NMAAM

NMAAM Presents: Sounds In Cinema
2026-10-07 15:30 - 17:30, 2026-09-02 15:30 - 17:30, 2026-08-05 15:30 - 17:30, 2026-07-01 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
2026-10-07 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-02 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-01 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.

Heartbeat Saturdays
2026-10-03 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-09-26 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-09-19 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-09-12 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-09-05 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-08-29 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-08-22 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-08-15 11:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) and 8 more dates | 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!

Modern Renaissance | The Collision of Jazz & Poetry
2026-07-02 18:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | TN
Modern Renaissance: The Collision of Jazz & Poetry
The Bedrock of Sound. The Foundation of Rhythm..
Join us at the National Museum of African American Music for a powerful evening celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month and National Poetry Month. Modern Renaissance: The Collision of Jazz & Poetry is a dynamic 90-minute spotlight that brings together the rhythm of live jazz and the resonance of spoken word in an immersive, soul-stirring experience.
Rooted in the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance and carried through to today, this program explores the deep connection between sound and storytelling. Through reinterpretations of iconic influences alongside original works, the showcase highlights how jazz and poetry continue to shape and reflect culture across generations.
Hosted by Renard Hirsch, the evening features performances by Cameron L. Mitchell, Rashad ThaPoet, Alyana Renae, and Wil Merrell, accompanied by live music from the Nashville Women in Jazz.
Designed to be engaging and interactive, the experience invites audience participation and offers an accessible entry point for all—whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or new to the art form.
Date: Thursday, July 2nd
Doors: 6:30 PM
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Roots Theater
Come witness the conversation between music and words—past, present, and evolving.

Purchase Your Tickets Here!

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
