The Black Jacket Symphony came to ETSU’s Martin Center on Saturday, Sept. 28 in the ETSU Foundation Grand Hall.

Executive Director for the Martin Center and University Events, Jennifer Clements shared, “The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. Inspired by the way symphony orchestras perform great works of the classical and romantic eras, the group recreates note-for-note classic rock albums.”

Photo taken during the Black Jacket Symphony performance. (Contributed/@robhereth Instagram)

The Black Jacket Symphony is a band founded by J. Willoughby and Damon Johnson in 2009. The Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing on an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the U.S. The group changes based on the album being performed.

“We love having The Black Jacket Symphony at the ETSU Martin Center because we are committed to bringing unique and high-quality performance experiences to our region. The Black Jacket Symphony offers something truly special with their note-for-note recreations of iconic rock albums. Their show and energy appeal to a wide range of audiences, from classical music enthusiasts to rock fans, making it a perfect fit for the ETSU Martin Center,” Clements mentioned.

Their discography includes a wide range of many different rock bands such as AC/DC, The Beatles, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and Journey.

Photo taken during the Black Jacket Symphony performance. (Contributed/@robhereth Instagram)

Clements stated, “We are excited about the upcoming fall events at the Martin Center, including Ben Folds’ Paper Airplane Request Tour on Oct. 17, Spank the 80’s on Nov. 8, The Nutcracker-Magical Christmas Ballet on Nov. 26, A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage on Dec. 17. Plus, our 2025 Spring Broadway Season tickets go on sale to the public Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.”

For more information about the ETSU Martin Center and their upcoming events you can go to their website at etsumartincenter.org.

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