Charles Esten Live at The Princess Theatre

See the actor-turned-musician in an electrifying Oct 17th concert—tickets on sale June 20.

By Pratibha

Charles Esten, the actor-turned-musician whose fan base spans country music lovers and TV drama aficionados alike, returns to The Princess Theatre on Friday, October 17. Best known for his Emmy-nominated portrayal of Deacon Claybourne on ABC’s Nashville and his chilling role as Ward Cameron on Netflix’s Outer Banks, Esten headlines an intimate evening of live music, storytelling and on-stage banter.

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Image: Instagram

In his official Instagram announcement, the performer teased, “NEW SHOW: The electric and charismatic Charles Esten returns to The Princess on Friday, OCT 17!! Whether you know him as Deacon Claybourne from the hit show Nashville or Ward Cameron from Outer Banks, come experience an unforgettable night of music with one of today’s most compelling performers.”

Charles Esten Returns To The Princess Theatre

The Princess Theatre, originally built in 1912 and renowned for its historic charm and excellent acoustics, will host Esten’s first solo appearance at the venue. Located downtown, the restored 900-seat house has welcomed performers ranging from jazz ensembles to Broadway touring companies. Esten’s show will feature a full band setup, professional lighting and select acoustic segments in the round. Audiences can expect both signature tracks and deep cuts from his catalogue.

Career Highlights

After graduating with a theatre degree from the University of Evansville, Esten built a diverse acting résumé that includes credits on The West Wing, Jericho and a starring role in the 2012 film Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. His breakthrough came in 2012 when Nashville debuted; Esten’s character Deacon Claybourne became an instant fan favorite, blending dramatic tension with heartfelt musical performances. He released his first studio album, Almost Never Enough, in 2008 and followed up with several singles that charted on Billboard’s Country Songs list.

Beyond TV, Esten has become a regular at music festivals. In 2019 he performed at CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium, sharing the stage with country icons and inviting guest vocalist Natalie Stovall for an encore acoustic duet. On Instagram, Esten celebrated high ticket demand during his recent U.K. tour, posting, “MANCHESTER MATINEE ADDED! Due to high demand, we have added a Matinee performance in Manchester.” That sold-out extension highlights his ability to draw devoted crowds across continents.

Stage And Setlist

While no official setlist has been released, Esten’s past concerts typically blend original tunes like “This Town,” “Any Other Day” and “Crush” with covers spanning Americana and classic rock. Fans often hear spontaneous strips down to guitar-and-vocals arrangements, giving a peek at his songwriting process. The intimate setting at The Princess Theatre will likely allow for audience interaction — from song requests to question-and-answer moments.

Opening acts will feature rising local artists selected by the theatre’s programming team, creating a platform for homegrown talent. Doors open at 7 PM, with opening sets beginning at 7:30 PM and Esten’s main performance slated for 8 PM. Concessions, a full bar and accessible seating are available, and standard COVID protocols will remain in place per local guidelines.

Ticket Details & Venue Info

Tickets go on sale Friday, June 20 at 10 AM CST via princesstheatre.org. Pricing tiers include general admission seating, reserved balcony spots and VIP packages that bundle early entry, priority seating and a post-show meet-and-greet. Given Esten’s recent sell-out streak, early purchase is advised.

The Princess Theatre is located at 123 Main Street in Decatur, Alabama (check princesstheatre.org for exact address). The venue’s restoration in 2001 preserved its century-old marquee, ornamental plasterwork and hardwood stage, earning it recognition on the National Register of Historic Places. Attendees can choose digital or print-at-home tickets and should review parking and gate-entry instructions in advance.

Whether you fell in love with his guitar solos in Rayna Jaymes’s bar on Nashville or were drawn into Outer Banks’ suspense, this concert provides a rare opportunity to see Charles Esten in a live music setting. His dual careers blend seamlessly in a show built on authentic storytelling, skilled musicianship and a genuine connection with audiences.

As June 20 approaches, anticipation is building among longtime devotees and new fans alike. With his track record of emotional performances and surprise guest appearances, Esten’s show at The Princess Theatre could be one of the season’s most memorable live events. Make plans now to join the actor-musician for a night that bridges television drama, country storytelling and live concert thrills.

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Charles Esten's versatility as an actor has allowed him to take on diverse roles in both comedy and drama throughout his career.
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Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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