Guitarist Adam Stone is one of Chattanooga’s most eclectic musicians, and his passionate embrace of everything he touches and his boundless energy have made him one of our favorites. Not to mention his fantastic guitar playing. Every show he’s played at Barking Legs has been unique, and this quartet will continue the trend. Join us for the adventure.

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

Tickets - $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

Doors open at 7:00pm. Music begins at 7:30pm.

Between his work with Wilco and his many projects under his own name, Nels Cline is one of the most influential and admired electric guitarists in the universe. We are delighted and honored that he has agreed to spend some time prior to Wilco’s evening performance at the Memorial Auditorium with guitar players at the Legs. Nels was the one who suggested donating money from ticket sales to Barking Legs. Great player, great guy!

This event is primarily for guitarists, but you should not bring an instrument.

An evening with the Alan Wyatt Quartet is two hours spent experiencing some of the finest jazz you’ll hear anywhere. Alan’s exquisite saxophone playing is beautifully complemented by Shawn Perkinson on guitar, David Schwab on bass and Stephen Humphries on drums. The Quartet has made First Wednesdays a Barking Legs institution. NYC level musicianship right on Dodds Avenue.

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

Tickets - $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

Doors open at 7:00pm. Music begins at 7:30pm.

Experimental dancer Susan Hefner and percussionist Kevin Shea blur the roles of dancer and musician using a unique sound-making/movement vocabulary to create structured improvisational percussion pieces. Their slapstick, nonsensical play creates both accidental and intentional sound, and an absurd use of junk as vehicles for the aural/visual imagination.

Plus, UnSound Collective opens the evening with an ensemble of dancers and musicians who blend movement and improvisation to pique our collective curiosity.

for two nights, you are granted a blank / slate—no past, no expectations, just endless possibilities. blank / slate is a performance experience that brings this to life, using movement to explore new beginnings, transformation, and the power of starting over. through fluid choreography, dynamic storytelling, and raw emotion, each step paints a new story on an empty canvas. join us at Barking Legs Theater May 2nd and 3rd 7:30pm on a journey where every movement is a choice, every beat a possibility, and the future is waiting to be created.

by collectively / here

join us on instagram @collectively_here

general admission is $15*

doors open at 7pm | performance begins at 7:30pm

for two nights, you are granted a blank / slate—no past, no expectations, just endless possibilities. blank / slate is a performance experience that brings this to life, using movement to explore new beginnings, transformation, and the power of starting over. through fluid choreography, dynamic storytelling, and raw emotion, each step paints a new story on an empty canvas. join us at Barking Legs Theater May 2nd and 3rd 7:30pm on a journey where every movement is a choice, every beat a possibility, and the future is waiting to be created.

by collectively / here

join us on instagram @collectively_here

general admission is $15*

doors open at 7pm | performance begins at 7:30pm

The Lightning Xpress tour is the union of two talented rock/blues artists that has been selling out shows bringing high-energy and great music to venues across the country.

Meet the bands:
Alex Lopez and The Xpress(ALX): Renowned guitarist and songwriter Alex Lopez, with his band The Xpress, electrifies audiences with a blend of blues, rock, pop, and funk. Known for revitalizing blues for new generations, they mesmerize with melodic songs from Alex's seven acclaimed albums, including their just released Billboard top ten "Looking for a Change." Expect a high-energy mix of new hits and blues rock classics in their unforgettable performance.

Memphis Lightning: Dynamic and internationally touring, Memphis Lightning features award-winning musicians, including guitar virtuoso Lightning Thiboutot who wows audiences with his guitar fretwork equivalent to guitar pyrotechnics. The band, which includes Grammy-nominated Big Red and members "The Rock" and "Mr. Mayhem," is celebrated for their fusion of styles reminiscent of Danny Gatton, Roy Buchanan, David Bowie, and Mick Jagger. Memphis Lightning is synonymous with future legends, delivering a compelling musical experience.

Doors open at 6pm; music begins at 7pm.

Admission is $18 in advance or $20 day of show.

It’s always a special evening when ace trumpeter Nathan Warner leads the band on Wednesday evening. He’ll bring Shawn Perkinson on guitar, David Schwab on bass and Matt Turnure on drums. Great band, fantastic sounds!

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

Tickets - $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

Doors open at 7:00pm. Music begins at 7:30pm.

Monthly Jazz Jam, last Sunday of every month! The first hour, beginning at 1:00pm, will be for players with basic-to-intermediate skills on their instrument who are relatively new to jazz improvisation.

