Summer shows: Doobie Brothers, Matt Rife, Jordan Davis and Shrek are coming to Knoxville
Knoxville is heating up, and not just because of summer weather. Country star Jordan Davis, R&B singer PJ Morton and comedians Matt Rife and David Spade are just a few of the talented acts performing at venues across the city this summer.
Rock band Heart, illusionist Justin Willman, a Beyoncé collaborator and even a few tributes to ABBA and Pink Floyd will be putting on shows you won't want to miss. And you have the chance to see the award-winning “Shrek” musical or the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Check out some of the major concerts, comedians and shows coming to Knoxville this summer.
Brad Williams
June 8 – Tennessee Theatre
Brad Williams is a “little funny,” according to his website. The comedian released “Starfish,” his fourth and most recent comedy special, on the shortest day of the year (December 21). The new dad often uses his 4-feet-4-inch height for material, but also tackles marriage, kids, culture and social media in his comedy. Williams has had several high-rated specials on Showtime and has made appearances on “The Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and Dave Attell’s “Comedy Underground.”
Tickets: $29.50-$49.50
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Josh Gates
June 12 – Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Join Discovery Channel host and explorer Josh Gates for an evening of legends, mysteries and tales of adventure. Gates will have you on the edge of your seat with hilarious misadventures and thrilling moments as he takes the audience around the world and off the map with stories from his greatest expeditions. Gates is known from the hit shows “Expedition Unknown” and “Josh Gates Tonight” on Discovery Channel.
Tickets: $48+
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Matt Rife
June 13 – Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Matt Rife continues his “ProbleMATTic” tour, which kicked off in 2023. With nearly 19 million TikTok followers, Rife has gained a loyal fanbase through his comedic brand which often sparks viral discussions and controversy. His first Netflix special, “Natural Selection,” is available now, after the release of three popular self-produced specials on YouTube.
This is a rescheduled event from Feb. 15. Original tickets remain valid for the June 13 show. This is 21+ event.
(On May 29, Rife canceled a show in Indiana due to a “last minute medical emergency" just 20 minutes before the show was set to start. His Knoxville show was still scheduled as of May 30.)
Tickets: Check knoxvillecoliseum.com for availability
Showtimes: 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Kevin Smith
June 14 – Bijou Theatre
Enjoy an evening of laughter with Kevin Smith. The comedian, director and producer is celebrating his 30th anniversary in the business. He hosts the comedy podcast “SModcast” and is known for directing movies such as “Clerks,” “Mallrats,” “Dogma” and “Chasing Amy.”
Tickets: $39.50-$59.50
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Justin Willman
June 20 – Bijou Theatre
How does he do it? Illusionist Justin Willman’s act is a show of magic, comedy and mind-control for the entire family. Willman is the creator of the hit Netflix series “Magic For Humans” and “The Magic Prank Show,” and you might have seen him on “The Tonight Show,” The Kelly Clarkson Show” or “Baking Impossible.”
Tickets: $41.50-$152
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Lucinda Williams
June 21 – Bijou Theatre
Americana icon Lucinda Williams closes out her “50th Anniversary” tour at the Bijou. The Knoxville show is an immersive multimedia experience of songs, visuals and stories that honors her illustrious life and career. She is known for songs such as “Fruits of My Labor,” “Can’t Let Go” and “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.” Her 15th studio album, “Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart,” was released in 2023.
Tickets: $50-$70
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Shakey Graves
June 25 – The Mill and Mine
Fusing blues, country, folk and rock ‘n’ roll has led to three top 10 Billboard albums for Shakey Graves, who initially had dreams of establishing an acting career. His latest album, “Movie of the Week,” was released in 2023.
Tickets: $37
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Sierra Hull
June 27 – Bijou Theatre
Sierra Hull is a master of the mandolin. She was the first woman to be honored with IBMA's Mandolin Player of the Year award, which she has now received four times. The singer-songwriter from Byrdstown, Tennessee, has a unique sound rooted in bluegrass, and has performed on some of the most iconic stages, including Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry and the White House.
Tickets: $30-$45
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
David Spade
June 29 – Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Comedian David Spade is taking his Joe Dirt persona on the road for a “Southern bus tour.” The former “Saturday Night Live” star portrayed the popular character in the 2001 film “Joe Dirt” and its 2015 sequel. Spade currently hosts the “Fly on the Wall” podcast with fellow SNL alum Dana Carvey and is known for his extensive TV and film career.
Tickets: $54.50
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Brit Floyd: P·U·L·S·E
July 9 – Tennessee Theatre
The renowned Pink Floyd tribute band returns with its biggest production to date, a recreation of Pink Floy’s epic final tour from 1994. The two-and-a-half hour P·U·L·S·E show features lasers, lights, inflatables and other theatrics, plus classic songs from Pink Floyd albums “Dark Side of the Moon,” “The Wall,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Animals” and “The Division Bell.”
Tickets: $47.50-$79.50
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
Rob Schneider
July 13 – Bijou Theatre
The veteran stand-up comic is bringing his humorous political thoughts to Knoxville in two shows on July 13. The former SNL writer is well-known for his work in television and film with recent credits including the animated feature “Leo” on Netflix and films “Dead Wrong” and “Daddy Daughter Trip.” Schneider’s first book, “You Can Do It! Speak Your Mind, America,” is slated for release Sept. 24.
