The duo eventually adopt the stage moniker of "Song Blazers" and emerge with a song called "Carnival Heart". This endearing tune is the show's theme song that in real life was written and performed by country music royalty Sam Williams. His heartfelt and autobiographical contribution added a real helping of authenticity to Cirque du Soleil's homage to the genre and the people who made it what it is today. "Carnival Heart" takes center stage being incorporated into the triumphant grand finale and it immediately proceeds a segment that featured "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" first made famous by his grandfather Hank underscoring just how important legacy and lineage is to the expert and experienced creative team who put this whole thing together.

Country music royalty was represented by Sam Williams and Carlene Carter at the TPAC.

Everything about SONGBLAZERS was smart, precise and well thought out - especially and most notably in the way that music through the decades was incorporated into the affair. A vast swath of traditional and modern country offerings spanned generations while presenting many of the trailblazers and current purveyors who are on the country charts. Fans will hear "Blue Moon of Kentucky" sung next to Chris Stapleton, Brandy Clark and Kacey Musgraves before the curtain falls fittingly to the anthemic and always important "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". A uniquely country music-themed juggling scene was soundtracked to "Red Solo Cup" providing a hint as to what's in store for theater patrons.

Cirque du Soleil is known the world over as a hybrid of circus, acrobatics and dance performance. In Nashville, we got to experience all of those elements along with just a hint of the dreamlike and occasionally dark feel that often accompanies their productions that had us on the edge of our seats for much of the night. At the TPAC, our MCN V.I.P. Award goes out to the strongman who played a pivotal role while bending steel bars, hammering nails with his hand and literally pulling select cast members along by the skin of his teeth. Bravo, sir - well done!

Ty Herndon and country music up and comers Neion Union in Nashville.

At the world premiere in Nashville, the SONGBLAZERS red carpet was abuzz with appearances by the pre show glitteratti as it welcomed a diverse array of music industry figures, artists, influencers and community leaders. Notable attendees included Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Sam Williams, BOWEN & YOUNG, Carlene Carter, Ty Herndon, Kentucky Gentleman, Rob Mayes, Neon Union, Ryan Larkins, Alison Nichols, Jamie O'Neal, Shane West and many others in the hour leading up to the curtain finally opening on the main attraction in Music City.

After Nashville, the initial run of SONGBLAZERS has dates scheduled through the end of the year when the ambitious undertaking wraps up in Baltimore on December 29. Until then, the captivating, entertaining and educational enterprise will hit many country music hot spots along the way including another extended run of performances in Dallas from September 25 to October 20. Make sure to secure your tickets at - www.cirquedusoleil.com/songblazers today!

At the Belmont rehearsals and Songblazers creative team - Amy Tinkham and Daniel Ross on opening night.

Related Links: For more information on SONGBLAZERS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Cirque du Soleil SONGBLAZERS | SONGBLAZERS by Cirque du Soleil Is Set to Break New Ground at the TPAC in Nashville | TPAC