IT AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT THE BLUES Begins Performances Tonight at Cumberland County Playhouse

Beginning tonight, August 14, Cumberland County Playhouse will present It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues, a rollicking celebration of America's first original contribution to music, the Blues! "It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues is not only about the Blues, it's a sure cure for the Blues," explains the show's director/choreographer Harry Bryce (Ain't Misbehavin', Crowns, Dreamgirls).

"People often associate Blues music with sadness, but it's so much more than that. This music is so important to our individual lives. We've all lived with the profound feelings that gave birth to the Blues, and all of these songs resonate with us. But until you experience the music in this type of setting, you don't realize how much a part of our daily lives it is... and how much influence it had on all American music that followed."

Much more than just a musical revue, It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues lets the audience discover the history of the Blues -- from African roots and delta spirituals - and explores the regions of our country that provided the most fertile soil for this uniquely American art form to flourish. The Playhouse production is set in a gallery filled with paintings of the Blues scene, and as the paintings come to life, so do the vibrant stories contained in these memorable songs.

The cast includes Anna Baker, Daniel Black, Quinn Cason, Donald Frison, Taya Howell, Illeana Kirven, Charles Lattimore, Whitney Mignon Reed, Michael Ruff, Chaz Sanders and Brandon Whitaker. Musical direction is by Ron Murphy and the set design is by resident scenic artist Julie Barnhardt. It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues will run through October 25, is rated PG and is sponsored by Cumberland County Bank.

Also at the Playhouse: Gypsy (rated PG, co-sponsored by Dirk C. Davidson, M.D./TN Plateau Oncology and Fairfield Glade Resort) through September 5, Shrek, The Musical (rated G, co-sponsored by Comfort Suites/Holiday Inn Express/Hampton Inn and Gernt Insurance/Grange Insurance) through August 31, and Smoke on the Mountain (Rated G, sponsored by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store), now HELD OVER through October 4. Tickets and information are also available for Southern Stars Symphonic Brass and other events. All CCP productions are made possible through sponsor support, with additional support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Pictured: The cast of It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues.