Karen Collins Presents: A Black Velvet Christmas at the Bessie

Sun Dec 14 2025 at 06:00 pm to 09:30 pm UTC-05:00

Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum | Chattanooga

The Velvet Chair Experience
Publisher/HostThe Velvet Chair Experience
Karen Collins Presents: A Black Velvet Christmas at the Bessie
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The Velvet Chair Experience is an elegant evening of Jazz and Uptown Soul featuring the smooth and sultry vocals of Karen Collins.
About this Event

🎄✨ It’s A Black Velvet Christmas – A Black Tie Affair ✨🎄
Step into the magic of the holiday season with an unforgettable evening of elegance, music, and celebration!

Join us for A Black Velvet Christmas, an upscale holiday soirée blending the smooth sophistication of Jazz with the heart of Uptown Soul. This festive black-tie affair will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM at the iconic Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, TN.

🌟 An Elegant Musical Experience
Let the warm, velvety vocals of Karen Collins and her talented live ensemble serenade you with soulful Christmas classics in the historic performance hall of The Bessie. This intimate setting allows you to experience the music you love in a truly personal and refined atmosphere.

Featuring: Dexter Bell & Friends ("Crushed Velvet") and Tresha Rutledge (" Ms. LOL")
The evening also showcases the incredible talents of Dexter Bell & Friends, affectionately known as Crushed Velvet, along with the hilarious Tresha Rutledge " Ms. LOL" and other surprise guest entertainers and performers who will elevate the holiday magic.

📸 The Velvet Lounge Experience
Capture the moment in our dazzling Velvet Lounge, with photo ops and holiday backdrops by Unlimited Photography—perfect for selfies and elegant portraits.

🍸 Cocktail Hour & Culinary Delights
Doors open at 6:00 PM with soft jazz, dancing, and holiday ambiance. During the cocktail hour (6–7 PM), enjoy:

  • A complimentary signature cocktail
  • Delectable hors d’oeuvres and dessert treats (while they last)
  • A fully stocked cash bar, hosted by The Humidor, featuring velvety signature cocktails, mocktails, and crowd-favorite libations
  • A cash food bar offering savory bites throughout the evening

🎶 Main Show Begins at 7:00 PM
Be seated early and settle in with your fellow music lovers as the main performance begins promptly at 7:00 PM.

📍 Location:
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
200 MLK Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37403
Enter through the front of the building at Entrance C

🎟️ Tickets & Seating

  • Individual tickets: $65
  • Seating is by assigned tables—early arrival is recommended!
  • Tickets are available via Eventbrite and in person at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.

💌 For table reservations or group ticket inquiries, please contact us:
📞 423-486-5849
📧 [email protected]

🎁 Dress to impress, embrace the spirit of the season, and don’t miss out on this smooth and sultry Christmas celebration. Seating is limited and tickets are expected to sell quickly—reserve yours today!

We can’t wait to serenade you and celebrate the holidays with you in style! 🎷✨


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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum, 200 East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Chattanooga, United States

Tickets

USD 77.80

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