NMAAM

Heartbeat Saturdays
2026-06-27 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-06-20 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-05-30 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-05-23 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-05-16 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-05-09 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-05-02 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-04-25 11:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Join us every Saturday in the NMAAM lobby from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM for Heartbeat Saturday, a curated event that is free and open to the public. Experience vibrant music and community engagement with our resident DJ, Smoke!
DJ Smoke is a dynamic force in the music scene, known for blending contemporary beats with classic tracks to create an unforgettable atmosphere. With a keen ear for rhythm and an unmatched ability to read the crowd, DJ Smoke transforms every performance into a high-energy experience.
Heartbeat Saturdays are NMAAM’s community health initiative, meant to get your heart pumping and your feet grooving. We can’t wait to welcome you to our dance floor!

FRONT ROW at NMAAM presents: Mýa!
2026-06-26 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Grammy-Award Winner. Soul of the 90s Honoree. NMAAM BMM 2026 Soundtrack Marshal.
Friday, June 26, 2026 | 7:00 PM doors / 8:00 PM start
National Museum of African American Music | 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN
The night BET Awards Weekend lands in Nashville, NMAAM closes Black Music Month 2026 with the Grammy-winning voice behind a generation of R&B. Lady Marmalade. Ghetto Supastar. Case of the Ex. It’s All About Me. The catalog is the soundtrack. The artist is in the room.
This is not a concert. It is something rarer.

ABOUT FRONT ROW AT NMAAM
FRONT ROW is the museum’s signature artist series, an intimate, in-conversation experience where the audience sits close enough to hear the artist breathe between answers. No stage between the artist and the room. No barrier between the music and the truth of how it got made. Past honorees include Jon Batiste, Michelle Williams, PJ Morton, and The War & Treaty.
FRONT ROW w/ Mýa is the closing chapter of NMAAM’s Black Music Month 2026 season, the final marshal moment in a four-marshal family that includes PJ Morton as Grand Marshal, Summer Joy as Emerging Marshal, and Rissi Palmer as Mission Marshal. Mýa joins them as Soundtrack Marshal, recognizing her quarter-century contribution to the soundtrack of contemporary R&B.
The evening is built in three movements: a Soul of the 90s Honor presentation, a moderated conversation with Dyana Williams, and a DJ-led listening celebration that lets the catalog breathe alongside her new album, Retrospect.

ABOUT MÝA
Grammy-Award winner Mýa is one of contemporary R&B’s most consistently reinventive voices. Since her 1998 debut, she has built a 25-year career defined by versatility, longevity, and the rare ability to keep landing on the charts while never repeating herself. Her catalog includes It’s All About Me, Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are), Case of the Ex, and the Grammy-winning Lady Marmalade, a song that defined a Billboard moment and is now marking its 25th anniversary.
Beyond the music, Mýa is a Screen Actors Guild Award-winning actress whose credits include the Academy Award-winning Chicago, Cursed, NCIS, and EA’s James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing. She founded Planet 9, an independent platform that produced the Grammy-nominated Smoove Jones, and she has been recognized by Billboard as one of the Top Female Artists of the 21st Century.
In 2026, Mýa marks the 25th anniversaries of both Lady Marmalade and Fear of Flying with her new album Retrospect, a body of work that looks both backward and forward at once. FRONT ROW w/ Mýa is the conversation around all of it.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR
Dyana Williams is the Mother of Black Music Month.
A founding board member of NMAAM, co-founder of the federal recognition of June as Black Music Month, and CEO of Influence Entertainment, Williams has spent more than 50 years shaping how American radio talks about Black music. Her client work has included Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Fantasia, and ASAP Rocky. Her commentary work spans BET, VH1, and TV One’s Unsung. Her advocacy founded the International Association of African American Music (IAAAM).
She is the rare interviewer who has lived inside the industry that made Mýa’s career possible. The conversation will be a real one.

ABOUT NMAAM
The National Museum of African American Music is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving and celebrating the music African Americans created, influenced, and inspired. The American soundtrack would not exist without the African American contribution. NMAAM tells that story in full.
NMAAM is the designated home of Black Music Month. Located at 510 Broadway in downtown Nashville. Visit nmaam.org for membership, exhibitions, and upcoming programming.

