NMAAM

Nissan Free Wednesdays
2026-03-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-04 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.

Good Aura Live: A Storm Relief Series
2026-02-28 19:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | TN
In partnership with Aura Lounge and the Equity Alliance, we are proud to introduce Good Aura Live — an evening of music, unity, and impact that helps repair homes AND hearts. Our goal is to bring together music, comedy, and community to fund direct relief for individuals repairing storm-related damage to their homes. One-hundred percent of ticket sales and special cocktail proceeds go directly to a verified storm-relief grant fund. Join us for a party with purpose. Come for the party, and stay for the cause!
Date: Feb 28th
Time: 7PM – 11 PM
Donation Ticket: $20
Address: 2020 Lindell Ave Nashville, TN 37203

Donate Here

Donté Everhart Presents: Legacy Live
2026-02-28 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
About Legacy Live
Join us for an all-ages, live experience that brings history, music, and legacy together in the museum. Explore the evolution of Negro spirituals, a foundational tradition in American music, and how their sound and influence continue to shape culture today. Through live music, narration, and poetic storytelling, Legacy Live reflects on our shared past and where we are going as a community.

About Donté Everhart
Born into a family of singers, instrumentalists, and religious leaders, Donté Everhart inherited his gifts from the rich musicality of his bloodline. He began his work as a musician, worship leader, and choir director for various organizations during his teenage years. Since completing his studies at the University of Memphis, Donté has traveled the world with his award-winning Christian music ensembles. He now returns to his home state of Tennessee to share the stories he has found at the intersection of music, spirituality, and legacy.

Heartbeat Saturdays
2026-02-28 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-02-21 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!

The Black Fashion Week: Runway Revival
2026-02-21 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
The Black Fashion Week: Runway Revival
Runway Revival is happening February 21st, 2026 at 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Presented by The Black Fashion Week & The National Museum of African American Music.
This show is a high-fashion, immersive experience built around Seven Vices, explored as a spiritual and psychological concept, not tied to any one religion.
Each vice represents a mood, a human emotion, and a visual world. The entire show is designed to bring these energies to life through fashion, storytelling, and atmosphere.
Food Available For Purchase from Chef Mook: Chef Mook’s Instagram
Cash Bar Available with Specialty Cocktails
Doors: 7:00 PM
Show Starts at 7:30 PM
Instagram: The Black Fashion Week
Parking at NMAAM
We offer a discounted rate if you park in the 5th & Broadway parking garage (Entrance next to Eddie V’s)! You will need to download the Metropolis App on your phone BEFORE entering the parking garage and ensure your car and license plate number are registered within the app. Once completed, you’ll go through the gate and park in the B1 Level area. Before you leave the museum, there’ll be two kiosks in the lobby where you will enter your license plate number, automatically discounting your parking.

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Tiny Beatz
2026-02-21 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Join us for the launch of 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.

REGISTER HERE

Playing Beyond The Field: Sporting Soundtracks
2026-02-19 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Sporting Soundtracks: An Evening with the Players and Sounds of Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Reception: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Location: The Roots Theater, National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Event Description:
An interactive evening exploring the enduring relationship between music and basketball, featuring a panel of world-class professional women’s basketball players in conversation with Dr. Courtney M. Cox, author of Double Crossover: Gender, Media, and Politics in Global Basketball.
Join us for a lively playlist experience that invites audiences into a dynamic conversation exploring the importance of music for athletes, teams and regional fan communities. Players from Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball, back in Nashville for AU’s 5th season, will share how their personal and athletic musical profiles are amplified on and off the court, reveal behind-the-scenes moments where music and sport have intersected in their lives and careers, and examine how official team DJs curate the sounds and rhythms for players and fans.
Join us before the event, beginning at 5:30 pm, for special after-hours at the Museum, featuring FREE admission, self-guided tours and light bites and drinks for purchase.
Sporting Soundtracks is part 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 organized in collaboration with the Vanderbilt Sports & Society Initiative and the National Museum of African American Music.

