Ballads & Boots

Howard & Clarenita Hamilton, Ricky & Brenda King, Chris & Jenna King, Lauren Hamilton, Steven Haynes & John Slayton

Story by Elizabeth Stokes & Photography by Kimberly Kimble & Woody Woodard

On March 24, the Jackson Symphony hosted its second iteration of Ballads & Boots on the grounds of Madison Downs. The songwriters’ night began with a sponsor appreciation tent where The Bar-Bees concocted smoked bourbon cocktails in themed glasses as guests enjoyed live acoustic music.

Attendees were greeted in the Main Room with Southern cuisine, including pulled pork and smoked brisket. Next, West Tennessee native – Reid Isbell, along with three other award-winning songwriters – Jason Nix, Brice Long, and Jim Beavers, took the stage.

While intimately seated in a circle in the middle of the room, the four entertainers captivated the audience with tales about their lives and masterfully performed numerous chart-topping hits.

While maintaining its “rough around the edges” feel, this event exemplified The Jackson Symphony’s mission of supporting the Arts through live music in West Tennessee.