s Grand Divisions to honor the state’s agricultural industry.

The Governor will visit all 95 counties to mark this milestone with Tennesseans, and additional events will be announced as they are scheduled. Tennesseans are invited to sign up for the Tennessee State Museum’s Voices and Volunteers newsletter to learn more about upcoming events across the state and may recommend historic site visits and share their personal story at www.TN250.com.

Facilitated by the Tennessee State Museum, the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial is offering grant opportunities that support the mission of Tennessee’s America 250 celebration by highlighting Tennesseans and events that have shaped American democracy from the Revolutionary era to the present.

In the program’s first round, the Commission awarded 80 grants in 37 counties across the state, for a total of $1,566,325. Applications for a second round of grants remain open through January 20, 2026, and more information regarding eligibility may be found here.

Get Your Tickets For the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance Meeting on Jan. 29th

Join Maury Alliance on Thursday, January 29th, for their most anticipated event of the year, the Maury Alliance Annual Meeting! Celebrate the successes of 2025, honor the transition of their volunteer leadership, and discover their exciting strategic goals for 2026—all while continuing to commemorate over 100 years of growth, innovation, and community impact in Maury County.  

Enjoy an evening filled with live music entertainment by Golden Soul Revue and networking celebrating business and industry in Maury County with a social hour and a curated dinner prepared by It's Chef Jess.

Purchase tickets now to guarantee a seat at Maury Alliance’s biggest event of the year.

Registration will close January 19 at 5:00 pm. 

Get tickets and learn more by visiting here.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, January 14th

Thursday, January 15th

Friday, January 16th

Saturday, January 17th

Sunday, January 18th

Monday, January 19th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, January 13th
Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6–9 PM

Thursday, January 15th
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
The Alderson Jazz Collective - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7–9 PM

Friday, January 16th
Brin Banta - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7–9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Troy Castellano - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
DownSouth Band - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, January 17th
Los Swamp Monsters - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 5:30 PM
Winter Series - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
The Howlin Embers - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Rubiks Groove - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Escape - The Boondox, 8 PM
Reba’s Hairdo - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

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