RSVP Here

Story Soundz
2026-02-17 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Join us for a Mardi Gras–inspired Story Soundz featuring the book Freedom in Congo Square!
Through lively storytelling, music, and sound-making, children will explore the rhythms, movement, and joy of Congo Square while building early literacy skills and creative expression. This special session celebrates the spirit of Mardi Gras with music, movement, and imagination—perfect for young learners ready to read, listen, and dance.
🎭 Costumes & beads encouraged! Come dressed in your Mardi Gras best and help us bring the story to life.

REGISTER HERE

R&B Bingo - Valentine's Edition!
2026-02-14 21:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | TN
The chips will fall wherever the music lands! Prepare for an electrifying night of musical bingo at the National Museum of African American Music.
Let the rhythm guide your luck in five epic rounds of bingo, spanning the most iconic decades—’70s, ’80s, ’90s, 2000s, 2010s, and Trap.
Think you really know music? Our bingo game challenges even the sharpest music connoisseurs.
Win exclusive prizes in each round and compete for a grand finale treasure chest featuring goods from local Black-owned businesses to explore and support.
Come for the music, stay for the vibes. Let’s make it a night to remember—where the only thing more exciting than your bingo card is the soundtrack to your victory!
$25 General Admission | $20 Member
GET TICKETS

Heartbeat Saturdays: Line Dance Edition
2026-02-14 11:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Join us every Saturday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM in the lobby of the National Museum of African American Music for Heartbeat Saturday—a free, public event centered on music, movement, and community.
This Heartbeat features couples line dancing, taught by 615 Soul Line Dance—the perfect way to move together just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The energy stays high with music by our resident DJ, DJ Smoke, whose seamless blend of contemporary hits and classic favorites keeps the dance floor moving and the vibes right.
Heartbeat Saturdays are NMAAM’s community health initiative, designed to get your heart pumping and your feet grooving. We’ll also be joined by local health and wellness vendors, offering resources and connections to support a healthy lifestyle.
Come dance, connect, and celebrate community—we can’t wait to see you on the floor.

The Velvet Rope: Miguel
2026-02-11 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Join us at the National Museum of African American Music for a special pre‑concert happy hour celebrating Miguel’s return to the Ryman. From 6:30–8:30 PM, guests can enjoy curated cocktails, a live DJ set inspired by Miguel’s newest album.
This intimate mixer sets the perfect tone before the show, offering music lovers, culture‑builders, and concert‑goers a chance to connect, explore, and soak in the sounds that shaped Miguel’s artistry.
Location: National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Admission: $10 per person. Capacity is limited.
Come raise a glass, vibe with us, and kick off your concert night in true NMAAM style.
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J-Dilla Day
2026-02-07 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Join us in celebrating J Dilla Day as four DJs pass the torch and keep the music moving. From Detroit to the world, J Dilla reshaped the art of producing. Each DJ will take turns on the decks, keeping his sound alive through a continuous set honoring his legacy.
Spins by BBOY Zero, Enxgmaa, DTLA Jams, & Carmine Prophets
🗓️ Feb. 7th 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 NMAAM Lobby (510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203)
🎟️ No Ticket Needed For Event

The Frequency: Music Industry Mixer
2026-02-05 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
The Frequency: State of Black Music & Culture
An Evening of Music, Ideas, and Connection at NMAAM
Join the National Museum of African American Music for an elevated evening exploring the future of Black music, culture, and innovation. This dynamic after-hours experience brings together artists, executives, entrepreneurs, and creatives for conversation, live performance, and community—set inside the museum’s iconic spaces.
Date: February 5, 2026
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM
Location: Rivers of Rhythm Galleries + Lobby
General Admission: $10
(Limited complimentary tickets available for invited partners)
The evening begins with a welcome reception featuring a live DJ, specialty cocktails, light bites, and a live digital art activation. Guests will then enjoy a series of short spotlight talks from leading voices shaping today’s music and creative industries, followed by live performances from rising Nashville artists and open networking throughout the galleries.
The night concludes with a brief closing moment and an opportunity to engage deeper with NMAAM through membership, exclusive perks, and a special raffle for new members.
Your ticket includes:

Access to all program sessions and live performances
Museum gallery access throughout the evening
Live art experience + DJ soundtrack
Networking with artists, industry leaders, and innovators
Specialty cocktails and light bites (while supplies last)

This event is designed for professionals, creatives, and culture-builders who believe in the power of Black music to shape global culture, business, and innovation.
Tickets are limited. Advance purchase recommended.

