The Play Reading Workshop
Aug
26

The Play Reading Workshop

The Play Reading Workshop is back with another exciting installment of scripts!

Come join the fun as a reader or listener!

Would you like to hear your work read aloud at Barking Legs Theater? Submit your original staged play here.

All workshops will occur on the 4th Tuesday of every other month. Join us as we hear scripts lift off the page and fine tune to help plays prepare for the stage.

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Wednesday  Jazz: Ben Friberg Trio
Aug
27

Wednesday Jazz: Ben Friberg Trio

A bold mix of jazz-rooted, soul-drenched, funk-infused sounds from modern icons.

Guitar: Friberg • Drums: Turnure • Bass: Chris Riggenbach • Vocals: Paige Denton

Friberg’s trio will be hosting an eve of genre-blending/bending never performed (by us) 14 ditties. Expect a bold mix of jazz-rooted, soul-drenched, funk-infused sounds from modern icons: Domi & JD Beck • Thundercat • Vulfpeck • Knower • Adam Ratner • Kurt Rosenwinkel • Mikkel Ploug • Fredrico Heliodoro • Ambrose Akinmusire • Tony Davis. From intricate sonorous textures to Brazilian-jazz fusions, to pop vocals running wild through narrow gauntlets — modern improvisation through the lens of these post-millennial creators, is anything but traditional but holy schnikes is it lit.  Oh — and watch out for a surprise drop from the OG disruptor: J.S. Bach (yeah, that Bach) to complete the eve's sonic tour.  

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So You Think You Can Drag - With Dyslexia Apple
Aug
28

So You Think You Can Drag - With Dyslexia Apple

So You Think You Can Drag is an open stage drag event that celebrates the bold, the beautiful, and the bizarre in the world of drag performance. Whether you're a seasoned queen, a first-time king, or anywhere in between, this is your chance to shine under the spotlight.

Designed as a welcoming and high-energy platform, So You Think You Can Drag invites performers of all experience levels to strut their stuff, lip-sync for their life, or debut a daring new number in a supportive, electric environment.
Performers may apply at https://forms.gle/LxyAkipm6164EfHYA or by contacting @dyslexia apple on facebook!

Open to fans of all ages to come and see the show!!

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Wednesday Jazz: Alan Wyatt Quartet
Sep
3

Wednesday Jazz: Alan Wyatt Quartet

An evening with the Alan Wyatt Quartet is two hours spent experiencing some of the finest jazz you’ll hear anywhere. Alan’s exquisite saxophone playing is beautifully complemented by Shawn Perkinson on guitar, David Schwab on bass and Stephen Humphries on drums. The Quartet has made First Wednesdays a Barking Legs institution. NYC level musicianship right on Dodds Avenue.

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

Tickets - $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

Doors open at 7:00pm. Music begins at 7:30pm.

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Wednesday Jazz: Adam Stone Group’s Jazz Fest Fundraiser
Sep
10

Wednesday Jazz: Adam Stone Group’s Jazz Fest Fundraiser

We’re all excited about the upcoming Chattanooga Jazz Festival on October 26 at the Choo Choo, and tonight’s show is a bit a preview of coming attractions. Adam Stone has gathered a group of wonderful players, all of whom happen to be members of the festival planning committee. Adam will be joined by Alex Keiss on guitar, Austin Pettit on tenor sax, Spencer West on drums… and who knows who else. It’ll surely be a killer evening!

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Dukes Up Fundraising Concert
Sep
14

Dukes Up Fundraising Concert

🎶 Support Love in Action!Join us for the Dukes Up Fundraising Concert — a night of music, spoken word, and real love stories. 💍❤️

Join us on Saturday, September 14th at 5 PM at Barking Legs Theater

Hosted by William Elston, this dynamic event features live music from Dexter Bell & Friends, soul-stirring performances by local guest artists, powerful couple testimonials, and uplifting spoken word by local poet Zawdi. Plus, enjoy a multimedia slideshow showcasing the heart of Dukes Up—strengthening marriages through love, laughter, and purpose.

🎟️ VIP tables are available and include premium seating, charcuterie boxes, and a special gift.

Every ticket supports Dukes Up, a nonprofit dedicated to building stronger marriages through events, coaching, and community engagement. Come for the music—leave inspired to make a difference in love and life.