WHY THIS NIGHT MATTERS
This is the only ticketed FRONT ROW of BMM 2026. The only Mýa moment in Nashville. The closing of a season that began on June 1 with The Prelude and ends with this room.
Tickets are limited. The room holds 400. Members get first access. Public tickets open after.
Come early. Stay through the conversation. Stay through the celebration. The soundtrack continues.

Get Tickets!

Juneteenth Community Day!
2026-06-19 10:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Come celebrate Juneteenth with us at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM)! It’s a day packed with fun, culture, and community spirit. Join friends and family in person to enjoy music, art, and stories that honor freedom and heritage. Don’t miss out on this amazing chance to connect and celebrate together!
From 10am – 5pm, gather with us at the museum (510 Broadway) for a day jam-packed with free community programming: live performances, new exhibition unveilings, local vendors, and our beloved interactive galleries. Although this event is free and open to the public, we do ask that all guests check in at the front desk upon arrival so that we can collect accurate attendance numbers.
From 5pm – 9pm, join us as we head to Centennial Park for Juneteenth615, where DJ Smoke will keep the party going at our cooling tent, brought to you in partnership with our Broadway neighbors, the Nashville Predators! Enjoy food trucks, live bands, merch giveaways, and of course the annual fireworks show!
RSVP

PJ Morton Exhibition Opening + Listening Party
2026-06-18 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
“Saturday Night / Sunday Morning” is the vibe! Join us at the National Museum of African American Music on Thursday night, June 18th, at 6pm, for an exclusive evening celebrating PJ Morton’s new album, Saturday Night / Sunday Morning, which brilliantly bridges the gap between lively R&B and more traditional Gospel music. Come soak up the art, chill with great music, hear remarks from PJ himself, and connect with other fans in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. Don’t miss this unique exhibition opening paired with a listening party that’s all about good times and great tunes.

Get Tickets

Wilson Bank & Trust presenting First Note: Summer Joy
2026-06-13 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | TN
Overview

Catch Wilson Bank & Trust’s First Note: Black Creators Night live—showcasing fresh talent, big vibes!

Wilson Bank & Trust presents First Note: Summer Joy
Presented by Wilson Bank & Trust, First Note: Black Creators Night is NMAAM’s celebration of Nashville’s next generation. Headlined by rising star Summer Joy, this intimate showcase brings together artists, makers, and music lovers for a night of live performance, connection, and discovery in the heart of Broadway. With an opening performance to get the evening started and elevated concessions in the Amplify Lounge, this is the kind of night Nashville has been waiting for.
Purchase Ticket

Tiny Beatz
2026-06-13 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Join us for Tiny Beatz, a hands-on music and movement program designed for young learners!
Children will explore rhythm, sound, and creativity through playful music-making and movement activities. Tiny Beatz helps build listening skills, coordination, and confidence—all while having fun making music together.
This month, NMAAM is partnering with Love Learning Music for a special session, “Little Sounds, Big Legacy: Jazz Jamboree!” Families will discover the joyful sounds of jazz through singing, movement, instruments, and imaginative play while celebrating one of America’s most influential musical genres.

Register Here

Swamp Dogg Contemplates The Afterlife
2026-06-06 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
SWAMP DOGG CONTEMPLATES THE AFTERLIFE
June 6 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon with legendary singer, songwriter, producer, and cultural icon Swamp Dogg as we celebrate the release of Swamp Dogg Contemplates the Afterlife. This intimate experience will feature an in-conversation discussion reflecting on his remarkable six-decade career, the stories and inspirations behind the new album, and the enduring impact of one of music’s most fearless and influential voices.
Guests will enjoy a special acoustic performance featuring selections from the new record, along with a meaningful artifact donation presentation honoring Swamp Dogg’s lasting contribution to American music and culture. The afternoon will conclude with an exclusive meet & greet opportunity, offering guests a rare chance to connect with a true living legend.
Blending soul, country, blues, funk, gospel, and rock ’n’ roll, Swamp Dogg Contemplates the Afterlife is a powerful reflection on legacy, resilience, humor, and creativity from an artist whose story continues to evolve.
RSVP Here

NMAAM Presents: Sounds In Cinema
2026-06-03 15:30 - 17:30, 2026-05-06 15:30 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
SOUNDS IN CINEMA
Where film meets music history. Join us for curated documentary screenings that explore the intersection of African American music and cinema, featuring authentic industry conversations and special guest appearances. Part of our Nissan Free Wednesdays programming, these screenings often include live discussions with the artists, producers, and music professionals who created the stories we preserve.
Free admission | Presented by Nissan
ABOUT NISSAN FREE WEDNESDAYS

Experience NMAAM without the cost on our special Free Admission Days, sponsored by our generous partner, Nissan.
Free Wednesdays: Every first Wednesday of the month, all visitors enjoy complimentary access to the museum galleries. On these days, simply show up and immerse yourself in the history and influence of African American music at no cost!

