News Summary

Shiners Nashville, founded by Chuck Wicks, is igniting debate as its performance in the Woolworth building raises questions about respect for civil rights history. Critics argue that the show’s content distracts from the building’s significant past, prompting public complaints and even a membership suspension from the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. While some celebrate the production, others call for recognition of the site’s pivotal role in the civil rights movement, emphasizing the need to honor its historical legacy amid commercial entertainment.

Nashville

Shiners Nashville is sparking a heated debate over its place in the historic Woolworth building, which is deeply rooted in the civil rights movement. Founded by country singer Chuck Wicks, the show showcases a unique combination of moonshine, theatrical performance, and audience engagement, reminiscent of a Cirque du Soleil production. However, its content and portrayal of themes related to race, gender, and sexuality have raised concerns among community members and historians alike.

Located at 223 Rep. John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37219, Shiners weaves a fictional tale centered around a moonshiner family reunion. The audience is invited to participate actively, becoming integral to the unfolding storyline. With electrifying music and gravity-defying acrobatics, Shiners presents an unconventional night out, emphasizing a “drink-til-you-drop” moonshine atmosphere. Despite its entertainment value, critics argue that the show could distract from the building’s significant historical context.

The Woolworth building holds a prominent place in Nashville’s civil rights history, having been the site of the first successful lunch counter sit-ins in the South in 1960. This movement was led by future U.S. Rep. John Lewis and ultimately contributed to broader integration efforts. In recognition of its importance, Historic Nashville Inc. included the Woolworth building on its annual Nashville Nine list, underscoring issues related to its preservation.

In March 2022, a display window honoring the building’s historical significance was created. This display includes artifacts from the civil rights era, aiming to remind the public of the struggles faced during that pivotal time in American history. However, as Shiners continues to draw audiences with its adult humor and provocative acts—including pole dancing and comedic performances—some believe it undermines the building’s legacy.

Concerns about Shiners extend to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, which recently suspended the show’s membership due to public complaints about its content. Critics express disappointment that the venue, once a stage for pivotal protests against racial segregation, is now associated with a production that they feel does not adequately respect or acknowledge its historical significance.

The portrayal of characters within Shiners has been a focal point of criticism, particularly due to the lack of contextual information relating to the Woolworth building’s past. Critics argue that the entertainment provided by Shiners can detract from the critical dialogue surrounding civil rights and historical preservation.

Other productions have previously been featured in the Woolworth Theatre, including a women-focused music show titled She Believed She Could, which engendered a more positive connection to the venue’s history. Nevertheless, Shiners stands out for its controversial approach, drawing both audiences and detractors.

Additionally, some historians and community members express concern over the renovation of the Woolworth building, which is believed to have removed significant historical elements. They argue that this commercialization of a site linked to civil rights history could be seen as a sacrilege, emphasizing the necessity for contemporary performances to honor and recognize the past.

As the debate over Shiners continues, the tension between commercial entertainment and the need to preserve historical narrative remains a critical point of discussion for Nashville residents. While some celebrate the innovative spirit of Shiners, others call for a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of the historical legacy embedded within the walls of the Woolworth building.

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Additional Resources

• ABC7 News: Shiners Nashville Show
• Nashville Scene: Woolworth Theatre Controversies
• Tennessean: Shannen Doherty Moonshine
• Wikipedia: Civil Rights Movement
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Rights Movement

Author: HERE Nashville

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