Nashville Ballet announced today that its annual fundraising gala, Ballet Ball, will feature musical performances from alternative rock visionary Ben Folds and chart-topping singer-songwriters The Civil Wars.

Ben Folds and The Civil Wars will perform some of their most well-known songs alongside Nashville Ballet dancers as the company performs in original works choreographed by Nashville Ballet Artistic Director and CEO Paul Vasterling at this one-time only appearance.

“Collaborating with musicians of this caliber for innovative productions like Ballet Ball illustrates the versatility and talent of Nashville Ballet,” Vasterling said. “Putting ballet dancers, The Civil Wars and Ben Folds on the same stage shows that Nashville Ballet is where fine art meets southern culture.”

Recently nominated for two Grammys for Best Folk Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, The Civil Wars will perform their breakout hits “Barton Hallow” and “Poison and Wine.” The band’s appearance at Ballet Ball will be sandwiched between their U.S. tour ending Feb. 4 in Florida and their European tour beginning March 13 in the United Kingdom. 

Known for his work as a solo artist, front man of Ben Folds Five and judge on NBC reality program “The Sing-Off,” Folds will perform two of his many landmark songs “Zak and Sara” and “Selfless, Cold and Composed.” Folds recently joined the board of The Nashville Symphony and has been instrumental in elevating the status of the arts in Nashville. This year will also see more new music from the original Ben Folds Five line-up.

“I'm honored to join The Civil Wars in taking the stage for this important cause,” Folds said. “I'm especially thrilled to help support the Ballet's incredible education outreach initiative that introduces young people and people of all ages to the arts.  It's been said that the truest expression of a people is in its dance and its music, and we in Music City are blessed to have the best in both.”

Event co-chairs Jay Joyner, Ronnie Scott and Mary Jo Shankle bring together their passion for Nashville Ballet, dedicated leadership in the community and unique talents to plan the event, to be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville.

Ballet Ball will host 400 of Nashville’s most generous arts supporters, who will enjoy a cocktail reception featuring an elaborate silent auction followed by a gourmet seated dinner. 

Younger arts patrons will also have the privilege of attending the performances by purchasing a ticket to the Ballet Ball Late Party. A limited number of Late Party tickets will be available for to the public for $95, beginning February 1 at 8 a.m. through Nashville Ballet’s website. Late Party attendees will enjoy drinks and light hors d’oeuvres before attending the performance. After the performance, Late Party attendees will take to the dance floor for a lively evening of dancing, led by the always-entertaining Pat Patrick Band.

Ballet Ball raises money for Nashville Ballet's innovative education and community engagement initiatives which reach over 41,000 children, families and seniors at schools, libraries, and community centers throughout Middle Tennessee.