The UNITED Announces "Nashville North" Initiative to Forge a Musical Pipeline Between Nashville and Westerly

WESTERLY, R.I., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The United is launching a new entertainment, education and economic development initiative that will create a dynamic and expanding pipeline between Nashville, America's "Music City," and Westerly. 

The United's Nashville North initiative will include programming collaborations with Nashville's iconic Bluebird Cafe and the nonprofit Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, which is home to the Taylor Swift Education Center.

The Bluebird Cafe has gained worldwide recognition for launching the careers of artists like Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks and Faith Hill. Known for its intimate "In The Round" performances — where songwriters share the stories behind their songs — the Bluebird has extended its reach beyond Nashville, hosting performances in select locations such as Santa Fe, NM, Sundance, UT, and London, UK. 

"The original vision for bringing programming from the venerable Bluebird Cafe to Westerly and connecting the United with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's educational programs belongs to Scott Swift, financial advisor and entrepreneur, whose deep connection to both communities inspired this collaboration," said Callahan. "We are incredibly grateful to him for recognizing the potential of uniting Nashville's extraordinary songwriting tradition with the musical heritage of Westerly and for setting in motion what will be an unforgettable and ongoing exchange of artistry and storytelling."

Beginning this fall, the Bluebird will present singer-songwriters from Nashville who will perform at the United in the same intimate and immersive format. "We are thrilled to bring this experience to New England, beginning this fall and continuing quarterly providing our region with an exclusive opportunity to experience the Bluebird Cafe's signature songwriter-driven performances. This series will connect audiences to the stories behind the music, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into the creative process of some of the industry's most respected songwriters," said Tony Nunes, Artistic Director of the United. 

The United Music School will participate in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Words & Music® program. During a one-day teacher training at the Museum, UMS educators were taught how to integrate the Words & Music curriculum into UMS' After School Arts program, a free arts education program for Middle School students. 

Student participants will craft original song lyrics, developing key language arts skills, artistic expression and confidence. Through the Museum's virtual offerings, the group will then be paired with a Nashville-based songwriter who will transform student lyrics into finished songs during an interactive workshop. 

Fueling the connection between Nashville and Westerly is Southwest Airlines' new route between Nashville and Providence, R.I., which begins on Tuesday, April 8. Southwest is a longtime partner of the Bluebird Cafe and has served Nashville for 39 years and Providence for 29 years. To celebrate the launch of the new nonstop flight, the United will host a special pop-up performance at T.F. Green Airport.

ABOUT THE UNITED
The non-profit United, located at 5 Canal St. in downtown Westerly, features a versatile 700-capacity black box auditorium for live performances and presentations, three cinemas, a multi-purpose event and gallery space, and a state-of-the-art music school.

SOURCE The United Theatre