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Todd Marcus Quintet featuring Virginia MacDonald: Wednesday Jazz Special Event
Sep
24

Todd Marcus Quintet featuring Virginia MacDonald: Wednesday Jazz Special Event

We’re delighted to have the opportunity to present this highly praised jazz quintet focusing on the clarinet. This show has been several years in the making!

Since 2022, Baltimore bass clarinetist Todd Marcus and Toronto clarinetist Virginia MacDonald have been performing and touring together across the United States and Canada with their quintet. Their work together presents a lush ensemble that showcases the range of beauty and power by the clarinet in a modern jazz context, with repertoire comprised of original compositions by both bandleaders. They have performed at jazz festivals and prominent venues internationally including Smalls Jazz Club, the Toronto Jazz Festival, the International Clarinet Association, and the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Playing the clarinet is challenging (due technical and volume complexities) which leads most woodwind musicians to use saxophones and avoid using clarinets in more intense modern jazz. While the clarinet has a rich history in traditional New Orleans and Dixieland music, swing era big band contexts, and avant-garde free playing, it is significantly underutilized in modern straight-ahead jazz.

Marcus and MacDonald have filled this gap for the clarinet in modern jazz. Their unique solo and compositional voices have established a prominence and international reputation on their instruments in jazz today. Their musical partnership showcases the versatility of the clarinet and captures audiences with a new and unique musical experience.

The quintet is made up of Todd on bass clarinet, Virginia on clarinet, Tim Brey on piano, Blake Meister on bass and Eric Kennedy on drums.

There’s much more on Todd’s and Virginia’s websites.

“Mr. Marcus is probably the most inventive bass clarinetist working in straiTickght-ahead jazz today.” New York Times

“[Virginia] is one of the only people I’ve heard get that completely soulful essence that you get on the saxophone; she gets it on the clarinet. She’s got her own voice.” Grammy Award winning trombonist Michael Dease, London Jazz News

This performance is made possible with the support of Jazz Road, a national initiative of South Arts, which is funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation with additional support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

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Showman & Coole: modern old-time sounds for the bluegrass and folksong jamboree
Sep
30

Showman & Coole: modern old-time sounds for the bluegrass and folksong jamboree

Through twenty years and a couple of thousand shows together in bands such as The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Lonesome Ace Stringband, John Showman and Chris Coole have developed a deep and instinctual musical bond.  Their music lurks in a truly unique space that is somewhere on the outskirts of old-time, bluegrass, and folk. The songs of John Hartford, Hank Williams, Dock Boggs, and The Band share space with the fiddle tunes of Eck Robertson and Ed Haley. The duo’s original songs and tunes take in all these vistas and paint something both personal and timely.

They have performed across North America and Europe at festivals such as Merlefest, Rockygrass, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Mariposa, Wintergrass, Gooikroots, and The John Hartford Memorial Festival. In 2022, the duo released two albums; “ Afield” a collection of old-time fiddle tunes, and “Much Further Out than Inevitable – A Tribute to Some Music of John Hartford.”

“John Showman has made his mark as “one of the very best and most influential fiddle players in Canada” (Steve Pritchard, CIUT 89.5 FM).

“Renowned for his clawhammer banjo picking, Coole now establishes himself as a gripping songwriter.”
(Roddy Campbell, Penguin Eggs Magazine)

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Flamy Grant with Randy Steele
Oct
16

Flamy Grant with Randy Steele

Award-winning and Billboard-charting artist Flamy Grant is a shame-slaying, hip-swaying, singing-songwriting drag queen from Asheville, North Carolina. Her 2022 debut record, Bible Belt Baby, reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Christian Chart (the first drag performer to achieve this feat), was nominated for Best Pop Album at the San Diego Music Awards, and was named one of the Top Ten Queer Country Albums of 2023 by Rainbow Rodeo Magazine. Her single “Good Day” debuted at #20 on the Billboard Christian digital sales chart. Her 2024 sophomore album “CHURCH” reached #8 on the iTunes Country Chart.

Flamy is a winner of the 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition, a 2023 QueerX Award nominee for Best Drag Artist, and a 2024 Queerty Award nominee for Drag Royalty. She is also a finalist for the 2025 International Folk Music Awards Artist of the Year and has been featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, People, and more. Her music has over 1.2 million streams on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon music. A powerhouse vocalist and intrepid songwriter who blends folk, gospel, and roots, Flamy drags audiences into a therapeutic, theatrical mix of storytelling and song.

