GPAC and Highland Capital Management today announced a five-year naming rights agreement that provides the company with title sponsorship of the newly branded Highland Capital Performance Hall and the Highland Capital Stage at The Grove. The agreement provides an opportunity for Highland Capital, a Memphis-based investment advisory firm, to significantly expand its investment in the community with this signature sponsorship of GPAC. Highland Capital will partner with its parent company, Argent Financial Group, on the sponsorship.

“We’re delighted to partner with GPAC and support the inspiring performances and community programming that make it such an incredible artistic anchor in our community,” said Steve Wishnia, CEO of Highland Capital Management. “Their commitment to delivering top-quality entertainment and arts education consistently improves the quality of life for the Mid-South region and made it easy for us to say yes to what we know will be a long and fruitful partnership.”

Entering its 30th season, GPAC plays a very important role in the community - as a community gathering place, as a center for excellent arts programming and arts education, and as a space for creative expression, self-discovery and learning. It offers a plethora of outstanding performances both in the indoor performance hall and outside under the trees in The Grove. From international superstars to local favorites, GPAC’s programming is as eclectic and varied as its audiences. GPAC attracts and serves the diverse constituencies who live in Shelby County, and its Board of Directors and staff are committed to presenting exceptional performances across artistic genres that increase the quality, quantity and variety of its programming, make the arts accessible, and build relationships with new constituencies for the future.

“As we sought a new naming rights sponsor, it was very important to us to find an organization with whom our values and vision align, and Highland Capital Management is that partner,” said GPAC Director of Development, Parke Kennedy. “Our organizations share a commitment to strive for excellence, deliver superior customer service, and build deep personal relationships based on confidence and trust.”

In addition to naming rights for the GPAC performance hall, the agreement also includes the title sponsorship of the main stage in The Grove, GPAC’s premier outdoor venue. The Grove welcomes patrons from every walk of life with affordable tickets for a wide variety of concerts and festivals. Since its inception in 2020 it has become a treasured community resource.

“For almost 30 years, our community has benefitted from its commitment to GPAC and the value it adds to our city’s culture, economy and quality of life. I am proud of all GPAC has accomplished and thrilled about the investment by Highland Capital Management,” said City of Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo.” They are a great firm, led by outstanding individuals, and their partnership with GPAC will have a historic impact.”

About GPAC

Located in the heart of Shelby County, Germantown Performing Arts Center serves the greater Memphis metro area of over a million people and is accessible to all members of the community. GPAC is comprised of an acoustically perfect, 844-seat venue featuring a sprung pine stage, an elegant green room, five large dressing rooms, and a spacious lobby for entertaining and assembling; The Grove, a dynamic outdoor venue which can accommodate approximately 900 guests in a lush outdoor setting; and the Watkins Studio Theater, an intimate black box theater. Ray Charles set the bar high when he opened GPAC in 1994, immediately defining this performing arts center as a place where excellence is the norm and where the world comes to perform. GPAC presents world-renowned performing artists in a variety of genres, year-round educational activities for all ages including the GPAC Youth Symphony Program, rotating visual art exhibits, and many community events. The center benefits from a professional infrastructure that possesses a clear direction, strong financial health, professional staff, and a dedicated board of directors. For more information, visit www.gpacweb.com.

About Highland Capital Management

Highland Capital Management is a Memphis-based investment advisory firm founded more than 35 years ago. The company specializes in creating tailored wealth management plans with customized strategies that meet individual investment objectives. Highland Capital is committed to preserving principal value, even in difficult markets, in order to achieve long-term success. In addition to its Memphis headquarters office, the company, which is a subsidiary of Argent Financial Group, has offices across the Southeast. For more information, visit www.highlandcap.com.