RFID Interactive Wristbands are $5.00 each on Nissan Free Wednesdays and Community Days.

Nissan Free Wednesdays
2026-06-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-06 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NMAAM, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Experience NMAAM without the cost on our special Free Admission Days, sponsored by our generous partner, Nissan.
Free Wednesdays: Every first Wednesday of the month, enjoy complimentary access to the museum galleries.
On these days, simply show up, check in at the front desk, and immerse yourself in the history and influence of African American music at no cost!

RFID Interactive Wristbands are $5.00 each on Nissan Free Wednesdays and Community Days.

June Is Black Music Month!
2026-06-01 - 2026-06-30 | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
We can’t wait to celebrate with you! We have a separate page dedicated to our special June community programming!
All our Black Music Month event info can be found HERE.

R&B Bingo: Roots & Boots | Black Rodeo Edition
2026-05-29 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Experience an unforgettable evening where soulful sounds and rodeo culture come together at NMAAM’s R&B Bingo: Roots & Boots — Black Rodeo Edition.
On May 29th from 6:00–9:00 PM, join the National Museum of African American Music for a lively celebration honoring the rich legacy, style, and influence of Black cowboys and cowgirls in partnership with the Black Rodeo.
Enjoy a night packed with classic R&B anthems, exciting rounds of bingo, dancing, and community vibes that bring Nashville together. From cowboy boots to smooth grooves, guests are invited to embrace the spirit of the culture while competing for prizes and creating unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re coming for the music, the energy, or the celebration of Black rodeo traditions, Roots & Boots promises a night full of rhythm, connection, and Southern flair.

Purchase Tickets Here!

API Middle Tennessee Night
2026-05-28 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
NMAAM x API Middle Tennessee Night
Presented by the National Museum of African American Music
Thursday, May 28 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 AM | Feature Gallery
Join us for an evening celebrating the vibrant intersections of African American and Asian & Pacific Islander cultures. Guests will enjoy full gallery access, food and drink from local African American and API chefs and vendors, and a live DJ bringing the soundtrack that connects our communities.
This immersive night invites guests to explore shared histories, creative influence, and the cultural threads that shape our collective story. Come experience connection, conversation, and culture at NMAAM.
RSVP HERE

20 Feet From Stardom
2026-05-16 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | TN
Join us for a special installment of Sounds in Cinema — NMAAM’s curated film series that explores the powerful intersection of Black music and storytelling on screen. Each program highlights the voices, cultural impact, and legacy behind the sounds that have shaped generations—brought to life through film, conversation, and special guest appearances.
This month’s featured film consists of a special screening of 20 Feet from Stardom, the Academy Award–winning documentary that honors the extraordinary backup singers behind some of music’s most iconic moments.
The experience begins with a Heartbeat Saturday pre-screening reception in the NMAAM Lobby from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, featuring a live DJ and curated cocktails.
Following the film, guests are invited to an engaging panel with acclaimed singer-songwriter Janice Pendarvis, moderated by Grammy and Dove Award-nominated artist Bob Bailey, offering deeper insight into the artistry, influence, and untold stories of these unsung voices who helped define the soundtrack of our time.

RSVP HERE

First Note
2026-05-15 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
THE FIRST NOTE
A Concert Series by the National Museum of African American Music
Friday, May 15, 2026 | 8:00 PM 10:00 PM
NMAAM Lobby, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN

Some artists are waiting to be discovered. The First Note is where that moment happens.
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) proudly presents The First Note — a groundbreaking concert series born from a simple but radical belief: that emerging artists deserve more than a stage. They deserve a platform.
The First Note is a love letter to the next generation of music makers. This isn’t just a show — it’s a movement. One that pairs rising talent with fair market compensation, world-class production, and direct access to one of the most visited cultural institutions in the country.
Beginning May 15th, NMAAM’s intimate 200-seat Roots Theatre becomes the epicenter of something new. Night after night, artists who are just writing their first chapters will share space with fans who feel it, industry executives who need to hear it, and a community of hundreds of thousands of visitors who carry those sounds far beyond these walls.
The First Note has a door — and it’s wide open.
An Evening of Music Begins with More!