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Sounds In Cinema: Little Richard: King And Queen Of Rock 'N' Roll
2026-02-04 15:30 - 17:00 (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.
This month’s event will feature Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘N’ Roll, which originally aired in 2023 as part of the docu-series American Masters.
The screening will take place in the Amazon theater in the back of our “One Nation Under A Groove” gallery beginning at 3:30 pm, and is open to all museum guests.
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.

POSTPONED: Bootsy's Back - But He Never Left! A Celebration of Bootsy Collins
2026-01-29 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Edit January 27, 2026: This event is being postponed until further notice due to inclement weather.
For Ticketed Guests:We are actively working to secure a new date and will be in touch soon with additional details. All tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date. If you are unable to attend once the new date is announced, we will share further options—including refunds—in a follow-up email.

Bootsy’s Back — But He Never Left. Join us for an intimate celebration honoring the legendary Bootsy Collins. As an architect of funk, Bootsy helped shape a sound rooted in his unmistakable 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 and journalist Marcus K. Dowling, reflecting on his groundbreaking career, enduring influence, and ever-evolving artistry. Featuring a one-night-only installation of his iconic performance ensemble 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.

Bridge to Broadway: Black Music Heritage Edition
2026-01-20 17:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
NMAAM takes over Bridgestone Arena for an unforgettable night celebrating Black music heritage!
Join us for Bridge to Broadway featuring an intergenerational performance showcase (Old School vs. New School), interactive Musical Passport Journey through six genre stations, and hands-on education in the Predators Fun Zone. Complete your passport and redeem it for free museum admission at our pop-up exhibit in the Nissan Space.
This special activation falls the day after NMAAM’s 5th Anniversary and is presented in partnership with the Nashville Predators and Nissan. Experience the museum beyond our walls while cheering on the Preds!

Get Tickets

NMAAM's 5th Anniversary Celebration (MLK Day Community Day)
2026-01-19 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Five years of preserving the soundtrack. One day launching the future.
Celebrate NMAAM’s 5th Anniversary with an unforgettable MLK Day celebration honoring Dr. King’s legacy through music, education, and innovation. This milestone marks our transformation from Nashville landmark to global digital authority on African American musical heritage.
Register Now
EXPERIENCE THE DAY:
🎹 Live Performances
Carter Hammonds’ “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” The BoykinZ, and DJ Smoke
🎤 Legendary Conversations
“Sister Groups: Legacy & Innovation” panel with The McCrary Sisters and The BoykinZ, plus “Civil Rights: Memphis to Nashville” featuring Cortelia Clark and Bettye Crutcher
📻 NMAAM Radio Launch
Be there as we debut our new digital platform connecting Black music to the world with a live broadcast celebration
🎓 Family Education Programming
“From Nothing 2 Something” interactive workshops with body percussion, African dance, and hands-on learning
🖼️ Five-Year Anniversary Exhibition
Never-before-seen artifacts from our 5,000+ piece collection, plus the official unveiling of The McCrary Sisters lobby exhibition
🎶 All-Day Celebrations
DJ performances, curated vendor experiences, photo opportunities, Roots & Streams digital platform demos, and special member lounge

ADMISSION
✨ FREE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION ✨
All special programming is FREE:

Live performances, panels, workshops, and anniversary exhibitions
No cost to attend any of the day’s special events

Gallery admission is also FREE on MLK Day (donations welcomed)

RFID Interactive Wristbands available for $5 each (optional enhancement)

Support NMAAM when you register:

Free Registration – Join the celebration
$5 Friend – Attend free + support our mission
$50 Supporter – Attend free + champion the work
$500 Champion – Attend free + create lasting impact

Register Now
All contributions are tax-deductible and sustain free community programming year-round.

✨ MEMBERS GET MORE ✨
All-day member lounge with complimentary appetizers and beverages in an intimate, relaxed setting
Exclusive collectible pins available only to members
Free gallery access year-round plus priority access to special programming
This celebration kicks off a full year of 5th anniversary events. Become a member today and experience every milestone moment in 2026.

From Broadway to boundless. This is where NMAAM’s next chapter begins.

Register Now

Nissan Free Wednesdays
2026-01-07 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-05 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; excludes access to the Fisk Jubilee Exhibit.