Tickets: $35-$140
Showtime: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
1964: The Tribute
July 13 – Tennessee Theatre
Didn’t get to see the Beatles live in the '60s but still want to experience the mania? This tribute group brings John, Paul, George and Ringo back together and gives audiences a show to remember. 1964 is for fans who missed out on the original band and for those who want to re-live the magical days. Formed in the ‘80s, it has been praised as one of the most authentic Beatles tribute bands.
Tickets: $35+
Showtime: 8 p.m.
The Doobie Brothers
July 14 – Food City Center
The soft rock band is following up its 50th anniversary tour with a 38-city tour this year. The Doobie Brothers have sold nearly 50 million records and are known for songs such as “Black Water,” “What a Fool Believes,” “Listen to the Music” and “China Grove.” The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 and released its latest album, “Liberté,” in 2021.
Grammy winner Robert Cray will join the Doobie Brothers for the Knoxville show.
Tickets: $41+
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Ben Folds
July 18 – Tennessee Theatre
Create the concert you want with Ben Folds. During this special performance, fans can launch their song request to the stage via paper airplanes. The singer-songwriter has been a major music influence through his genre-bending albums and collaborative projects. He released his fifth album, “What Matters Most,” last year.
Tickets: $45+
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
Black Joe Lewis
July 20 – Bijou Theatre
The Black Joe Lewis band combines Southern gospel, funk, soul and Texas blues. NPR compared the bandleader's raw and emotional vocals to James Brown. Black Joe Lewis has performed at Coachella and Bonnaroo and has shared stages with artists including Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley, Cedric Burnside and the Dirtbombs.
Tickets: $25-$30
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Jordan Davis
July 25 – Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Jordan Davis is fresh off his song of the year win at the 2024 Academy of Country Music awards. The “Damn Good Time” world tour supports his recent album, “Bluebird Days.” Davis is known for the popular songs “Next Thing You Know,” “Buy Dirt” and “Singles You Up.”
Tickets: $50+
Showtime: 7 p.m.
The Wonder Years
July 25 – Mill and Mine
Emo pop band The Wonder Years has been rocking out since forming in 2005, dropping seven studio albums and recently penning a theme song for a WWE "WrestleMania" show. The band is known for its songs “Came Out Swinging,” “I Don’t Like Who I Was Then,” and “Passing Through a Screen Door.”
Tickets: $36.50
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
‘Shrek the Musical’
July 30-31 – Tennessee Theatre
Fall in love with your favorite ogre all over again as Shrek goes on a life-changing journey alongside wisecracking Donkey and feisty Princess Fiona in this hilarious Tony-winning musical. The show features all-new direction and choreography by Danny Mefford (“Dear Evan Hansen” choreographer) but holds onto the joy and messages from the original movies of loving ourselves and one another.
Tickets: $50+
Showtime: 7:30 p.m. each night
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
July 31 - Bijou Theatre
One of the most popular big bands of all time returns to the Bijou. Just like when Glenn Miller conducted 80 years ago, the 17-member orchestra will perform hits “In The Mood”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Tuxedo Junction,” their “Moonlight Serenade” theme song and more.
Tickets: $45-$65
Showtime: 7 p.m.
The Mountain Goats
Aug. 9 – Mill and Mine
The indie band from North Carolina has a discography that spans 22 studios and dates back to the early 1990s. First gaining popularity through home cassette recordings, the band released its newest album, “Jenny from Thebes,” in 2023.
Tickets: $50
Showtime: 8 p.m.
A Tribute to ABBA
Aug. 15 – Tennessee Theatre
Feel the beat of these dancing queens! 21st Century Artists, Inc. has presented an ABBA tribute show for more than a decade, bringing back one of the greatest pop eras. The show features ABBA’s biggest hits including “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Take A Chance On Me.”
Tickets: $39.50-$69.59
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
Kimberly Perry with Tanner Adell
Aug. 16 - Bijou Theatre
Kimberly Perry, of the popular sibling trio The Band Perry, has gone solo and is headlining the “2024 CMT Next Women of Country Presents: Kimberly Perry” tour. She’ll perform songs from her debut solo, “Superbloom," as well as songs by The Band Perry. Tanner Adell, a rising country artist featured on Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” is the opening act for the Knoxville show.
Tickets: $37-$37
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Iris DeMent
Aug. 17 - Bijou Theatre
Two-time Grammy nominee Iris DeMent is known for her fusion of country, folk and gospel music with socially and politically inspired lyrics. Her album “Workin' on a World” (2023) received international acclaim and tackles subjects such as the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and social injustice.
Tickets: $35-$50
Showtime: 8 p.m.
PJ Morton
Aug. 20 - Bijou Theatre
The soul singer and Maroon 5 keyboardist releases his solo album “Cape Town to Cairo” in June. It was entirely written, recorded and produced during a 30-day trip across Africa. Morton is a five-time Grammy winner known for songs “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Say So” and “Built for Love” with Jazmine Sullivan.
Tickets: $45-$85+
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Heart
Aug. 24 – Food City Center
Helmed by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, rock band Heart is heading out on a massive reunion tour. The “Royal Flush Tour” is the band’s first set of live shows since 2019. Heart is known for hit songs such as "Alone,” "Barracuda," “Crazy on You” and "Magic Man.” They have sold more than 35 million albums since debuting in the '70s, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
Rock band Cheap Trick also will perform at the Knoxville show.
Tickets: $45+
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected]. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville concerts, comedians and shows coming in summer 2024
