About this Event
The Velvet Chair Experience
Some evenings simply stay with you.
The Velvet Chair Experience is an elegant night of music and soul — a beautifully curated blend of Jazz and Uptown Soul, brought to life through the smooth, sultry vocals of Karen Collins.
This is not just a show. It's an experience!
Step inside the historic Bessie Smith Cultural Center and let its walls — walls that have always known great music — hold you for a night unlike any other.
The ambiance is intimate. The sounds are sophisticated. And the moment you sink into one of our iconic velvet chairs, you'll know you're exactly where you're supposed to be.
This evening was made for you — whether you're a devoted lover of Jazz and Soul, celebrating a birthday, honoring someone special, planning a proposal, or simply giving yourself and the people you love a night filled with love and laughter, we want you to come as you are but leave transformed!
The night also features the extraordinarily talented Dexter Bell & Friends, affectionately known as Crushed Velvet, alongside our special musical guests and performers who will keep the magic alive all evening long.
What Awaits You
🎷 Live Music & Performance — from the moment doors open, soft jazz and special entertainment set the tone for an unforgettable night
📸 The Velvet Lounge — a beautiful selfie space to capture the moment, along with Unlimited Photography who will be onsite to capture your sweet memories!
🍹 The Cash Bar — a casual yet classy upscale bar, curated by Bitter Alibi, featuring signature cocktails, mocktails, and fan-favorite selections
🍽️ The Food Bar — delectable bites hosted by Chef Chasty Seafood and More, crafted to satisfy every palate
The Details
📅 Sunday, April 26th, 2026 🕕 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Bessie Smith Cultural Center — 200 MLK Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37403
(Enter at the front — Entrance C)
Doors open at 6:00 PM with music, entertainment, dancing, food, and cocktails.
The main show begins at 7:00 PM. Seating is by table assignment.
Tickets & Reservations
🎟️ General Admission — $50 (Available on Eventbrite and limited in person at the Bessie)
✨ VIP Tables — limited availability, by request contact us at
📞 423-486-5849 📧 [email protected]
Tickets will move quickly and seating is intimate by design — so don't wait.
This experience was created and curated with one person in mind — you.
Come sit in the velvet chairs and let us serenade the star inside of you.
We cannot wait to welcome you into our experience!!!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum, 200 East Martin Luther King Boulevard, Chattanooga, United States
USD 60.31
