Nashville Ballet is joining forces with multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter Ben Folds for the third time to present The Ben Folds Affair, a fundraiser benefiting Nashville Ballet’s ELEVATE Capital Campaign. On Monday, October 27, from 7-9 p.m. at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, Ben Folds will perform a selection of his music alongside Nashville Ballet dancers. The Ben Folds Affair will also be the first public gallery viewing of his photography, hand-selected by Folds. Tickets are $100 for general admission or $250 for a VIP Experience and can be purchased on our website or by calling (615) 297-2966 x10.
This exclusive event will highlight the unique relationship between Folds and Nashville Ballet, which began at the 2012 Ballet Ball. The Ben Folds Affair will feature a multi-song piano performance from Folds and a performance by Nashville Ballet dancers with accompaniment from Folds. After the performances, guests will enjoy an intimate conversation between Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling and Folds.
“When I met Ben a few years ago, I never dreamt he would be so moved by our dancers and what we are doing on a daily basis at Nashville Ballet,” Vasterling said. “His interest in our work and our shared passion for collaboration has been an inspiration and we’re honored and appreciative to include him in the ELEVATE campaign.”
VIP tickets for the event include reserved seating and a meet and greet with Folds. All guests will receive a commemorative poster; VIP guests will have the opportunity for signatures on the commemorative poster. All guests will also enjoy beverages, hors d’oeuvres and first access to Folds’ photography exhibit, never before on display to the public.
In August, Nashville Ballet announced ELEVATE to build the future of Nashville Ballet, a $5.5 million fundraising campaign for the renovation and expansion of The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet in Sylvan Heights. Nashville Ballet purchased the adjoining space, previously occupied by Climb Nashville, in 2012. The new facility will increase from 31,000 square feet to 44,000 square feet and add three new studios for a total of seven dance studios. This expansion will allow School of Nashville Ballet to increase its enrollment by approximately 1,200 new students (almost double current enrollment) and add new classes for children and adults. Renovations will also include new locker rooms for students as well as a larger, updated lobby and better traffic flow both inside and outside of the building. For more information about the ELEVATE Campaign, visit www.NashvilleBallet.com/ELEVATE.
For more information about The Ben Folds Affair and to purchase tickets, please visit www.NashvilleBallet.com.
About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company NB2 (a pre-professional training company) serve nearly 60,000 adults and children annually through performances and our outreach and community engagement programming. Curriculum-based outreach programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet provides world-class instruction in ballet and other forms of dance for dancers of all ages.
Nashville Ballet is funded in part by Ingram Charitable Trust, Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission, Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, The Shubert Foundation, Caterpillar Financial, The Memorial Foundation, Publix Super Market Charities, The HCA Foundation, The Dollar General Foundation, The Mall at Green Hills, Gateway Tire and Service Centers and thousands of individuals who contribute to our annual operating fund.