Join us at 6:00 PM for our exclusive pre-show in collaboration with the Wine Down Experience, featuring a heartfelt performance from the Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee alongside stunning works from local Nashville artists — all setting the tone for a night dedicated to the voices shaping what’s next.

Get Your Tickets Now!

The Velvet Rope | The Official VIP Concert Experience - Ari Lennox
2026-05-10 18:00 - 2026-05-11 00:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
The National Museum of African American Music Presents
The Velvet Rope
The Official VIP Concert Experience
Celebrating Ari Lennox’s — The Vanacy Tour
You’re Invited to The Velvet Rope Experience ✨
Join Us For The Pre AND Post Concert Experience
Doors Opening at 6:00 PM & 10:00 PM
Join us at NMAAM for a special edition of The Velvet Rope Experience celebrating the soulful sound and spirit of Ari Lennox. The Velvet Rope is a curated VIP listening experience designed for music lovers who want to go deeper than the main stage. Blending soulful sounds, intentional ambiance, and elevated touches, it offers an intimate space to connect with the music, the culture, and each other—setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
Guests will enjoy signature cocktails, light bites, and immersive elements that bring the energy of Ari’s music to life.
As part of this experience, we’ll also be incorporating special fan‑engagement moments:

Vacancy Motel stationery + guided prompts for guests to write personal notes. We will collect the completed letters, as they will be used for a special moment at the end of the tour.
NFC‑chip Motel Keys as a unique token for attendees of the happy hour.
Limited vinyl giveaways reserved for select winners to make the evening even more memorable.

Come early, settle in, and let the evening unfold.

Purchase Tickets Here!

Tiny Beatz
2026-05-09 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Join us for Tiny Beatz, a hands-on music and movement program designed for young learners! Children will explore rhythm, sound, and creativity through playful music-making and movement activities.
EXPERIENCE THE PROGRAM:
Rhythm Exploration – Discover the joy of making music through hands-on rhythm activities
Movement & Music – Develop coordination and confidence through playful movement exercises
Creative Sound-Making – Explore different sounds and instruments in an interactive environment
Listening Skills – Build essential listening and musical awareness through engaging activities
Admission is free with registration

Register Today

Coffee Talk with Metro Arts
2026-05-06 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Coffee Talk with Metro Arts is a monthly community gathering where artists, neighbors, and anyone looking to get involved in the Nashville arts scene can connect and share their stories. Join us to learn about upcoming projects and opportunities and meet the people creating exciting new art in Nashville.
The next Coffee Talk will be Wednesday, May 6, from 9:30–11:00am. As part of an ongoing effort to expand the Coffee Talk program with venues and art, Metro Arts is co-hosting this round with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) at 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203.
This edition of Coffee Talk with Metro Arts will feature new ideas and programs from those who attend who wish to share. There will be representatives from NMAAM and several members of Metro Arts staff to share more information about current and upcoming events and art crawls. There will also be several other local artists on location to share current events in our creative ecosystem.
Important note that this is NMAAM’s Nissan Free Wednesday, so after Coffee Talk, everyone can stay and explore the galleries for FREE and also return for the Sounds in Cinema program at 3:30pm (also FREE).
Elixir Coffee provided by the National Museum of African American Music.

We’re happy to share a convenient parking option for NMAAM visitors at the Fifth + Broadway garage, operated by Metropolis. The entrance is located at the intersection of Broadway and 6th Avenue. Parking is a flat fee of $22 for 12 hours. You will need to set up your Metropolis account with payment information by scanning the QR codes posted in the garage, then submit your license plate number at the kiosks within the museum lobby to claim your discount.
Alternatively, you can find shorter, potentially cheaper downtown street parking via the following two links:
https://nashvilledowntown.com/get-around/nashville-parking/on-street-parking
https://www.nashville.gov/departments/transportation/traffic-and-parking/parking/paid-parking

