Eric Paslay to Headline Nashville Ballet

Country Star Eric Paslay to Headline Nashville Ballet’s 37th Annual Ballet Ball

By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine

Nashville is a city where high art and honky-tonk history frequently collide, but rarely is the fusion as seamless—or as glamorous—as the Nashville Ballet’s Annual Ballet Ball.

This year’s gala, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, is set to be a milestone event at the iconic Schermerhorn Symphony Center. While the evening marks the 40th anniversary season of the Nashville Ballet, the spotlight has shifted slightly with a major update to the night’s entertainment lineup.

A New Leading Man: Eric Paslay

Nashville Ballet has officially announced that GRAMMY-nominated country artist Eric Paslay will now headline the evening’s festivities. Paslay steps into the role as Jamey Johnson is no longer able to perform due to unforeseen circumstances.

While the lineup has changed, the energy certainly hasn’t. Paslay is widely regarded as an “artist’s artist,” a performer who balances raw vocal power with some of the most sophisticated songwriting in the industry. For a gala celebrating four decades of grace and athleticism, Paslay’s reputation for “flat-out brilliant” performances (as USA Today puts it) makes him a pitch-perfect choice.

About the Artist: The “Reliable Hitmaker”

Hailing from Temple, Texas, Eric Paslay has quietly become one of the most influential voices in modern country music. If you haven’t seen him on stage, you’ve almost certainly heard his work on the radio.

• The Chart-Topper: Paslay has celebrated five No. 1 hits, including the decade-defining “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (recorded by Jake Owen), which Country Aircheck named the #1 song of the decade.

• The Critical Darling: His trophy shelf is crowded with nominations, including GRAMMY Best Country Song, CMA Song of the Year, and two ACM Song of the Year nods.

• The Collaborator: He earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “The Driver,” a collaboration with Charles Kelley and Dierks Bentley.

• The Current Wave: Most recently, Paslay co-penned Keith Urban’s 2022 hit “Wild Hearts” and released a new 6-song EP titled Perfect Stranger, which is currently available on all streaming platforms.

Celebrating 40 Seasons of Movement

The 37th Annual Ballet Ball isn’t just a party; it’s a celebration of the Nashville Ballet’s 40th Season. Over the last four decades, the company has grown from a local troupe into a nationally recognized powerhouse of contemporary and classical dance.

The Ball serves as the organization’s premier fundraiser, ensuring that the beauty of dance remains accessible to the Nashville community through education, outreach, and world-class performances.

“Paslay, known for his chart-topping hits and energetic live performances, will now lead the evening’s entertainment as part of the annual gala celebrating Nashville Ballet’s 40th Season.”

Join the Celebration: Late Party Tickets

While the main gala dinner is a coveted invite, the celebration doesn’t end when the dessert is cleared. The Ballet Ball Late Party (running from 8 pm to 12 am) offers a chance to experience the glamour of the Schermerhorn and the magic of Paslay’s performance firsthand.

For more information about the Nashville Ballet and their upcoming season, visit www.NashvilleBallet.com.