From 2:00-4:00, more experienced players will jam with a designated band leader. There is no fee or payment for participation, this event is for fun, networking, learning, teaching, listening and the love of jazz!

"We spoke of many things, fools and kings..." - Nat King Cole, Nature Boy

Join your hosts and ringmasters HOCUS (Hope & Marcus), for this installment of Chattanooga'a ONLY uncensored open mic variety show. We are calling on artists to explore themes of foolishness, rulers, and how perhaps the two are not so far apart. Dance a jig that kicks off crowns! Give us a standup set while dressed up as Julius Caesar! Sing a song about your personal fool's errands! Have fun! Dig in! And Floor us!

Admission is $10* for audience
FREE for performers

(*plus minimal ticket fees)

Doors open at 6:00 PM
Show starts at 7:00 PM

AGES 18+ only.

Sign up to perform here.

One of our great pleasures at Barking Legs is growing our jazz community, both players and listeners. This will be drummer Spencer West's debut as a Wednesday Jazz band leader. You may have heard him in the Lounge with Adam Stone, or perhaps at a Monthly Jazz Jam. It will be fun.

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

Tickets - $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

Doors open at 7:00pm. Music begins at 7:30pm.

The Play Reading Workshop is back…and this time bi-monthly!

Come join the fun as a reader or listener!

Would you like to hear your work read aloud at Barking Legs Theater? Submit your original staged play here.

Future workshops will occur on the 4th Tuesday of every other month.

PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Our local chapter, PFLAG Chattanooga, hosts support meetings once a month. These meetings are open to LGBTQ+ people, their allies, and loved ones.

A night of love, friendship, and rockin' for Laura! 

Laura Walker is a beloved musician and staple of Chattanooga's music community who tragically lost her home in a fire. Laura is a celebrated musical talent featured in many bands including The Dismembered Tennesseans and Walker Road. Her friends from across the music scene are hosting a special one night only engagement with performances by Pan O Ram Club, One Hit Wonders, and Walker Road featuring Laura Walker herself. We hope to not only help Laura recover from the fire, we want to make sure she knows that she is surrounded by the love and appreciation of so many people whose lives she has touched. 

Everyone is invited to this truly special night of love, friendship, and rockin' for Laura! 

Tickets are $20 in advance and at the door.

There will be additional opportunities to donate at the event.

The Black Rainbow Movement proudly presents The Zodiac Ball, the ninth installment in our series dedicated to bringing the vibrant cultural exchange of ballroom to the Tennessee Valley. Originating from the LGBTQ+ community in Harlem during the 1960s, Vogue ballroom celebrates self-expression, creativity, and inclusivity. Its influence has shaped dance, fashion, and identity worldwide.

Each ball features a carefully curated theme to inspire our contestants. For this event, we're excited to introduce the cosmic and enchanting world of the Zodiac. Embrace the celestial energy and personify your favorite astrological sign in each category.

Categories and Prizes for The Zodiac Ball:

FACE .................................................... $100.00
Showcase the features of your face, from structure to teeth to makeup. Serve it all to the judges with confidence and flair.

RUNWAY ............................................. $150.00
Channel your inner fashion model and embrace your New York Fashion Week fantasy. We want to see stunning attire and a captivating runway walk.

BODY .................................................. $250.00
Promote body positivity and self-love in this category. We are judging your confidence and how comfortable you feel in your own skin.

CELESTIAL BIZARRE ....................... $200.00
Unleash your creativity and unique aesthetics in this category, where the bizarre takes center stage. Bring the concept of time to life with your innovative style.

VOGUE .............................................. $250.00
Celebrate the art of Vogue by highlighting the five elements: catwalk, duckwalk, hand performance, floorwork, spins, and dips.

DOORS OPEN FOR COCKTAIL HOUR AT 7PM
CATEGORIES BEGIN AT 8PM

To participate, simply show up and sign up for a chance to shine in these incredible categories and embrace the spirit of Vogue ballroom.

Dexter Bell has been one of the anchors of our Wednesday Jazz in the Lounge from the start. I’m not sure who his “friends” will be this week, but his groups have always brought the power. Big time.

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

New for 2025: Ticket prices- $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

DOORS OPEN at 7:00pm

Barking Legs is thrilled to announce a special screening of our Cultural Cross Ties Documentary! This FREE event features collaborations from artists in Chattanooga and artists in our Sister City of Tono, Japan!