Armed with a bold lip and a blistering voice, Flamy is brilliant, resilient proof that nothing is sacred (but everything is holy) and shame belongs in the closet.


Randy Steele is an award winning banjo pickin' singer/songwriter from Chattanooga, Tennessee. His first solo album was released in early 2017 followed by an EP released in the summer of 2018. Both albums were met with critical acclaim and spotlights from dozens of music critics, including Relix Magazine, No Depression, and The Bluegrass Situation.  In 2018 Steele won an Independent Music Award for Bluegrass 'Song of the Year' for "Mobile Soon" and was also selected as a Finalist in the New Song LEAF Songwriting Competition. In 2023 Steele was named a Semi Finalist in the American Songwriter ‘Song of the Year’  for 2022, then he was named a Finalist in the legendary ‘New Folk’ Songwriting Competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas.  Randy released ‘High Cold Wind’ in 2023 to acclaim from Bluegrass Today, Bluegrass Unlimited, Americana Highways and multiple other media sources.  Steele is currently touring around the South East and recording new material whenever possible

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The Floor Is Yours: Dreamers
Aug
14

The Floor Is Yours: Dreamers

Calling on all of you dreamers out there! It’s time to spectate or participate — or both!

Bring us a dance that shakes the world awake! Sing us songs of your visions of the future! Tell us stories of the castles that overlook the hills and valleys of your brain!

We want the fantastical and the visionary. We want to know about the phantoms that walk behind your closed eyes at night. Come out and share your dreams!

Nightmares are also acceptable. (Some of our best friends are absolute nightmares.)

Join your hosts with the hocus, Hope and Marcus for an evening of creativity beyond our shared reality.

Doors Open at 6 PM | Show Starts at 7 PM
$10 to spectate
FREE to participate

You can sign up to perform here: https://forms.gle/4R65VYHQ2ch9sEk16 *Space is limited and given on a first come first served basis. Performers who have not filled out the form are not guaranteed spots, though some will be available for sign ups the night of the show.

You won’t want to miss this The Floor is Yours dream sequence!

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Wednesday NOT Jazz: Jack Wright & Evan Lipson
Aug
13

Wednesday NOT Jazz: Jack Wright & Evan Lipson

Tonight’s Wednesday Jazz, indeed, isn’t jazz. Jack and Evan are both dedicated to free improvisation. Please don’t come expecting to hear standards. Or even melodies or grooves. But if you’re up for joining in a sonic adventure, we’ve got it for you. You know who you are.

Jack Wright (b. 1942) is a saxophone extremist, dedicated to to free playing since 1979. Described twenty years ago as an "undergrounder by design," he is a veteran improviser based mainly in Philadelphia. He has played mostly on tour through the US and Europe since the early 80s in search of interesting partners and playing situations. Now at 75 he is still the "Johnny Appleseed of Free Improvisation," as guitarist Davey Williams called him in the 80s, on the road as much as ever. He continues to inspire players outside music-school careerdom, playing sessions with visiting and resident players old and new. His partners over the years are mostly unknown to the music press, and too numerous to mention. He's said to have the widest vocabulary of any saxophonist, including leaping pitches, punchy, precise timing, sharp and intrusive multiphonics, surprising gaps of silence, and obscene animalistic sounds.

Evan Lipson (b. 1981) has lived with the incurable disease of music since early adolescence, seeking the liminal realms in which intellect and instinct, history and myth, and creative and destructive force intersect. Drawn towards aberrant perspectives at an early age, his formative activities were primarily rooted in extreme and discordant forms stemming from various traditions of “underground” and ancient musics.

Joining Jack and Evan will be Knoxville guitarist Jake Smith.

Brady Sharp and Bruce Kaplan, the B&B Strings, will open the evening.

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Opposition Tea Party
Aug
9
to Aug 10

Opposition Tea Party

This Is The Movement: March. Dance. Runway.

Presenting a collaboration with Chery Jordan and Ann Law, in company with Runway Rebels and Coach Cherokee… the Opposition Tea Party is a performance showcase activating our power through movement that’s got muscle.

