McLemore Outlines Vision for Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center

McKENZIE — Kimberly McLemore, Executive Director of the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center, addressed members of the Rotary Club of McKenzie on Tuesday, August 26, on the campus of Bethel University. McLemore, who also serves as the General Manager of the Nashville Symphony and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, shared her vision for the upcoming 2026–2027 season and emphasized the venue’s role as a community hub.

McLemore, who splits her time between Nashville and a farm in Lavina, Carroll County, highlighted the importance of balancing local favorites with programming designed to draw audiences from across the region. “We need to give Carroll County what it loves,” McLemore said, noting that the venue’s reach extends well beyond Huntington, with patrons traveling from as far as Chicago, St. Louis, Memphis, and Nashville.

The upcoming season features approximately eighteen main stage performances, ranging from country music and gospel to classic rock tributes, comedy, and magic. Highlights include performances by Terri Clark, Suzy Bogguss, Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees, and a Johnny Cash tribute by his grandson, Thomas Gabriel. Additionally, the venue is branching out with family-friendly comedy and a unique magic performance by John Midgley.

McLemore also underscored the importance of the center’s educational mission. Last year, the Dixie welcomed over 4,500 students to daytime performances, a figure she hopes to build upon. The center is also continuing its partnership with Bethel’s Renaissance Program, which will present “SpongeBob the Musical” in the spring.

Addressing the audience, McLemore introduced a revamped season ticket model. Patrons can now build their own packages by selecting five or more concerts, offering greater flexibility than previous fixed-price bundles. Season tickets are currently on sale and will remain available until the official season opener on October 1, which will feature bluegrass artist Sam Bush.

Beyond the main stage, McLemore invited community input on future programming and encouraged local businesses to explore customized sponsorship opportunities.

“I really love to build sponsorships that work well for you and your business,” she said.

The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center has two special events scheduled prior to the official season start: a concert by John Langston on August 29 and a performance by The Traveling McCourys on September 11. Further programming announcements, including the addition of other performances are expected in October.

The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center is located on the Court Square in Huntingdon. For more information, visit dixiepac.net.

McKenzie Rotary Club meets each Tuesday noon in the Vera Low Center on the campus of Bethel University.