News

The Jackson Symphony has added a unique and sensory-friendly performance to its spring concert schedule. The Unicorn’s Birthday®, a charming, fantasy-and-fun-filled symphony experience, will be presented in two matinees on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2 pm at The NED in downtown Jackson, Tennessee.

Written by Grammy-nominated producer and composer, Bob Singleton, The Unicorn’s Birthday®, is a family-friendly birthday celebration filled with music, narration, fun sounds, captivating on-stage activity, adorable graphics, and gentle audience interactivity. There’s even a visit from the Birthday Unicorn!

Singleton, who is best known as the music director and producer of the hit kids PBS TV series, Barney and Friends® for 10 years, created this one-of-a-kind event to provide an entertaining and welcoming concert for young families and special needs audiences. It’s perfect for patrons that are OK with moderate audience activity during the performance and wish to enjoy a memorable orchestra experience without frightening noises or musical tension.

Presented by The Jackson Symphony Music Academy Youth Orchestra, alongside professional orchestra musicians, The Unicorn’s Birthday® is an exciting expansion of the Music & Healing outreach program, according to Katie Smith, interim artistic director for The Jackson Symphony. “To offer a concert that is accessible for all audiences, including children and adults on the autism spectrum, dementia patients, or those with other adaptive needs, is very rewarding,” said Smith.

“And to have talented young artists from the Music Academy playing the concert is a win-win—it grows their performance skills while entertaining diverse and under-reached audiences. We are very grateful to our sponsors for making this concert possible—City Lumber Company, The Salonus Firm, and the Kirkland Center for Music Excellence.

”Guests will hear, see, and imagine as the symphony orchestra presents a musical world of friendly penguins, monkeys, ducks, and other animals celebrating the Unicorn’s birthday. There will also be free coloring pages filled with images from the concert to enjoy beyond the event. Everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite unicorn items, wear their best unicorn outfits, and get their picture with the Birthday Unicorn.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at thejacksonsymphony.org or by calling 731-427-6440.