With Master of Ceremonies: Marcus Ellsworth

Catering by: Mac's Kitchen and Bar

When: Saturday, August 9th & Sunday, August 10th at 5 PM

Tickets: $25

*Admission includes nibbles by Mac’s & tea made from homegrown ingredients fresh from Ann Law’s garden.

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Wednesday Jazz: Nathan Warner
Aug
6

Wednesday Jazz: Nathan Warner

It’s always a special evening when ace trumpeter Nathan Warner leads the band on Wednesday evening. He’ll bring Shawn Perkinson on guitar, David Schwab on bass and Matt Turnure on drums. Great band, fantastic sounds!

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

Tickets - $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

Doors open at 7:00pm. Music begins at 7:30pm.

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Monday Nite Big Band
Aug
4

Monday Nite Big Band

They have become one of our audience’s most beloved events, and for good reason! Monday Nite Big Band has been playing big band jazz music in Chattanooga for over 40 years. Founded by pianist and band leader Paul Lohorn and saxophonist Ed Leamon, the group features a wide variety of more than eighteen Chattanooga area professional musicians playing on one stage, plus the the delightful Paige Denton on vocals.

All Ages welcome. 

This is a general admission event. 

Doors open at 7pm, music begins around 7:30pm with Intermission. 

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Shades of Red
Aug
2
to Aug 3

Shades of Red

Shades of Red

A bold and tender play about love, legacy, and queer family. Saturday July 26 @ 7pm, Saturday August 2 @ 7pm, or Sunday August 3rd @ 2pm

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Fair Play
Aug
1

Fair Play

A Jam Sesh of Ideas & Music hosted by Gordon Inman

Gordon Inman invites you to join an open dialogue and jam session on the state of Chattanooga's performing arts economy. What does fair pay for musicians and performance artists look like? How do we get there?

Let's band together for candid conversations about where we want the performing arts community to be in the next five years, and how we want to grow with Chattanooga. 

All are invited. Musicians, come test the acoustics. 

Friday August 1st at Barking Legs Theater at 7:30 PM. No Cover.

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So You Think You Can Drag
Jul
31

So You Think You Can Drag

An open mic Drag and Burlesque night with The Seed Theatre, hosted by Dyslexia Apple.

This event is a celebration of drag and burlesque in a supportive and safe environment!!
So whether you do this on the regular or you are trying it for the first time, this is your chance to slay the stage and serve the house down!

When: Thursday July 31st
Time: 8:00 PM @ Barking Legs Theater

$10 cover at the door: All proceeds support The Seed Theatre’s work to create inclusive spaces for artists.

This event is an all ages event!!

Want to perform? Fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOhzqR8VXUGR8KjRABwY3CAfU23qSCRJhMmBH0K3zVbEvOwg/viewform

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Wednesday Jazz: Matt Turnure Trio
Jul
30

Wednesday Jazz: Matt Turnure Trio

Any evening spent enjoying the drumming of Matt Turnure brings the audience into an aural adventure. His co-adventurers this evening will be guitarist Stephen Powers, who pushes himself in new directions all the time, and Atlanta bassist Tommy Sauter, whose visits to Chattanooga are always an occasion. Wow!

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. Tickets

Tickets - $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

Doors open at 7:00pm. Music begins at 7:30pm.

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Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
Jul
27

Jonathan Scales Fourchestra

You’ve heard this before, but the whimsically named Jonathan Scales Fourchestra is really tough to describe. Veering from in-your-face, jaw dropping chops and passion, to those quiet moments when the background noise disappears and you hold your breath to take in a soundscape of solitude, the power trio of electric bass (E'Lon JD), drums (Maison Guidry), and steel pans (Jonathan Scales) combines elements of jazz, classical, and progressive rock, peppered with Latin rhythms and soulful outbursts of funk. From club and festival stages across North America and Europe, and tours of Africa, Southeast and Central Asia as a Cultural Ambassador for the US Department of State, to their NPR Tiny Desk Concert featuring Béla Fleck, the Fourchestra’s live shows make even the most jaded listeners forget where they are… even if just for a precious moment.

 This may seem an odd thing to say, but on the verge of releasing their eighth studio recording, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra is only now truly embracing their identity as a group. For many years, Jonathan’s live band was a fluid lineup of top-notch musicians, and even included an “all-star” version with bassist MonoNeon (Prince, Nas), drummer Sput Searight (Snarky Puppy, Snoop Dogg) and percussionist Weedie Braimah (Trombone Shorty, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah), as well as a number of other marquee players. Now, however, the Fourchestra is a decidedly indivisible band, and Jonathan is writing for the trio, not just the pans.

