Musicians took center stage in preparation for the 65th annual Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, Tuesday.

“They are working on their production numbers for the show,” said Jimmy Exum, pageant president.”The musicians are from Nashville … all studio musicians.”

Exum said Chris McDonald – arranger of the year in Nashville – is the director.

“We have six dancers and four background singers,” Exum said. “All 36 (contestants) will also dance.”
Exum said the theme of the pageant is “Jackson,” with a spin on the hit song “Jackson,” by Johnny and June Carter Cash.
“We’ll have a duet. Grace Burgess, Miss Tennessee (2016) and Mark Evans.”

The pageant begins at 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.

Contestants are vying for $92,000 in scholarship funds, and the opportunity to compete in the Miss America Pageant.

Competition continues at 8 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

(PHOTO: Musicians prepare for the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant, Tuesday, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center)

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