Southeastern's Columbia Theatre to present The Heart Behind the Music
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 
by: Tonya Lowentritt
THE HEART BEHIND THE MUSIC– Southeastern’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts will present “The Heart Behind the Music,” songwriter’s showcase on Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m., in the downtown Hammond theatre. Lauren Duski of NBC’s “The Voice” will be part of the concert that also includes Teddy Gentry, John Berry, and Lenny LeBlanc. Tickets are available at 985-543-4371 or online at columbiatheatre.org.
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing
Arts will present Teddy Gentry, a member of the country music group Alabama, Grammy
Award Winner John Berry, “The Voice” finalist Lauren Duski, and Dove Award Winner
Lenny LeBlanc in one night of hit songs and stories in “The Heart Behind the Music,”
songwriter’s showcase.
Scheduled Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m., the concert will take place in the downtown
Hammond theatre. Following the concert, fans can take part in a free meet and greet
with the artists.
Columbia Theatre Director Roy Blackwood said the songwriter’s showcase brings
to the stage some of the world’s best singers and songwriters who share the meaning
and music behind their songs.
“This concert provides an up close and personal insight into some of the greatest
music ever written and performances by some of the music industry’s most talented
musicians,” said Blackwood. “We are excited about bringing these award-winning musicians
to the Columbia Theatre in this great, family-oriented production.”
Gentry co-wrote 16 of Alabama’s 43 number one hits, including “Christmas in Dixie,”
“Give Me One More Shot,” “How Do You Fall in Love,” “Why Lady Why,” and many others.
Berry, a well-known country singer and songwriter, has had 19 hits on Billboard
Hot Country Songs charts, including the number one single “Your Love Amazes Me.” He
also received the Horizon Award and was nominated top male vocalist by the Country
Music Association.
Duski, a rising country singer and songwriter, started performing in public at
the age of seven and has written songs since middle school. She found a place in the
hearts of millions of viewers during her recent appearance as a finalist on NBC’s
television show “The Voice.”
Singer and songwriter LeBlanc has had number one hits for Michael W. Smith (“Above
All”), Sawyer Brown (“Treat Her Right”), and the most current release from Willie
Nelson (“Old Timer”). A powerful vocalist, LeBlanc was also a part of the duo LeBlanc
and Carr, who had the top 10 hit “Falling.”
Tickets for “The Heart Behind the Music” are $30 in the orchestra or balcony
and $40 in the loge. Tickets can be purchased at the Columbia Theatre Box Office at
220 East Thomas Street in Hammond, which is open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Friday,
online at columbiatheatre.org, or by phone at 985-543-4371.
A special student ticket price of $15 is available for all students of any school,
while supplies last. Students must present their school IDs at the Columbia box office
to receive the discounted price. Additionally, all Southeastern faculty, retired faculty
or university staff with ID may purchase one ticket for the concert and receive one
ticket at half price. Both tickets must be purchased in the same transaction and for
the same price at the Columbia box office.
For more information, contact the Columbia Theatre at 985-543-4366.
