Kenny Chesney to appear in Knoxville for screening of concert film

Kenny Chesney toasts the crowd in "Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D," his new concert film out in April.

Kenny Chesney and band perform during "Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D," Chesney's new concert film, out in April.

One of the biggest music stars in the country will return home this April. Kenny Chesney will appear at a special advance screening of the concert film “Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D” on Wednesday, April 14, at the Regal Cinemas Pinnacle Stadium 18 theater at Turkey Creek.

The event is a benefit for Variety — The Children’s Charity of East Tennessee. The East Tennessee chapter of Variety was founded in 2001 by Knoxville-based Regal Entertainment Group, the nation’s largest movie-theater operator. Regal has annually hosted advance film screenings, with visits from the stars, to benefit Variety.

The most recent gala screening was a November 2009 advance showing of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.” The event drew fans from around the country vying for a chance to see stars Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart walk the red carpet and address the crowd. Ticketholders also got an advance viewing of “New Moon” days before the movie debuted around the country.

Other previous Variety screening events have included Jessica Simpson and Johnny Knoxville appearing with “The Dukes of Hazzard,” The Rock appearing with “Walking Tall” and Jessica Alba and Dane Cook appearing with “Good Luck Chuck.”

“Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D,” was filmed over six nights in six concert venues in 2009, will begin its normal run at theaters on April 21.

With more than 30 Billboard Country Top 10 singles, 17 of which have gone to No. 1, Chesney has become one of the most successful stars in country music. His concert tours are regularly among the most-attended and highest-grossing in the nation.

Chesney has not presented a concert in Knoxville since he appeared at Neyland Stadium in 2003 and does not plan to tour this summer. He was raised in both Knox and Union counties and graduated from Gibbs High School. After graduating from East Tennessee State University in 1990, Chesney moved to Nashville and began his rise to fame.

For the Knoxville event, audience members will be treated to a catered reception in the lobby of the Pinnacle. Chesney will address the crowd and make some comments about the film before the screening. Tickets will be $25, general admission, and will go on sale at 9 a.m. Friday, March 12, at the Pinnacle theater.

Since its founding, Variety of East Tennessee has generated more than $2.5 million to assist needy children in East Tennessee.

© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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