Carthage native returns to Legacy Theatre to headline fundraising event on July 13

CARTHAGE, Ill. — A summer benefit concert for The Legacy Theater is planned for Saturday, July 13, with headliner Chenille Sheeran of Nashville, Tenn., formerly of Carthage, scheduled to perform. As well as a singer, Sheeran is a motivational speaker and performance coach.

The benefit performance will feature Sheeran singing Broadway tunes and pop songs, patriotic, gospel and classical tunes with her multi-octave range voice. She will be joined in some numbers by her husband, Dan, and members of her family.

Several songs in the concert will include a back-up adult choir made up of local singers. This choir is directed by Beth Shurtleff of Nauvoo.

A children’s choir directed by Scott Knicl will open the show and area veterans will take part in a patriotic tribute. Young dancers from local studios are also part of the show.

To enhance the evening and increase support for The Legacy Theater, a pre-show dinner will be offered at 5 p.m. that evening at The Smokin’ Gun Club, 990E County Road 1500, Hamilton. It includes a “meet and greet” with Sheeran, time with friends and a two-entree dinner before attending the concert at the theater.

Sheeran operated Center Stage Music and Performing Arts School in Carthage for many years before advancing her own musical career in Nashville. The award-winning singer and recording star was involved in the early years of The Legacy Theater and has agreed to return to Carthage for this concert to support the theater.

“This isn’t just another show for me; it’s a profoundly significant chance to revisit a place that holds a special spot in my heart, especially considering the role it plays in the community’s cultural landscape,” Sheeran said in a press release.

Sheeran was named Female Gospel Vocalist of the Year and Female Gospel Entertainer of the Year by the North American Country Music Association, International; and Inspirational Gospel Female vocalist of the Year by Gospel Fest and Crimson Music Awards.

Sheeran’s single, “Now is the Time,” was No. 14 in October on the Contemporary Christian Charts, and she has since released “Look What God’s Done for Me.”

“We have talked with Chenille for several years, trying to get her back to The Legacy Theater. She was a memorable soloist in the ‘Christmas Wish’ performances held in the early days of the theater,” fundraising chairman Joy Swearingen said. “The timing finally fell together to have Chenille on stage again to benefit the theater.”

Tickets for the benefit concert and dinner are available at the theater’s website, thelegacytheater.com, or by calling the theater at 217-357-9479.

For information, email theater director Tom Robbins at director@thelegacytheater.com.