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Shades of Red
Jul
25
to Jul 26

Shades of Red

Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughs, sass, and Southern charm — Shades of Red is BACK!

This original one-woman show, created and performed by Chattanooga's own Wendy Pursley, brings to life a rotating cast of bold, hilarious, and heartwarming women who’ve been captivating audiences for over 25 years. Whether it’s the powerhouse vocals of Big Bette, the razor-sharp wit of Martha Crouch, or the outrageous visions of Madame Irene — each “shade” tells a story full of heart, humor, and fierce Southern soul.

One woman. Six unforgettable characters.
Real stories. Big laughs. Timeless truths.
Real impact: 100% of proceeds fund gender-affirming medical care for a beloved member of our local trans community.

Grab your tickets now and enjoy a night of storytelling that entertains and uplifts.

July 25th and 26th @ 7 PM

August 1st and 2nd @ 7 PM + August 3rd @ 2 PM

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Wednesday Jazz: Eric Vaughn Trio
Jul
23

Wednesday Jazz: Eric Vaughn Trio

It’s always fun bringing fresh faces into Barking Legs—performers and audience—and this Wednesday will be the Wednesday Jazz premiere of pianist Eric Vaughn. Eric is high energy, whether playing the piano or singing, and the evening should be serious fun. His band features bassist Spencer Blake, and there’s a good chance of some guests on hand.

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

Tickets - $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

Doors open at 7:00pm. Music begins at 7:30pm.

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Cue The Dice: Garden of Fae and Foibles
Jul
20

Cue The Dice: Garden of Fae and Foibles

Join us for the next chapter in our improvised fantasy series Cue the Dice, where the story is shaped live by the cast, the audience, and the roll of the dice! This time, we journey into a realm of whimsy and chaos with Fae & Foibles — an all-new tale set deep in the tricksy, glittering world of the Fae.

Part live theatre, part improv, part tabletop RPG, and entirely unpredictable — Cue the Dice: Fae & Foibles is where tabletop fantasy meets queer theatre magic.

Audience participation encouraged. Costumes welcome. Mischief guaranteed.

When: July 20th @ 3:00pm

Where: Barking Legs Theater - 1307 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga TN

Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/cue-the-dice-fae-and-foibles

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Bob Chuckrow: Remembering a Chattanooga Icon
Jul
17

Bob Chuckrow: Remembering a Chattanooga Icon

Bob Chuckrow was a brilliant musician who excelled on a variety of stringed instruments. He was a mainstay of Chattanooga’s acoustic music community from the 1980s until his untimely death last November.

About 25 years ago, Bob recorded a CD worth of tunes—traditional and original—with the participation of Steve Mikell, Norman Blake and Pattee Wilbanks. Bob had a standing offer of a CD release show at Barking Legs, but the recordings were never released to the public… until now. That release show? Better late than never.

In addition to his skill as a musician, Bob was a luthier, a teacher and a collector of fine guitars, mandolins and banjos. We’re bringing together Bob’s musical peers, students and instruments for a very special evening.

Admission is free, but we’ll strongly encourage you to purchase a copy of Bob’s CD, being prepared just for this event. Funding for the CD comes from Steve Mikell and Joe Lawrence who have generously offered the proceeds to support Barking Legs.

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Dave Potter & Retro Groove
Jul
16

Dave Potter & Retro Groove

Dave Potter, who is on speed-dial in the phones of Jason Marsalis, Greg Tardy, Eric Reed, Marcus Roberts and many others announces the release of his third album as a leader, Retro Groove 2... The album, finds the drummer once again leading his band through clever arrangements of '80s classics by Whitney Houston, Rush, The Isley Brothers, Toto, and more... blended with an infectious mix of swing and blues the album makes a compelling case to both the jazz purist and the casual pop fan alike!

We’ve heard Dave at Barking Legs in the bands of Greg Tardy, and he is one powerhouse jazz drummer! What he’ll do with this material is something I can’t wait to hear. Joining him will be Miguel Alvarado on sax, Angelo Versace on piano and Rob "El Tón" Linton on bass.