Story Soundz x Jazz AM
2026-05-02 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Nashville Jazz Workshop, 1012 Buchanan St, Nashville, TN, 37208, United States
🎶 NMAAM Story Soundz x Jazz AM – This Saturday! 🎶
Join us for a special Story Soundz collaboration with Jazz AM at the Nashville Jazz Workshop!
🗓 Saturday, May 2, 2026
⏰ Show starts promptly at 10:00 AM
📍 Jazz AM takes place at the Nashville Jazz Workshop:
1012 Buchanan St., Nashville, TN 37208
🎟 Free admission | First come, first served
As part of NMAAM’s commitment to early childhood learning through music, this special collaboration connects families to the rich traditions of jazz through live performance and storytelling.
From 10:00–10:30 AM, little learners and their grown‑ups can explore the sounds and legacy of jazz through Jazz AM. This series of free Saturday morning programs offers a fun and interactive jazz concert for young people featuring live music, puppets, improvisation, rhythm, and movement!
Right after, from 10:30-11:30 AM, the NMAAM Education Team leads Story Soundz, blending books, rhythm, and imagination to bring Black music history to life for young audiences.
This week’s experience celebrates the legendary Dizzy Gillespie!
🎺 Led by trained professionals and jazz musicians, this program:
• Engages young learners
• Encourages creativity
• Promotes collaboration
• Builds musical awareness
Perfect for children ages 2–10 and their families!
Come experience the sound, the story, and the spirit of jazz—we can’t wait to see you there!

Funk You Up: Honoring The Sequence
2026-04-25 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | TN
On Saturday, April 25, NMAAM celebrates the women who started it all.
In 1979, The Sequence became the first female hip-hop group in music history. Before the genre had a name. Before anyone was keeping score. Three women from South Carolina walked into Sugar Hill Records and laid the foundation that generations of artists have built on ever since.
Join us for a special exhibition unveiling, moderated program, and reception honoring their legacy — with the people who knew and loved them most.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM National Museum of African American Music 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Free and open to the public. Registration required.

RSVP NOW

Jock Jams | Playing Beyond The Field
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Jock Jams: A Listening Session with Soul’d Creative Collective, The Sound of Victory and DJ Partee
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: The Roots Theater, National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Event Description:
Join us for an interactive live listening event with Soul’d Creative Collective and Nashville’s own DJ Partee dedicated to exploring the culture of sports anthems and the history of the “jock jam”—a category of songs and musical anthems that have become closely associated with sport. Audiences will be invited to consider: What does sport sound like? How do music and sport collide in real time? What does Nashville sound like through sport? With the musical guidance of DJ Partee, audience members will test their jock jam knowledge and create a distinctive soundtrack commemorating the event.
Join us before the event, beginning at 5 pm, for special FREE after-hours at the Museum and enjoy drinks available for purchase.
About Soul’d Creative Collective: Founded by Creative Director Christian Sinclair and Vanderbilt alum and former NFL player Jonathan Wynn, Soul’d Creative Collective is a Nashville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings people together over the love of BIPOC arts and culture by focusing on education, collaboration, and access.
About The Sound of Victory (SOV): Founded and helmed by co-directors Dr. Courtney M. Cox and Dr. Perry B. Johnson, SOV is an interdisciplinary initiative and creative collective that explores the relationship between music/sound and sport through original scholarship, multimedia productions, cultural programming, and public events.
Jock Jams is the final installment of Playing Beyond the Field, a free, three-part series exploring the historic relationship between music and sport, with a particular focus on Nashville’s robust African American musical and sporting legacies. Curated by the co-directors of The Sound of Victory, Courtney M. Cox and Perry B. Johnson, Playing Beyond the Field is supported by the Vanderbilt Sports & Society Initiative and the National Museum of African American Music.

RSVP HERE!

Bootsy's Back! But He Never Left!
2026-04-21 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | TN
Bootsy’s Back — But He Never Left!

Join us for an intimate celebration honoring the legendary Bootsy Collins and his 50th anniversary of Stretchin’ Out in Bootsy’s Rubber Band. As an architect of funk, Bootsy helped reshape a sound rooted in his unmistakeable style, fearless showmanship, and commitment to creative freedom. —A sound that extends far beyond the stage — influencing Black music and culture across generations.
This one-night experience invites audiences into a rare conversation with Bootsy, reflecting on his groundbreaking career, enduring influence, and ever-evolving artistry. Featuring a one-night-only installation of his iconic performance ensemble, a tribute performance honoring his funkadelic legacy, and curated sounds spotlighting his new music, the evening is designed to celebrate both the legacy and living impact of a true funk pioneer—up close, personal, and unmistakably Bootsy.
Help us celebrate the living legacy of an artist who never left, but continues to lead.

SOLD OUT!
