Jackson Theatre

Donald Davis, one of America's favorite master storytellers, is coming to the Jackson Theatre on April 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. The two-night concert will feature Davis telling different stories each evening.

Enjoy two nights of stories from Donald Davis with general admission each evening being $16. A special group rate for 15 or more people is available for $13 per person.

Davis was born in a Southern Appalachian Mountain world that was rich in stories. “I didn’t learn stories, I just absorbed them,” Davis says as he recounts tales learned from a family of traditional storytellers who lived on the same Western North Carolina land since 1781.

Davis’ resume boasts numerous experiences including Davidson College, Duke University Divinity School, a retired Methodist minister and former chairperson of the board of Directors for the National Storytelling Association. He is a favorite at the National Storytelling Festival and has also served as a featured teller at the Smithsonian Institute, the World’s Fair as well as festivals and concerts throughout the United States and the world.

For Donald Davis, storytelling is a way of giving and living life. He invites each listener to come along, pull deep inside for one’s own stories and personally share the common experiences that celebrate the creative spirit. For Donald Davis, storytelling “is not what I do for a living, but it is how I do all that I do while I am living.” 

For tickets or more information, call 423.788.4909 or visit thejacksontheatre.com for tickets.

Love in Storytown (2026)

Pay What You Can

Theatrical Premiere. This movie was filmed in Jonesborough in 2023.

When a single mother decides to leave the military and moves to a town known for storytelling for a settled life with her son, she meets a childhood friend who is the worst choice to fall in love with: a wandering storyteller.

Not Rated

Running Time 89 minutes

Vernon Dalhart: First Country Music Star Comes to The Jackson Theatre April 17

The Jackson Theatre will present Vernon Dalhart: First Country Music Star on Friday, April 17 at 7:00pm, in partnership with the International Storytelling Center. This special evening of words and music celebrates one of the most influential recording artists of the 1920s and 1930s.

Vernon Dalhart was the first artist to record a million-selling country hit with the two-sided 78 RPM disc featuring “The Wreck of the Old ’97” and “The Prisoner’s Song.” Both recordings are enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and Dalhart was later inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. A prolific artist by any standard, he made more than 4,000 recordings between 1916 and 1939.

Despite his massive impact, Dalhart’s legacy has often been overlooked. Many legendary performers, including Dolly Parton, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, and Mac Wiseman, have covered songs first recorded by Dalhart, helping to carry his influence through generations of American music.

Drawing on five years of research, music historian Dr. Ted Olson will share the story of Dalhart’s diverse career and explore why his contributions have faded from the spotlight. Jack Hinshelwood, a multi-instrumentalist and singer, will provide the live soundtrack, performing faithful renditions of classics such as “Wreck of the Old ’97,” “The Prisoner’s Song,” “Home on the Range,” “Jesse James,” “The Big Rock Candy Mountains,” “My Blue Ridge Mountain Home,” and more songs that helped shape early country music.

This event is part of the Jackson Theatre’s ongoing collaboration with the International Storytelling Center, highlighting shared programming rooted in storytelling and music.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show. Tickets and more information are available at thejacksontheatre.com.

Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Eddie Dalton

The Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra is a 17-piece big band comprised of musicians from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The band specializes in playing music from the Big Band Era to the present day, including music from such jazz greats: Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton and more. With over 300 pieces of music in their library The group also plays music from the bands TOTO, Earth Wind and Fire and Bruno Mars just to name a few. Under the direction of Mr Eddie Dalton, the group has performed at various venues and events throughout the region including NPR live radio broadcasts, music festivals, theaters/concerts, restaurants and weddings.

The group has other configurations as well including the very popular and in demand “TJO Seven”. A smaller version of the big band including Trumpet, Trombone, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Piano, Bass and Drums. This group plays many of the same selections as the big band but also includes the music of Chicago and Blood Sweat and Tears. 

The Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra (in it’s many configurations) is available for hire. Contact Eddie Dalton at (423) 676-7721 / tri-citiesjazzorchestra@comcast.net or any band members for details. You can also visit the group’s Facebook Page.

The Jerk (1979)

Wacky Wednesday

A less than brilliant man who thinks he's black after beingraised by a black family finds himself in a whole new world when he learns he'sactually white. After leaving home his adventures include inventing a bestseller and joining a travelling carnival.  A Steve Martin classic!

Rated R

Running Time 94 minutes

April 23 at 7pm The Quick and The Dead (1995)

Western Series

A mysterious female gunslinger arrives in the frontierhamlet of Redemption for a contest pitting quick-draw artists against eachother. The event is the brainchild of Redemption's evil, corrupt mayor, Herod,a criminal who has taken over the town and charges a 50% tax on localbusinesses. Directed by Sam Raimi.

Starring: SharonStone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobin Bell

Rated R

Running Time 108 minutes

April 24 at 7pm The Public Enemy (1931)

Speakeasy Cinema

Pay What You Can

Speakeasy Cinema Series – Doors open at 6 pm, movie at 7pm. The night includes Jazz Music, Specialty Craft Cocktails (and Mocktails) for purchase along with our full selection of beverages at the concession stand. Complimentary light bites will we available.  

Classic Gangster Film! One ruthless hoodlum rises up through the ranks of the criminal underworld, from the bottom tier to the very top, even as the threat of an explosive gang war looms in the distance.

Starring: James Cagney, Jean Harlow, Edward Woods, JoanBlondell, Beryl Mercer

Not Rated

Running Time 85 minutes

The Jackson Theatre originally opened in 1945 and closed in the early 1960's. It has now been fully restored in the heart of historic downtown. Serving as a vibrant hub for the arts, the Jackson Theatre now operates as a music venue, movie theater, and community rental venue bringing entertainment and culture to the community once again.

Learn about the rich history of our building through a presentation, short film and self guided tour.

Tour is free and last approximately 60 minutes

The 'Burbs (1989) 

Wacky Wednesday

Three neighbors try to discover why a new family only comesout at night.

Rated PG

Running Time 102 minutes