Even better?

Our participating Tono artists are zooming in to join us!

The Cultural Cross Ties Program at Barking Legs supports the mission statement of Sister Cities International. Our aim is to promote peace and strengthen personal connections that develop meaningful connections through the performing arts.

Come see what it's all about and enjoy snacks and green tea from Japan!

April 15th | 6 to 9 PM | Barking Legs.

Improv Chattanooga Presents: Middle Earth Tonight. Join your host, Gimli Fallon, for our late-night talk show set in the fantastical world of Lord of the Rings. Go on a journey with familiar - and maybe even some unfamiliar - characters and backdrops ripped from JRR Tolkien's pages. A show where the setting is mythical, and the comedy is legendary.

Doors at 7pm; show begins at 8pm. Admission is $12.

Vocalist Clare Donahue has put together a wonderful group to celebrate the timeless music of Billie Holiday. Joining Clare will be guitarist Stephen Powers, bassist David Schwab and saxophonist Grady Dickinson.

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

Tickets - $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

Doors open at 7:00pm. Music begins at 7:30pm.

Chattown Chatta: Our Homeless Documentary Film and Panel Discussion

Join us for this screening of Chattown Chatta: Our Homeless - followed by a panel discussion with a representative of the Mayor's office, the Chatt Foundation, Metropolitan Ministries, and Doing What We Can Homeless Outreach, moderated by Mark Anderson.

FILM SYNOPSIS

In this film you will view interviews with homeless people selected randomly from the streets of Chattanooga. This project is dedicated to providing a space for the unsheltered to tell their own stories in their own words, so that the housed may hear, understand, and grow in compassion for the people we view daily on our streets from a distance. Their stories may in some cases confirm our preconceptions, but more often, these stories will disturb our presumptions.

Find more information at chattownpress.net

Barking Legs will be closed today for a private rental event.

If you are interested in hosting an event at Barking Legs, please email info@barkinglegs.org for more information!

Introducing a new play written by Peggy Douglas and directed by Jason Tinney. Technical Director, Taylor Boyd. Stage Manager, Helia Quhite. Cast Kashun Parks, Grace Holtz, Nneka Ijeoma, Karlee Ming, Holly Morse-Ellington and special guest Marcus Ellsworth. Script Consultants: Melissa Astin, Courtenay Cholovich, Mia Matthews, Melanie Silva and Jason Tinney.

Produced by Next Exit Productions in partnership with Southern Exposure, we're thrilled to present:

Intersextions is a hysterically subversive, playful, bawdy, feminist comedy that dives into the lives of four women and one self-described “gender-nonconforming, masculine-presenting, female-bodied individual” (who’s comfortable with female pronouns) as they discover the very human need to be seen and heard.

As the characters empower one another to grow past their imposed limitations, whether cultural, sexual, marital or otherwise, they will have you both roaring with laughter and rooting for transformation.

However, if you are the sort of person who is offended by candid discussions about the female body and sex in general, and by the rampant use of the powerful "P" word, you should probably stop reading now. And you definitely shouldn’t see this play. Though in reality, you probably need – and have a deep desire – to see this play more than anyone else. 

It matters not whether you identify as queer or cisgender, rich or poor, white or BIPOC, Intersextions has the ability to weave its way into almost any heart.

Why are new works like InterseXtions exciting? You’ll experience the world premiere of a professionally produced play in Chattanooga! You’ll get to experience firsthand the high-level of talent within our community that’s making a big impact on Tennessee’s stature as a hub for groundbreaking performance art.

The Alan Wyatt Quartet has been a mainstay since we began our Wednesday Jazz series a decade or so ago. Alan is a saxophone virtuoso, and Shawn Perkinson on guitar goes right along with him. Add David Schwab on bass and Stephen Humphries on drums, and you have as good an evening of jazz as you're likely to hear in any of the meccas.

Since 2015, Barking Legs Theater has grown our weekly jazz program and will continue to do so with memberships and more, coming soon! Aside from the occasional touring act, we strive to support local artists and foster the talent within Chattanooga and surrounding areas. We appreciate everyone's support over the years and look forward to presenting these jazz events for many years to come. 

Weekly artist lineups, ticket prices and details are posted to our website and Facebook regularly. Please check there for the most up to date information. 

New for 2025: Ticket prices- $10 advance, $12 at the door. 

DOORS OPEN at 7:00pm