Macbeth with the Nashville Shakespeare Festival at the Harvester
10.25.2024 - It takes a special group of musicians to open for Macbeth – thankfully, Larry Pinkerton & the Eclectics were available and are so over-adequately diversified in their musical talents that they definitely fit that rare criteria – featuring Gay Pinkerton on vocals, Tom Tyner on bass guitar and vocals, and the always inspiring guitar work of Larry Pinkerton.
Breezing ever so smoothly through songs of Neil Young, Patsy Cline, and Bob Dylan to a throwback “Don’t Walk Away Renee” by the Left Banke. Larry and the band showed off their excellent musicianship and tasteful selection of material that fit perfectly with the headliner live performance of Macbeth that followed after a record-setting stage change getting the set in place for the play.
Right on time, the “Tragedy of Macbeth” once again spun it’s timeless spell over the enthusiastic Harvester attendees – the multi-faceted entertainment tastes of our discerning clientele always amazes me that they can transform from grooving to a new age rock n’ roll act to appreciating hot bluegrass pickers, jazz standards , and yes…even to live performances of Shakespeare.
In fact, as Smithivlle continues to grow as a destination, more and more newcomers have moved to our lovely hamlet in the Middle Tennessee hills and hollers. One couple from Scotland joined us last night and they have lived in Smithville for over a year. Walked into Joe Brown’s Cigar Shop located ½ block gentle away from the Harv and talked to a gentleman who moved to Dekalb. Another gentleman drove in from Roanoke, Virginia, to visit a friend on Center Hill Lake. Translation: the locals are outnumbered by all the newcomers at most of our events so we at The Harvester and The Burlap Room are much appreciative of their support!
The Shakespeare Festival Nashville cast and crew certainly did not disappoint in their spot-on rendition of the classic–and once again drove home that inescapable point: “Destruction is wrought when ambition goes unchecked by moral constraints”. Our sincere appreciation goes out to these young folks who are sharing their time and talents to support a classic segment of sophisticated culture to ensure Shakespeare receives the attention it deserves.
As usual during live performances at the Harvester, Bert Driver, founder, welcomed the crowd and passed along some info on the Shakespeare Festival Nashville and stated he had been aware of the organization when it was originally formed many years ago (1988). I thought it might be appropriate to pass along some additional info that might pique your interest in this amazing group of actors and support people. From their website www.nashvilleshakes.org, here’s their official Mission Statement:
“The mission of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival is to educate and entertain the Mid-South community through professional theatrical experiences.
For over three decades, we have built a reputation for producing engaging theatre experiences with modern perspectives that create indelible memories for all ages. From our annual Summer Shakespeare series, which draws thousands of spectators every summer season, to our year-round educational programs that introduce students of all ages to the world of Shakespeare, we remain committed to setting the community standard of excellence in educational outreach and performance.”
Well, that’s pretty admirable in my opinion–I encourage you to visit their website and find out more about the “real deal” organization.
As always, thanks to the Security and Service Staff at the Harvester Event Center, Philip Stafford, Sound Engineer, and Hardwood Smokehouse for another “perfect” evening at the Harv!
Come dressed in your best Dias de los Muertos outfits and makeup as festive fun continues with our 5th Annual Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead with Plainview Vibes, Stoney Banks, and Austin Grimm on Friday, 11/1, Big Al and the Heavyweights with Johnny Cats and Phil Hall on Thursday, 11/14, and our 3rd Annual Holidays at the Harvester with the Tiger Beats on Saturday, 12/7! More shows in the works to finish out the year! Stay up-to-date with all the events in the Bert Driver Network (Nursery, Burlap Room, and the Harvester) by signing up for our ‘The Local Vibe’ Newsletter - released the first Tuesday of the month, straight to your inbox! And don’t forget the Harvester is for rent: corporate events and parties, weddings, receptions, graduations, baby showers, or whatever you’re celebrating, we host ‘em all! Contact us for more information, and check us out on Wedding Wire or The Knot!
