Britt announces classic country star Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers will perform during “Best of Britt”, an annual summer fundraising event benefiting Britt Education & Engagement, happening Monday, July 1, 2019.

In its seventh year, the “Best of Britt” is a popular Britt extravaganza featuring a fun-filled evening of food, spirits and music on the Britt hill. Tickets are $125 per person, and include a premium reserved seat to the concert, food from local restaurants, wine from local wineries and beer from Western Beverage. The evening is rounded out with a Live Auction of tempting Britt-centric packages that include special concert tickets, backstage dinners, a guitar signed by the 2018 performers and many other offerings, plus a “paddle call,” which supports Britt’s music education and engagement programs, including fellowships, in-school residencies and free children’s concerts.

Kris Kristofferson has been making things happen his entire life. Born in Texas and raised in a military family, he was a Golden Gloves boxer who studied creative writing at Pomona College in California.

Kristofferson achieved remarkable success as a country songwriter at the start of the 1970s. His songs “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and “For the Good Times,” all chart-topping hits, helped redefine country songwriting. His renown as a songwriter triggered Kristofferson’s successful career as a performer and that, in turn, brought him to the attention of Hollywood, leading to his flourishing career as a film actor. Kristofferson has acted in more than 70 films.  In 1977 he won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in “A Star Is Born.”

Heralded as an artist’s artist, the three-time Grammy winner has recorded 29 albums, including three with pals Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings as part of the Highwaymen. Kristofferson has spent three decades performing concerts all over the world, in most recent years in a solo acoustic setting, which puts the focus on the songs.

Kristofferson will be backed by The Strangers, the band that played behind country legend Merle Haggard beginning in the 1960’s. Four of Haggard’s children are currently listed as band members.

Tickets are also available for the 2019 Britt Festival Orchestra Season. More concerts in the 2019 Britt lineup will be announced on Friday, February 15, Friday, March 15 and the big Season Announcement party on Thursday, April 11.

Who/What: Best of Britt benefit featuring Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers 

When: 5:00 p.m. Monday, July 1

Where: Britt Pavilion, 350 First St., Jacksonville

Tickets: $125 includes food, beverages and one premium reserved ticket to the concert

Purchase: Online at www.brittfest.org on or after 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 1. Tickets also will be available at the Britt box office at 541-773-6077, at 1-800-882-7488, or in person at 216 W. Main St., Medford.

Inspired by its intimate and scenic hillside venue, Britt Music & Arts Festival provides diverse live performances, an incomparable classical festival and dynamic education programs that create a sense of discovery and community. Since its grassroots beginnings in 1963, the non-profit organization has grown from a two-week chamber music festival to a summer-long series of concerts in a variety of genres, including a three-week orchestra season, and year-round education and engagement programs. For more information, visit www.brittfest.org.