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

On these days, simply show up and immerse yourself in the history and influence of African American music at no cost!

R&B Bingo: Holiday Vibes
2025-12-27 21:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Turn up the volume and celebrate the season with the EPIC CHRISTMAS EDITION of R&B BINGO — a high energy, music filled night where the beats decide your fate and holiday magic fills the air!

How It Works

Get ready as DJ Smoke takes control of the turntables, spinning iconic R&B tracks from each era — 70s • 80s • 90s • 00s • 10s — and it’s up to you to identify the artist and mark your card. Let the chips fall wherever the music lands as the rhythm guides your luck through 5 epic rounds of bingo at NMAAM. Listen closely, recognize the legends, and mark your way to R&B victory!

The Challenge

Think you know your music? This isn’t your average bingo night — it’s a battle of the R&B enthusiasts, made for true music connoisseurs with a festive twist.

The Prizes

Win exclusive prizes every round, and don’t miss the grand finale, where one lucky winner will walk away with a GIGANTIC treasure chest full of goodies from local Black-owned businesses to discover and support

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FRONT ROW at NMAAM presents Jon Batiste
2025-12-17 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Join us for the inaugural FRONT ROW at NMAAM event featuring 7× Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Award-winner Jon Batiste in an intimate, one-night-only experience.
Experience a 90-minute evening of moderated conversation, spontaneous piano performances, and behind-the-scenes insights into Jon’s triple Grammy-nominated Americana album Big Money. Jon will be joined in dialogue by legendary producer and album co-producer No I.D. and Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly.
Up to 400 guests will gather in circular seating around the artists for this transformational moment in Black music history.
What’s Included:

Moderated conversation exploring the creative process behind Big Money
Spontaneous piano performances throughout the evening
Opening of the Big Money exhibit featuring recording artifacts, instruments, and wardrobe from the sessions and tour
Exclusive photo retrospective by No I.D. displayed throughout the museum
VIP reception with light refreshments and bar service
Circular “in-the-round” seating for intimate artist access

GET TICKETS + MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT:
Every Ticket Includes NMAAM Membership
All ticket purchases automatically include a full-year NMAAM membership (activated after the event). This means you’ll receive:

Unlimited free admission to museum galleries
Exclusive access to members-only events and programming
10% discount in the Amplify Store and museum café
Advance notice and priority registration for future FRONT ROW events
Quarterly member newsletter with behind-the-scenes content

Why pay $70 for one night when you can get a full year of access?

EXISTING MEMBERS:
Already a Member?
Check your email for your exclusive member link with special discount pricing ($30 for individual members). Member pre-sale runs through Friday, December 13 at midnight.

TICKET OPTIONS:
Individual Ticket + Membership | $70
1 admission + Individual NMAAM Membership (1 year)
Dual Ticket + Membership | $100
2 admissions + Dual NMAAM Membership (1 year)
Family Ticket + Membership | $125
2 admissions + Family NMAAM Membership (1 year, includes 2 adults + children under 18)
Membership benefits activate December 19, 2025
RESERVE YOUR SPOT

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Main Concourse, National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Capacity: 400 guests
Seating: First come, first served (circular arrangement)
Parking: Fifth + Broadway garage

ABOUT FRONT ROW AT NMAAM:
FRONT ROW at NMAAM is the museum’s signature intimate artist series, creating exclusive access to transformational musicians through conversation, performance, and cultural immersion. The members-first programming positions NMAAM as the institutional home where music industry professionals and passionate music lovers experience history in the making.
Following the sold-out success of the PJ Morton pop-up concert in November (400 tickets in 24 hours), FRONT ROW expands our artist programming model to create sustainable, recurring opportunities for members to experience living music history.

ABOUT JON BATISTE:
Jon Batiste is a 7× Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Award-winner whose work spans jazz, R&B, soul, and American roots music. His 2025 album Big Money, produced in collaboration with No I.D., has earned three Grammy nominations in the Americana categories (Best American Roots Performance, Best American Roots Song, Best Americana Album), marking a bold artistic evolution that honors traditional American music forms while pushing genre boundaries.

