Peace Center unveils yearlong Song Sessions for The Mockingbird — Greenville’s newest live music venue

The Peace Center kicks off its 35th season with a month of big announcements! Coming off the heels of unveiling GRAMMY-winning country music superstar Maren Morris as part of its milestone season lineup, the Peace Center today announced the first performances inside its newest music venue, The Mockingbird — an intimate listening room set to open in January 2026 in the heart of downtown Greenville.

The Mockingbird marks a bold new chapter in the Peace Center’s evolution and underscores its 35^th Anniversary campaign “The Place to Be” for inspiring arts and entertainment.

The first new venue to open as part of the Peace Center’s ambitious campus expansion, The Mockingbird will seat 180 guests and offer an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience that brings artists and audiences closer together than ever before. While the name pays homage to Nashville’s famed Bluebird Café –– the iconic home of songwriters and storytelling –– the setting is sophisticated, handsome and comfortable, destined to become a marquee Greenville experience.

“The Peace Center is proud to open The Mockingbird as a space that celebrates musical artistry and human connection,” said Peace Center CEO Megan Riegel. “It’s a place where the song takes center stage, and audiences can experience live music the way it’s meant to be heard — up close and personal.”

To launch this exciting new space, the Peace Center proudly presents Song Sessions, an essential yearlong musical celebration curated by acclaimed Nashville singer-songwriter Maia Sharp. Sharp — known for her soulful voice, poetic lyrics, and collaborations with artists including Bonnie Raitt, The Chicks, and Art Garfunkel — will be joined by a rotating lineup of special guest artists, changing each month throughout 2026.

“There’s something powerful about a small room built for listening,” said Sharp. “It lets the emotion, the stories, and the songs breathe. The Mockingbird will be that kind of place, and I can’t wait to share these weekends with the people of Greenville and the entire region.”

The first scheduled performances of Song Sessions are:

OPENING NIGHT: Maia Sharp with Georgia Middleman & Gary Burr 

Saturday, January 17 @ 7:30 p.m.

Georgia Middleman is an acclaimed songwriter whose work has been recorded by artists like Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, and Kenny Chesney. Her song “When the Right One Comes Along” was featured on the TV show “Nashville.” She’s also part of the musical trio Blue Sky Riders and recently released her fourth solo album, “Requests.”

Gary Burr is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and an award-winning country songwriter with 15 #1 hits. His songs have been recorded by major artists such as Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, Carole King, and Christina Aguilera. He’s a former Songwriter of the Year (ASCAP, Billboard, NSAI) and is a member of the trio Blue Sky Riders with Georgia Middleman and Kenny Loggins.

Married for over ten years, Georgia and Gary perform together across the country, blending harmonies, humor, and storytelling in their live shows.

Maia Sharp with David Ryan Harris & Adam Wright

Friday, February 20 & Saturday, February 21 @ 7:30 pm

David Ryan Harris is a genre-defying singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose blend of soul, folk, rock, and R&B has earned him a devoted following. He has toured and recorded with artists like John Mayer, India.Arie, and Dave Matthews, while his solo work showcases introspective songwriting and vocal depth. As a writer and producer, he’s contributed to hit songs such as “Battle Scars” (Guy Sebastian & Lupe Fiasco) and “Just a Dream” (Nelly) and continues to release solo projects that highlight his versatility and emotional range.

Adam Wright is a Grammy-nominated Nashville songwriter known for his vivid storytelling, lyrical craftsmanship, and understated musical style. His songs have been recorded by country and Americana greats including Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood. Equally respected as a solo artist, Adam’s own recordings such as “Dust and I Win” reflect his literary voice and deep-rooted Southern sensibility, solidifying his place as one of Nashville’s most thoughtful and distinctive songwriters.

Maia Sharp with Emma-Lee Cypert & Tera Lynne Fister

Friday, March 20 & Saturday, March 21 @ 7:30 pm

Emma-Lee is a Toronto-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter and producer known for her genre-spanning songwriting and emotive artistry. Signed with Sony Music Publishing and RareSpark Media Group, she has penned over 150 songs recorded by artists such as Mickey Guyton, Brett Kissel, Tim Hicks, Meghan Patrick, and Mackenzie Porter, with several hits reaching the Top 40 and beyond. As a solo artist, she has released three acclaimed albums —”Never Just a Dream,” “Backseat Heroine,” and “Fantasies” — and her music has appeared in numerous TV shows and films. In addition to her music career, she is also a professional photographer, capturing portraits of artists and creatives across North America.

Tera Lynne Fister is a bold, soul-driven singer-songwriter whose music blends country grit with rock ‘n’ roll swagger and unfiltered emotional honesty. A St. Louis native now based in Nashville, she’s spent over a decade honing her craft — writing, recording, and performing across the U.S. and internationally. Known for her powerhouse vocals, electric stage presence, and signature bright hair, Tera has shared stages with acts like Thomas Rhett, Big & Rich, and Alabama. Her independent debut album “Flowers From The Ground” showcases her fearless storytelling and raw vulnerability, earning her recognition from outlets like Forbes and CMT. Whether on a festival stage or an intimate writers’ round, Tera delivers every performance with authenticity and heart.

Song Sessions begin January 17, 2026, and continue one weekend each month thereafter through December 2026. Each weekend includes Friday and Saturday evening performances that highlight the craft and intimacy of songwriting, plus Saturday afternoon workshops designed for aspiring musicians in the region. All performances and workshops are ticketed events at various prices.

Tickets for Song Sessions go on sale Friday, November 7 at 10 a.m. ET at peacecenter.org.

This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more details about The Mockingbird’s opening and other venue announcements in the weeks ahead.

 

About the Peace Center

The Peace Center is a world-class, not-for-profit performing arts center located in the heart of downtown Greenville, S.C. Year-round performances include the best of Broadway, legendary comedians, musicians, dancers, poets, filmmakers, orchestras, intellectuals, and more. The Peace Center also fulfills its mission of building community and creating connections through Artists-in-Residence programs; public celebrations; partnerships with organizations; and serving as a central gathering place for all.

Established in 1990, the six-acre campus consists of the 2,115-seat Peace Concert Hall, 400-seat Gunter Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater, and popular event spaces including the iconic Wyche building and the Huguenot Mill. A major expansion underway that includes two new music venues –– The Mockingbird and Coach Music Factory –– will allow the Peace Center to realize a bold, strategic vision of becoming a fully-functioning, 10-venue arts and entertainment campus by or before 2030. Once complete, the expansion is projected to increase the Peace Center’s annual economic impact from $89.6MM to $96.2MM. More information is available at peacecenter.org.