NMAAM

Heartbeat Saturdays
2026-07-11 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-07-04 11:30 - 14:30, 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 (America/Chicago) and 1 more date | 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!

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

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.

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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.
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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

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.

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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!