FAQ SECTION:
Q: When will I receive my membership materials?
A: Membership benefits activate December 18, 2025. You’ll receive a welcome email with your member card and benefits guide within 48 hours after the event.
Q: Can I bring guests with my membership?
A: Each ticket includes the number of admissions listed (1 for Individual, 2 for Dual/Family). Your membership benefits apply to museum visits after the event.
Q: Is seating assigned?
A: Seating is first come, first served within the circular arrangement. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and we recommend arriving early for optimal seating.
Q: Will there be food and beverages?
A: Light refreshments and full bar service will be available during the VIP reception (5:30-6:30 PM).
Q: What if I’m already a member?
A: Existing members received a separate email with exclusive discount pricing ($30). Check your inbox or contact marketing@nmaam.org.
Q: Can I upgrade my ticket to a higher membership level?
A: Yes! Contact us at membership@nmaam.org after your purchase to discuss upgrade options.

Chris Blue & Friends Concert
2025-12-03 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Celebrate the magic of the season with Chris Blue, winner of Season 12 of NBC’s The Voice and the first African American artist to win since Season 2. This special evening of songs and stories features performances from Chris’s brand-new Gaither Music release, Every Day Is Christmas, alongside fellow musical artists Byron Chambers (Mr. TalkBox), Tamara Bodie, and members of the Gaither Vocal Band (Reggie Smith, Adam Crabb, and Todd Suttles).
DOVE Award nominee Chris Blue delivers a Christmas masterpiece featuring familiar-yet-reimagined arrangements that showcase the versatility and strikingly-powerful-yet-tender, effortless tones of this soul/pop/R&B crooner. From the worshipful “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and the funky, unexpected “Go Tell It on the Mountain” to his jazz-infused “Silent Night” and smooth, melodic “The Christmas Song,” this performance promises soulful music and inspiring moments perfect for the holiday season.
The evening includes an unveiling of featured artifacts from Chris Blue’s winning moments from The Voice, with all General Admission ticket holders receiving an autographed poster signed by the participating artists.
Event Schedule:

Doors Open: 5:00 PM CT
VIP Meet & Greet: 5:30 PM CT
Reception & Museum Case Unveiling: 6:00 PM CT
Show: 7:00 PM CT

Tickets:

General Admission: $40 (includes autographed poster)
VIP Meet & Greet Package: $65 (includes early access, exclusive pre-show meet & greet with Chris Blue and guest artists, reception, show, and autographed poster)

Register Now

Sounds In Cinema: Paul Laurence Dunbar
2025-12-03 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
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 First Free Wednesdays programming, these screenings occasionally include live discussions with the artists, producers, and music professionals who created the stories we preserve.
About the Documentary
Paul Laurence Dunbar: Beyond the Mask, Lewis’s most recent documentary, explores the life and legacy of the first African American poet to gain national and international fame. The two-hour film, which won a regional Emmy Award, received major funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Ohio Humanities. The documentary has screened at film festivals in Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Paris, and been presented at prestigious institutions including the Library of Congress, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, and the Atlanta History Center.

About the Filmmaker

Frederick Lewis is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and Professor of Screenwriting & Documentary Storytelling at Ohio University’s School of Media Arts & Studies. For 14 years prior to transitioning to higher education, Lewis worked as a producer, writer, and director in commercial, cable, and public television throughout New England.
His independent documentaries have aired on PBS stations across the United States and screened at more than 100 cultural and educational venues, including the National Gallery of Art, the Library of Congress, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Muhammad Ali Center. His work has taken him from Russia and Greenland to Argentina, Chile, and throughout Europe, creating visually rich portraits of complex historical figures and movements.
Lewis holds an M.A. in Creative Writing/Literary Arts from Brown University and is a recipient of Ohio University’s Presidential Teacher Award, the institution’s highest honor for transformative teaching and curriculum innovation.

Register Now

Watch the Trailer Here!

