NMAAM

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.

Heartbeat Saturdays
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, 2026-04-18 11:30 - 14:30, 2026-04-11 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!

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, 2026-04-18 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!

NMAAM Presents: ARTchives | A Celebration of Art & Music
2026-04-18 17:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | TN
The archive is alive. And this time, you’re in it!
On Saturday, April 18th, ARTchives transforms NMAAM into a living canvas—where art, culture, and community converge. From a curated art exhibit, live music, and the creative energy shaped by Nashville’s Black art scene — we want YOU to add your own story as NMAAM’s living ARTchitects.
Get your ticket and become part of the ARTchive!

Purchase Tickets Here!

Story Soundz
2026-04-16 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Join us for Story Soundz, an interactive storytelling and music program for young learners. Children will bring stories to life through music, sound, and imagination while building early literacy skills in a fun, engaging environment.
EXPERIENCE THE PROGRAM:
Interactive Storytelling Engage with dynamic stories brought to life through sound and music
Musical Exploration Discover how rhythm, melody, and instruments enhance storytelling
Creative Expression Build listening skills, creativity, and self-expression through hands-on activities
Family-Friendly Learning Age-appropriate programming designed for young learners to explore early literacy
ADMISSION
Free with registration

Register Here

Drummer Boy
2026-04-12 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
AfricaNashville, Fort Negley, and the National Museum of African American Music present: Drummer Boy
Drummer Boy honors the bravery of Black soldiers who played a decisive role in the outcome of the US Civil War. It acknowledges the fierce legacy of their African ancestors and the real, hard challenges these men and women faced to win their freedom. AfricaNashville will feature musicians & dancers from Guinea, South Africa, Congo and the United States, this talented group of artists will be joined by a voice over by Landry Butler as well as a Gary Burke, a descendant of USCT troops for a Q & A at the end of the performance.
This event will take place in the Roots Theater at the National Museum of African American Music (510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203), at 3pm on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Pre-registration is required, but there is no cost to attend.
Free Registration

Parking discounts available at the 5th & Broadway retail garage. Please register your vehicle and payment information digitally with Metropolis, then enter your license plate number at the parking validation kiosks inside the museum.

R&B Bingo
2026-04-11 21:00 - 2026-04-12 12:00 (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
Purchase Ticket

Woven Wind: A Poetic Response
2026-04-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
Woven Wind – A Poetic Response
Poetry Reading with Nadia Alexis and Ciona Rouse
Featuring Simba Alik
Curated by Grace Aneiza Ali
Woven Wind – A Poetic Response is an evocative exploration of sound, story, and spirit, inspired by the Woven Wind exhibit. Blending poetry, reflection, and creative expression, this experience invites participants to respond to the exhibit’s themes of movement, heritage, and transformation—using language as a vessel to carry history, identity, and imagination forward.
Nadia Alexis is a poet, writer, and photographer born in Harlem to Haitian immigrants. She is the author of the hybrid debut poetry collection Beyond the Watershed, which was a finalist for the 2026 Nossrat Yassini Poetry Prize and long listed for the 2025 Maya Angelou Book Award. She is one of Poets & Writers’ 2026 Ten Best Debut Poets.
Ciona Rouse is a poet, curator and educator. She is the author of Vantablack (Third Man Books, 2017). Her poetry is featured in poets.org, The Slowdown, Oxford American and wildness. Rouse co-hosts a banned book group at Third Man’s The Blue Room. She lives in Nashville, TN, where she’s opening a poetry-centric bookstore/bar.

This event is set to take place in the Roots Theater at NMAAM.
Admission is free with registration.

Register Here!
