Eric Church solidifies his place as one of country music’s greatest talents with the acceptance of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s invitation to act as its 18th artist-in-residence.
Each year, the museum’s artist-in-residence series highlights an artist that has built an impressive body of work and requests that the featured artist generate one-of-a-kind performances that span multiple evenings.
The Hall of Fame provides its intimate CMA Theater, allowing the artist to utilize the blank canvas to create shows that encourage appreciation for their lauded talents and vision, with different themes and special guests often making appearances.
“Throughout his career, Eric has constantly stretched boundaries with his music and challenged long-standing conventions in his recordings and his live performances,” commented Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Our artist-in-residence series offers him the freedom to showcase his ever-evolving creative vision. We’re grateful to him for volunteering his time and fierce individualism to the series, which benefits the museum and its nonprofit mission.”
Two Exclusive Concerts In Late August
The 10-time Grammy nominee is set to produce and perform two shows, slated for Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 30. Ticket prices to each show fall between $75 to $500 (plus ticketing fees), and all proceeds will benefit the educational mission of the nonprofit museum.
A special presale will be available for museum members and the “Record Year” singer’s “Church Choir” fan club, beginning on Thursday, June 22, at 10 a.m. The public can purchase tickets to both shows starting Friday, June 23 at 10 a.m. on the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s website. Only four tickets are permitted per transaction. Tickets are first-come, first-served and are non-refundable.
Church joins a highly-esteemed group of past participants that boasts 10 Country Music Hall of Fame members. Cowboy Jack Clement had the honor of opening the series in 2003, with other past honorees including Earl Scruggs, Tom T. Hall, Guy Clark, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Douglas, Vince Gill, Buddy Miller, Connie Smith, Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson, Rosanne Cash, Jason Isbell, Miranda Lambert, Marty Stuart and John Prine.
“As a student of the rich history of country music’s most prolific artists, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a shrine of reverence for this songwriter’s heart,” explained Church. “I’m honored and humbled to be included in such esteemed company.”
Subject Of New Exhibit At Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
Eric Church is a deserving recipient of the honor, having secured 10 Billboard #1 country radio hits and various gold, platinum and multi-platinum-certified albums over the more than two decades the singer has spent in Nashville. Songwriting remains at the center of Church’s career, as he has written or co-written nearly all of his recorded and released songs.
Not only will Church serve as the 2023 artist-in-residence, but he will also act as the subject of the museum’s new exhibition — Eric Church: Country Heart, Restless Soul — that explores the CMA Entertainer of the Year winner’s life and career.
The Exhibit Will Showcase Eric Church’s Path To Stardom
Presented by Gibson, the unique exhibit chronicles the hitmaker’s path to fame, from his early years performing late-night gigs in bars and songwriting in Nashville to making it big as one of the industry’s most authentic voices.
“Eric Church has done it his way completely,” shared Young in a previous release. “His steadfast artistic vision and authenticity resonate deeply with audiences, and he continues to serve as an important collaborator and renegade role model for generations of country music artists.”
Musical instruments, song manuscripts, stage wear, tour memorabilia, awards, photographs and more from Church’s personal collection will be on display at the exhibit. Eric Church: Country Heart, Restless Soul opens July 13 and runs through June 2024. Access to the exhibit is included with museum admission.
The Outsiders Revival Tour
Additionally, the artist-in-residence announcement comes just before the North Carolina native’s highly anticipated The Outsiders Revival Tour — Church’s first fully outdoor tour.
The stint kicks off this Thursday, June 22 and will feature a variety of special guests, including Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde, Koe Wetzel, Lainey Wilson, Midland, Parker McCollum, Travis Tritt, Elle King and Paul Cauthen, plus Jackson Dean, Morgan Wade, Muscadine Bloodline, Shane Smith & The Saints, Hailey Whitters, Ray Wylie Hubbard and The Red Clay Strays.
For more information and to view a full list of upcoming 2023 tour dates for Church, visit www.ericchurch.com.