Musical Gifts 2025: Giving Tuesday Benefit Concert & Tree Lighting
2025-12-02 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Join us for Nashville’s largest Giving Tuesday celebration as we return for the third annual Musical Gifts – a magical evening where music, community, and giving come together to support NMAAM’s mission.
Experience the Magic
Musical Gifts transforms the National Museum of African American Music into an immersive celebration of sound, culture, and holiday spirit. This year’s event expands across multiple museum spaces, creating an unforgettable journey through African American musical heritage.
What to Expect:

Live Performances – Grammy Award-winning musicians and rising stars take center stage in the Roots Theater, backed by DJ Smoke, featuring performances representing each of NMAAM’s galleries from gospel to country, R&B to hip-hop.
Interactive Museum Experience – Explore the Rivers of Rhythm gallery with special performances, interactive music stations, and surprise moments throughout the evening.
Holiday Celebration – Join us for our beloved tree lighting ceremony featuring Black Santa, creating cherished memories in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Local Vendors & Craft – Support Black-owned businesses and local artisans while enjoying signature cocktails, craft beverages, and delicious food from Nashville’s finest vendors.
Live & Virtual Access – Experience the event in-person or join us via livestream to participate from anywhere.
NMAAM’s Musical Gifts Youth Village – Enjoy a fun, family-friendly space where kids can explore music, creativity, and culture through hands-on activities, drumming sessions, story time, and more–all while parents enjoy the event. RSVP for the Youth Village HERE

Make an Impact
Every ticket purchased and donation made during Musical Gifts directly supports NMAAM’s education programs, community initiatives, and our mission to preserve and celebrate the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music. Last year, Musical Gifts raised over $100,000, supporting music education for Nashville youth and cultural preservation efforts.
Join the Movement – Be part of Nashville’s most meaningful Giving Tuesday celebration. Your participation helps ensure that future generations can experience and learn from the rich legacy of African American music.
Register Now

Watch Musical Gifts 2024!

Nia Sioux - Bottom of the Pyramid
2025-11-21 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NMAAM, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
A Conversation and Book Discussion on her new release, Bottom of the Pyramid.
Join us for an inspiring evening with Nia Sioux, dancer, singer, author, actress, and original cast member of the hit reality series Dance Moms. In this special program, Nia will share her personal story and perspective from her time on Dance Moms, as well as her journey of growth and artistry beyond the show.
Her new book, Bottom of the Pyramid, offers a candid and empowering reflection on the challenges, lessons, and triumphs that have shaped her career and her life. Through an intimate conversation and discussion, Nia invites audiences to explore the resilience, creativity, and courage behind her journey.
📍 Roots Theatre, NMAAM
📅 Friday, November 21, 2025
🕕 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Ticket includes:

Copy of Bottom of the Pyramid
Meet & Greet with artist

RSVP Here

Sounds In Cinema: We Want The Funk!
2025-11-05 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
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 First Free Wednesdays programming, these screenings occasionally include live discussions with the artists, producers, and music professionals who created the stories we preserve.
About the Documentary
WE WANT THE FUNK! is a syncopated voyage through the history of funk music, spanning from African, soul, and early jazz roots, to its rise into the public consciousness. Featuring James Brown’s dynamism, the extraterrestrial funk of George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelic, transformed girl group Labelle, and Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat, the story also traces funk’s influences on both new wave and hip-hop.

The Filmmakers

Stanley Nelson is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, MacArthur Fellow, and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. President Obama awarded him the National Humanities Medal. Nelson has directed and produced numerous films, including Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, and Jonestown: The Life and Death of People’s Temple.

Nicole London is the Grammy Award-nominated producer of Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool, which was also awarded a 2021 News and Documentary Emmy Award. Recent credits include Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me, The Talk: Race in America, and 16 films now playing in the Segregation Gallery of the Smithsonian Museum.

Register Now

Watch the Trailer Here!

Laughter & Lyrics: An Evening of Conscious Comedy & Spoken Word with a Splash of Music and Song
2025-11-01 21:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Get ready for a night of powerful performances, soul-stirring laughter, and unforgettable vibes! Laughter and Lyrics brings together comedy, music, and spoken word in a celebration of truth, talent, and timeless entertainment.
Headlining the evening is none other than the Empress of Entertainment, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney — actress, poet, and comedy legend — as seen on Showtime at the Apollo, The Ms. Pat Show, New Jack City, and BET’s Comic View. With her signature style of conscious comedy and bold storytelling, Phyllis brings a voice of wisdom, wit, and unapologetic truth to the stage.
This is more than a show. It’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community.
Come ready to laugh, reflect, and leave inspired!
Doors Open | 8:30pm
Purchase Tickets Here