This Jazz Special Event will be on the main stage. Tickets will be $15 advance/$20 door (plus a modest service fee)

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100 BC: Pat Bergeson & Bruce Forman present Barney Kessel & Chet Atkins at 100
Jul
12

100 BC: Pat Bergeson & Bruce Forman present Barney Kessel & Chet Atkins at 100

100BC!

Pat Bergeson and Bruce Forman celebrate 100 years of Chet Atkins and Barney Kessel

Both long-time associates of these American guitar masters, Bergeson and Forman play their prized instruments, and share stories of what is was like to work with them. Can a musical instrument possess someone's soul? Probably not. But it can tell stories, bind generations, and bring people together. So, then again...maybe it can?

To our knowledge, Barney and Chet never spent any time together...but by getting their guitars side by side, making music, we are correcting that historical oversight.

BRUCE FORMAN

"Bruce Forman is one of the great lights of our age.”

- Barney Kessel, Jazz Times

A hectic touring schedule; twenty-one recordings as a leader, countless sideman recordings including Ray Brown, Bobby Hutcherson, Roger Kellaway; soundtrack performances on three of Clint Eastwood’s distinguished films—most notably Academy Award-winning Million Dollar Baby; raconteur, arranger, acclaimed educator, in residence at USC’s Studio/Jazz Guitar Dept., when does Bruce Forman rest?

Deep immersion in American culture inspires Forman to contribute to the traditions that he draws from. Reunion! (the newest project) revisits the famed Poll Winners sessions with cohorts John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, playing instruments owned by Barney Kessel, Ray Brown and Shelly Manne; Formanism (his trio project); original works like The Red Guitar; his high-rated podcast, GuitarWank; Cow Bop and the “road challenges” down historic byways like Route 66; JazzMasters Workshop; Junkyard Duo; GrumpsTV (a fifty episode YouTube variety show during the lockdown), the popular ‘first chorus of the day’ series on Instagram…these are only the latest answers to the endless question that underlies Bruce Forman’s creativity. His music and life reflect every step of his journey, and demonstrate the awareness of an artist who’s very much at home in the world, and at the top of his form.

PAT BERGESON

Guitarist and harmonica player Pat Bergeson has written, toured, and recorded with many of his musical heroes. Beginning at the University of Illinois in his home state, he moved on to New York City and picked up a Jazz Studies degree at William Paterson University. After playing in New York for ten years, he moved to Nashville upon the request of Chet Atkins who heard Pat on a demo tape. Chet invited him to play on his album “Sneakin’ Around” with Jerry Reed, and later featured Pat’s guitar and compositions on his 1994 release Read My Licks. They were good friends and toured together for several years.

A versatile guitarist as well as chromatic and diatonic harmonica player, Pat’s style incorporates jazz, blues, rock and finger style and he is known for his session work with a variety of artists. He has been in the studio with Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, Bill Frisell, Martin Taylor, Suzy Bogguss, Bill Evans, Peter Frampton, Michael McDonald and many others. He has toured with Shelby Lynne, Madeleine Peyroux, Wynonna Judd, Suzy Bogguss and then four years with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band. Pat has been a teacher and producer and has appeared on many movie soundtracks.

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Ambush Improv Presents Instaprov!
Jul
11

Ambush Improv Presents Instaprov!

Ambush Improv Presents Instaprov! Improvagram! Instagram Inspired Improvisation!

Audience members will be invited to submit their Instagram handles for a chance to be interviewed onstage as social media scene inspiration. Get ready for insta laughs & entertainment! 

Admission: $10 Online in Advance | $15 at Door

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The Floor Is Yours: Spill The Tea
Jul
10

The Floor Is Yours: Spill The Tea

What's something you've never told anyone? What's that hot goss you've been holding on to? Do you know the true story no one else has the guts to tell? Well pull up a mic and spill that tea! Come on and violate that NDA. Don't take your secrets to the grave, take them to the STAGE!

Your hosts and ringmasters Marcus and Hope are throwing a tea party and we're inviting you to pour us all a cup of something piping hot and delicious!

All art forms are welcome. The only caveat is that you have up to 8 minutes to serve up whatever you've got steeping.

