The Smyrna Senior Activity Center is on a mission to expand its footprint from 4,400 square feet to a massive 15,000-square-foot facility, and they are bringing in musical heavyweights to help cross the finish line. In this high-energy session, Director Fran Dunn introduces the Sidemen of Note, a trio of world-class musicians who have toured with icons like Glen Campbell, Art Garfunkel, and Barry Manilow. The group performs live acoustic renditions of classics like "Gentle on My Mind" and "Mandy," proving that the talent behind the legends is a legend in its own right.

Beyond the live performances, the episode dives into the rich "Nashville lore" of professional songwriting and session work. Listeners get a front-row seat to stories about the creation of George Strait hits and the surprising commercial jingles that launched Barry Manilow’s career. It is a masterclass in musical history and a heartfelt call to action for the Rutherford County community to support its seniors as they celebrate their 55th anniversary.

Join us for a very special fundraising event to support the center's capital campaign:

• Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (St. Patrick's Day)

• Time: 7:00 PM

• Location: Williamson Family Farm, Murfreesboro

• Tickets: Available now at Eventbrite.com (Search: "Sidemen of Note Murfreesboro")

Key Takeaways

• Capital Campaign Update: The center has raised $3.1 million of its $6 million goal for a new building on Sam Ridley Parkway.

• St. Patrick’s Day Concert: Details on the upcoming fundraiser featuring the Sidemen of Note at the Williamson Family Farm.

• Inside the Music Industry: First-hand accounts of touring with Art Garfunkel and the technical precision required for world-class session work.

• Songwriting Secrets: How a demo recorded on a four-track cassette ended up becoming a #1 hit for George Strait.