News Summary
The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville will host its annual Jubilee celebration, featuring music legend Mavis Staples. This fundraising event celebrates the theatre’s history and promises a festive outdoor atmosphere with performances, food, and an online auction. VIP guests will enjoy an exclusive pre-show before Staples takes the stage for an iconic concert. Tickets are available at various price levels, making the event accessible to many attendees.
KNOXVILLE, TN – The Bijou Theatre is set to host its annual Jubilee celebration on Saturday, June 28, 2025, featuring legendary artist Mavis Staples as the headliner. This event, organized by the Lawson Family Foundation, marks the largest fundraiser for the theatre each year and serves to celebrate its rich history.
The Jubilee will showcase the iconic talents of Mavis Staples, a highly influential figure in the music industry with a career that spans nearly 70 years. Known for her powerful contributions to gospel, blues, soul, protest music, and rock and roll, Staples first gained fame with her family band, The Staples Singers. She is celebrated for hit songs including “I’ll Take You There,” “Respect Yourself,” “Let’s Do It Again,” and “You Are Not Alone.”
Staples has been actively involved in significant historical movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, during which she worked alongside leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and collaborated with musical legends such as Bob Dylan and Mahalia Jackson. Even in her 80s, she continues to perform and collaborate with contemporary artists including Jeff Tweedy, Gorillaz, and David Byrne.
The concert is set to occur outdoors under a large tent on Cumberland Avenue, which will be closed off for the event, allowing for an increased attendance compared to previous years. This year’s theme focuses on the ’70s funk-soul revival, enhancing the festive atmosphere of the Jubilee.
Prior to the main performance, VIP ticket holders will enjoy a special two-hour pre-show featuring DJ Soularia and the Knoxville Gospel Choir. Guests at this exclusive event will also be treated to cocktails from Fly By Night and a southern barbecue meal provided by Wells Station BBQ.
Fundraising for the Bijou Theatre will be amplified through an online auction scheduled to begin the week of June 23, 2025. This auction will feature a variety of items including a Viking Cruise, autographed guitars, and unique local experiences designed to appeal to all attendees.
The Jubilee concept was originally established in 2009 as part of the theatre’s 100th anniversary celebration and has since developed into a crucial fundraising initiative aimed at supporting the nonprofit organization responsible for operating the Bijou Theatre. The funds raised during this event go directly towards maintaining the building and funding future renovations.
Under the direction of Courtney Bergmeier, the selection criteria for the Jubilee headliner take into account the artist’s popularity and thematic elements relevant to the event. This year, the outdoor venue not only enhances the overall experience but also allows for more attendees, as previous VIP events have been limited to indoor seating.
Management has been actively exploring plans for renovations since 2018, collaborating with an architectural firm to address challenges presented by the Bijou Theatre’s complex historical structure, which was originally built in multiple phases and designed for segregated audiences.
Tickets for the Mavis Staples concert are available for general admission ranging from $55 to $80. VIP tickets, which include the pre-show soul party and premium concert seating, are priced at $250. For those looking to attend the soul party only, tickets are available at $170, which does not include concert access.
For further updates and ticket information, interested individuals can follow the Bijou Theatre on Instagram or visit their official website at knoxbijou.org. This Jubilee promises to be a memorable celebration of music, history and community support.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Emily Ann Roberts Concert
- WATE: Emily Ann Roberts Adds Show
- Bandsintown: Mavis Staples at Bijou Theatre
- Mountain Press: Emily Ann Roberts Announces Concert
- Wikipedia: Bijou Theatre
