JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE RETURNS TO HIS TENNESSEE ROOTS AND SIGNS ON AS A PARTNER & PRODUCER OF PILGRIMAGE MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVAL; #MakeThePilgrimage To Franklin, TN SEPTEMBER 24 & 25, 2016

Franklin, TN – August 23, 2016  – Actor and Musician Justin Timberlake continues to expand his role in the music industry by signing on as a partner and producer of the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. The two-day event transforms The Park At Harlinsdale Farm into an oasis of music, food, and culture set against the natural setting of this former walking horse farm located in Franklin, TN taking place September 24 and 25, 2016. PRESS HERE for more info.

Born and raised in Memphis, Justin Timberlake will return to his Tennessee roots to not only come on board as a producer of the festival but to lay down roots literally.

“I couldn’t be more excited about becoming part of The Pilgrimage Music & Culture Festival. Being a Tennessee native and now a member of the community in Franklin, I have been watching the development of the festival over the past two years. For me, this is an amazing opportunity to help build an exceptional event and contribute to my community,” says Justin Timberlake.

Timberlake’s creative director Trace Ayala who is also a Franklin resident, couldn’t agree more. “Being a resident of Leiper’s Fork and the Franklin community, I’m thrilled to have this event right here in my own backyard! As Justin’s creative director, I’m looking forward to putting our stamp on this thing! It’ll also serve as a great stage to showcase the artists we’ve signed to our artist development company, Villa 40.”

Original Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival producers (Kevin Griffin, Brandt Wood, Michael Whelan) will work closely with Justin Timberlake, although he will not be performing this year, and Trace Ayala on the creative direction of the upcoming festival taking place September 24 + 25 as well as years to come.

“It really is a perfect fit to have Justin on board as a partner not only for his knowledge and accomplishments in the music industry but also his love for the Tennessee area,” says co-founder Kevin Griffin. “We are looking forward to introducing new fans to Pilgrimage and to the music, food, and culture of the southern region.”

The two-day festival, which is going into its sophomore year, has been hailed by Rolling Stone as having “established itself as a festival to watch” and will return with another incredibly curated lineup. Heavy hitters such as Beck, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Jason Isbel, and Kacey Musgraves will #MakeThePilgrimage to Franklin along with indie favorites including Kaleo, The Strumbellas, Shakey Graves and more.In addition to artists performing their own sets, Pilgrimage will feature Pilgri-mashups where one-of-a-kind pairings of musicians collaborate with one another on stage as well as the Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor stage featuring local artists. The family friendly festival also features world renowned children’s musicians as well as interactive activities throughout the day. REMEMBER: Kids under 10 get in FREE when accompanied by an adult GA Ticket. Last but not least, the region’s best food and drink will be on display as well as numerous local artists and artisans creating an all-encompassing festival experience. To watch the highlights from last year’s inaugural year, PRESS HERE.

Not only will the festival drive tourism dollars to Williamson County but a portion of each ticket sale will benefit the City of Franklin and Franklin Parks. In addition, a portion of ticket sales will also benefit MusiCares®, a nonprofit organization that was established by The Recording Academy^® to provide a wide range of emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery resources to members of the music community.

The Pilgrimage Foundation was established to develop, in conjunction with the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, a non-profit program to support the arts, artists, historic preservation and the Harlindsale Farm that will benefit from the growth of the festival. Each year several organizations will be chosen to participate and benefit from the festival in ways that include publicity, events, and donations.