Historic surroundings, the sounds of the Mighty Wurlitzer, and live vocals create a memorable musical welcome to Knoxville.
Experience courtesy of: Visit Knoxville
Written by: Christopher L. Antie
On the first Monday of each month, the Tennessee Theatre opens its doors for one of Knoxville’s most charming musical traditions. Presented by Coca-Cola, Mighty Musical Monday invites guests to enjoy complimentary popcorn and Coca-Cola before settling in for an hour of live music—all completely free. It is a simple idea, but inside such a historic setting, the experience feels anything but ordinary.
Mighty Musical Monday is a free monthly concert series held inside Knoxville’s historic Tennessee Theatre, a beautifully restored venue known for its ornate Spanish-Moorish design. Typically held on the first Monday of each month at noon, the event is built around the theatre’s original Mighty Wurlitzer organ, which has been part of the building since opening night on October 1, 1928. After undergoing a full restoration, the organ returned to Knoxville in 2001, and the concert series soon followed as a way to keep its remarkable sound alive while welcoming the community into the theatre at no cost.
Over the years, Mighty Musical Monday has grown far beyond its beginnings as an organ-centered program, becoming a beloved Knoxville community tradition. Alongside the Tennessee Theatre’s house organist, the series welcomes a rotating lineup of guest performers, including vocalists, school groups, jazz ensembles, classical musicians, and other local artists. Today, hundreds of guests regularly gather inside the historic theatre for a lunchtime celebration that brings together live music, local talent, and nearly a century of Knoxville history.
Will and I had the pleasure of attending the September 7 presentation, featuring Tennessee Theatre house organist Freddie Brabson alongside singer and musical-theatre performer Sage Bohacek. We honestly did not know what to expect, but from the moment the music began, the atmosphere, emotion, and energy of the room pulled us in.
We have always appreciated a great organ performance, and Brabson delivered one we will not soon forget. One of the most moving moments came during his tribute to our late dear friend, Dolly Parton, as he performed several of her most recognizable songs, including “Two Doors Down,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” The tribute was deeply emotional, and there were certainly tears in the room.
Local residents had repeatedly told us that seeing and hearing the Mighty Wurlitzer played live was something we simply had to experience—and they were absolutely right. The richness of the sound, the history behind the instrument, and the way Brabson brought it to life created a sense of magic that left us wanting more.
The afternoon continued with a breathtaking performance by Sage Bohacek, a 20-year-old jazz singer and musical-theatre performer from Maryville, Tennessee, who is now building her career in Nashville through auditions and live performances. Her repertoire blends timeless jazz standards with musical-theatre favorites, giving her a versatile sound that felt perfectly at home inside the historic Tennessee Theatre. Her September 7 appearance marked her second performance on the Tennessee Theatre stage.
From the moment Bohacek began to sing, the room seemed to fall completely still. Her voice carried a remarkable blend of strength, warmth, and emotion, and the entire performance felt deeply personal. Learning afterward that she had dedicated the performance to her father only added another layer of meaning to what we had just witnessed.
There are performances that entertain, and then there are performances that seem to reach a little deeper. Bohacek did exactly that. No one wanted to move, speak, or risk missing a single note. Her vocals were beautifully controlled, expressive, and full of feeling, creating one of those rare musical moments that stays with you long after the final note fades.
For Will and me, her performance alone was worth the drive. It was elegant, emotional, and unforgettable—a fitting reminder of just how powerful live music can be when the right voice meets the right room.
Mighty Musical Monday also plays an important role in supporting local and regional artists, giving performers the opportunity to step onto one of Knoxville’s most historic stages and share their talent with the community. That commitment to live performance adds even more meaning to an event already rich in tradition.
For us, the historic elegance of the Tennessee Theatre, the remarkable legacy of its Mighty Wurlitzer organ, and the strength of the live vocals came together to create a truly memorable beginning to our week-long journey. Surrounded by nearly a century of history, the experience felt like more than a performance—it was a graceful introduction to Knoxville’s cultural character and the perfect way to begin exploring East Tennessee.
Chris & Will give the September edition of Mighty Musical Monday well over 10 out of 10 smiles. Some experiences simply exceed the scale, and this was one of them.
For our full interviews with the Tennessee Theatre and Sage Bohacek, listen to What About Our Life? on iHeartRadio. Additional visuals and performance highlights can also be found on YouTube (officialchrisandwill) and at chrisandwill.com under the Adventures section.
Source: ChrisWill Media About the Authors: Christopher L. Antie and William Antie are podcast journalists and media personalities covering entertainment, travel, culture, events, and stories from across a wide range of industries. Together, they bring a conversational and experience-driven approach to the stories they share. Follow more from Chris & Will through their podcast, What About Our Life?, on iHeartRadio and at chrisandwill.com.