NMAAM Unveils Hendrix Portrait, Hosts Keb’ Mo’, Features Ghost Hounds During AmericanaFest
September 5, 2025
NASHVILLE, TN (September 5, 2025) – The National Museum of African American Music presents multi-day AmericanaFest programming featuring a new Jimi Hendrix portrait (Sept. 10), five-time GRAMMY® winner Keb’ Mo’ conversation and exhibition (Sept. 13), plus Ghost Hounds live performance.
Cleveland artist Van Wentz donated a 20″ x 30″ freehand portrait of Hendrix for NMAAM’s Donation Art Wall, available for viewing starting Wednesday, September 10. The museum continues its AmericanaFest partnership Saturday, September 13, with Keb’ Mo’ conversation and exhibition unveiling, followed by Ghost Hounds artifact donation and live performance.
“This is the living bridge between musical heritage and today’s creative community – where legends like Hendrix inspire current artists to keep pushing culture forward,” said Dexter D. Evans, NMAAM Deputy Director, Strategy & Advancement.
The September 13 events begin at 12:30 PM with Keb’ Mo’ in conversation with Tennessean music journalist Marcus K. Dowling, followed by the “Roots Uncovered: Keb’ Mo'” exhibition unveiling featuring rare artifacts and guitars. Ghost Hounds conclude the afternoon with acoustic performance at 1:45 PM.
Programming is free with RSVP for AmericanaFest pass holders and NMAAM members. General public pays $20 suggested donation for Ghost Hounds performance.
“From Hendrix’s revolutionary impact to today’s emerging artists, this showcases the continuum of African American musical innovation,” said Dr. Bryan Pierce, NMAAM Director of Curation.
RSVP at nmaam.org/calendar. Limited capacity requires advance registration.
About NMAAM: The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is the only museum dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and amplifying the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. As the official Home of Black Music Month and a national cultural authority, NMAAM tells the complete story of the American soundtrack through innovative and interactive exhibits that integrate history and cutting-edge technology to bring musical heroes of the past into the present.
Located in Nashville’s historic Music City, NMAAM serves as both a premier cultural destination and industry convener, transforming how visitors understand the central role African Americans have played in creating every genre of American music. Through immersive educational experiences, strategic partnerships, and community programming, NMAAM amplifies Black music’s transformative legacy while inspiring future generations of artists and culture-keepers. For more information, visit www.nmaam.org.