Sign up to perform here: https://forms.gle/4R65VYHQ2ch9sEk16

Doors open at 6 PM
Show starts at 7 PM
$10 to spectate
FREE to participate

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Wednesday Jazz: Alan Shikoh
Jul
9

Wednesday Jazz: Alan Shikoh

Kamran Alan Shikoh, classical guitar

Named one of three finalists for Acoustic Guitarist of the Year in 2019 by Guitarist Magazine,

After his first three years of classical training, he was selected as a performer on the NPR radio show From The Top, the preeminent showcase for America’s best young musicians. He went on to receive a Master of Arts degree in guitar performance.

As well as an adept and engaging performer, Shikoh is a published composer and arranger, winning 1st Prize in the Roland Dyens International Arranging Competition and consecutive 2nd and 3rd Prizes in the first two editions of the Portugal International Guitar Composition Competition.

Beyond his classical background, he has also played acoustic and electric guitars for a wide range of diverse projects including jazz, progressive rock, church music, theater, film scoring, and has appeared on many studio albums as well as live concerts in the United States, Canada, Italy, and The Caribbean.

As a teacher, Alan serves on the adjunct faculty at Lee University, Southern Adventist University, and Covenant College.

“Shikoh’s dynamic guitar work oozes class. Mastery of his instrument is glaringly evident. Texture and mood are added seemingly effortlessly, and there is a wonderful fluidity to his playing.”

“Beautiful and nuanced, showcasing incredible poise and technique.”

“Shikoh has matured into an astonishingly inventive guitarist.”

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

New for 2025: Ticket prices- $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

DOORS OPEN at 7:00pm

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Monday Nite Big Band
Jul
7

Monday Nite Big Band

Dubbed one of Chattanooga's best kept secrets, the Monday Nite Big Band has been playing big band jazz music in Chattanooga for over 40 years. Founded by pianist and band leader Paul Lohorn, the group features professional musicians from the Chattanooga area.

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Wednesday Jazz: Alan Wyatt Quartet
Jul
2

Wednesday Jazz: Alan Wyatt Quartet

An evening with the Alan Wyatt Quartet is two hours spent experiencing some of the finest jazz you’ll hear anywhere. Alan’s exquisite saxophone playing is beautifully complemented by Shawn Perkinson on guitar, David Schwab on bass and Stephen Humphries on drums. The Quartet has made First Wednesdays a Barking Legs institution. NYC level musicianship right on Dodds Avenue.

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

Tickets - $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

Doors open at 7:00pm. Music begins at 7:30pm.

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Last Sunday Jazz Jam
Jun
29

Last Sunday Jazz Jam

Monthly Jazz Jam, last Sunday of every month! The first hour, beginning at 1:00pm, will be for players with basic-to-intermediate skills on their instrument who are relatively new to jazz improvisation.

From 2:00-4:00, more experienced players will jam with a designated band leader. There is no fee or payment for participation, this event is for fun, networking, learning, teaching, listening and the love of jazz!

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So You Think You Can Drag
Jun
27

So You Think You Can Drag

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DRAG

An open mic Drag and Burlesque night with The Seed Theatre, hosted by Dyslexia Apple

This event is a celebration of drag and burlesque in a supportive and safe environment!!

So whether you do this on the regular or you are trying it for the first time, this is your chance to slay the stage and serve the house down!

When: Friday June 27th!

Time: 8:00pm!

$10 cover at the door, All proceeds support The Seed Theatre’s work to create inclusive spaces for artists.

This event is an all ages event!!

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Username Password
Jun
26

Username Password

Username Password are four Chattanooga natives-Wayne White, Bob Stagner, Jim Tate and Bryan Dyer. They make their own music about Tennessee River Pirates, Andy Warhol, Civil War Ghosts, Bob Brandy and Screen Doors.

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Wednesday Jazz: Stephen Powers Sextet
Jun
25

Wednesday Jazz: Stephen Powers Sextet

Stephen Powers is one of the strong “new generation” of jazz guitarists in the area. He’s backed with a stellar cast, including Matt Turnure on drums, Grady Dickinson on alto sax, Given Graber on bass, Danny Sample on keys, and Matt Roehrich on tenor sax.

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The Play Reading Workshop
Jun
24

The Play Reading Workshop

The Play Reading Workshop is back…and this time bi-monthly!

Come join the fun as a reader or listener!

Would you like to hear your work read aloud at Barking Legs Theater? Submit your original staged play here.

Future workshops will occur on the 4th Tuesday of every other month.

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