Germantown Performing Arts Center Marks 30 Years of Cultural Excellence

Germantown’s Cultural Gem Celebrates 30 Years of Performance

Germantown, TN – Wow, can you believe it? The Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) is turning 30 this month! Time sure flies when you’re having fun, and fun is exactly what this fantastic venue has been offering since its doors opened on November 19, 1994. The legendary Ray Charles was the very first artist to grace the stage, kicking off three decades of memorable performances. You can still spot a gleaming poster of that inaugural event at the box office, a nostalgic nod to GPAC’s glorious beginnings.

The Heart and Soul of GPAC

At the helm of GPAC is executive director Paul Chandler, a man whose passion for the performing arts shines bright. He often reminisces about the early days when people used to talk about a perceived “wall” between Germantown and Memphis. “Back then,” he chuckles, “I’d tell my friends in Memphis, ‘There are only two cool things in Germantown: Bosco’s and GPAC!’” But thanks to the hard work and dedication at GPAC, that wall has pretty much crumbled away.

In the first season alone, GPAC hosted a colorful mix of entertainers, featuring everyone from classical guitarists like Christopher Parkening to the enchanting Vienna Boys’ Choir. These days, the line-ups have ballooned with a dazzling array of headliners and an impressive diversity that caters to all tastes. The venue’s motto, “Find Your Center,” is a perfect representation of its role in the community, striking that sweet spot in the Memphis area’s entertainment scene.

Chandler: A Three-Time Returnee

Now, let’s talk about Paul’s journey. He’s not a stranger to GPAC—this is actually his third time joining the team! After leaving in 2001 to co-found the popular Live at the Garden concert series, Chandler returned briefly as an interim director before coming back for good in 2012. He took over a venue that had already cultivated a solid jazz following and a strong orchestral presence and set out to expand its offerings.

His strategic approach kicked off big time in his first year. “I brought in Lyle Lovett,” Chandler reminisces, “and people were unsure about him. But after seeing how amazing he was, it opened the door to a whole new audience.” Thanks to the marketing prowess of GPAC, they’ve built up buzz, and people from all corners of Memphis started flocking to this wonderful venue.

Weathering the Storm

Of course, nothing was easy during the pandemic. The grand opening of The Grove, GPAC’s stunning outdoor facility, came right when the world seemed to hit pause. “I was sitting in an empty building, on Zoom with contractors all day long,” Chandler recalls. But it wasn’t long before they started making magic happen—starting with socially distanced outdoor events. The numbers grew gradually over the summer, enabling them to keep the lights on and the staff employed. “I like to say that The Grove saved us,” he adds with a grin.

Looking Ahead

Fast forward to now, GPAC is enjoying another exciting chapter with a new major funder: Highland Capital Management. They’ve pledged more than $100,000 a year for the next five years—the largest contribution in the organization’s history. “We’re so grateful for their support,” Chandler beams, knowing it guarantees doors will continue opening for new talent.

A Personal Touch

Chandler isn’t just a director; he’s also a down-to-earth family man. He shares his life with his wife, Jennifer Chandler, a food editor, and their two daughters, Hannah and Sarah. In his downtime, you might find him fly-fishing, gardening, or whipping up a delicious meal. “I’ve realized that I’m not just an arts guy,” he says. “I’m a producer. I want people around me to feel happy and fulfilled.”

The Future is Bright

As GPAC continues to flourish, it’s hard to ignore the significant impact it has on the Germantown community. With countless performances and programs, it remains a vital part of the cultural landscape. So go out and celebrate, and don’t forget to check out the full schedule of upcoming events at gpacweb.com—there’s a show for everyone!