Celebrating Black Music Month in Tennessee

Now is the perfect time to experience Tennessee’s black musical heritage during Black Music Month and ahead of Juneteenth celebrations also taking place this month.

Music fans can explore the vast influence of African Americans in music and culture over the decades at a multitude of immersive attractions across the state.

The National Museum of African American Music in Nashville

Each June, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in Nashville hosts a series of events and experiences. It is the only museum dedicated to celebrating musical genres created, inspired or influenced by African Americans.

NMAAM Black Music Month showcases and honors the history of African American music.

Throughout the month of June, special events include:

Black Music Month Mixology Class (June 11): This mixology class features custom Black Music Month collectible glasses and a DJ spinning classics.

Broadway Bridge Block Party (June 16): Returning for its fourth year, this annual block party is set to be the “Blackest Broadway” ever, celebrating sound makers from blues to hip-hop to country and beyond.

Juneteenth Community Day (June 19): NMAAM offers a day of free admission filled with programs that recognize and celebrate the 12 freedoms gained after slavery. A third paid mixology course will be offered during an NMAAM day.

Soul Power: the Stax museum of American soul music in Memphis

From “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay” to “Shaft,” Stax Records turned up the volume in the 1960s with the raw, soulful music of iconic artists like Otis Redding, Booker T. & the MG’s and Albert King. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis offers a deep dive into the history of soul music, with a replica of the studio dedicated to Stax stars. Explore the history of soul music, view vintage images, and discover Isaac Hayes’ collection of vibrant stage costumes and custom Cadillac.

Stop by Four Way Grill, a Memphis culinary institution since 1946 – and the place where countless soul legends have feasted on soul food before and after recording sessions.

The birthplace of rock’n’roll: Sun Studio in Memphis

Sun Records’ roots in black music run deep, with legends such as Howlin’ Wolf, BB King, Rufus Thomas and countless others. In fact, it was at Sun that Jackie Brenston composed “Rocket 88”, the single that many experts consider to be the very first rock’n’roll song. Today you can tour the preserved studio and listen to clips from the recording sessions.

The city of Memphis will host the annual two-day Memphis Juneteenth Festival featuring food, fun and festivities on June 14-15, 2024.

The Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School in Brownsville

Before she was crowned Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner was Anna Mae Bullock, born in Nutbush, Tennessee – a place she later made famous with her hit song “Nutbush City Limits.” The holiday is being celebrated at the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School in Brownsville, formerly the one-room schoolhouse where she learned her ABCs. Located on the grounds of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, the museum houses the largest known collection of Tina memorabilia in the world. It features costumes, gold records and his high school yearbook.

While in Brownsville, visit the home of one of Tennessee’s musical giants, blues legend Sleepy John Estes, whose career spanned from the 1920s to the 1970s, influencing everyone from Bob Dylan to the Beatles.

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga

Before Tina, there was Bessie. Still considered the Empress of the Blues nearly a century after her death, the legacy of Chattanooga-born singer Bessie Smith comes to life at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Smith was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, whose imprints are still found in jazz, blues, rock, hip-hop and beyond. Through detailed exhibits, the Cultural Center tells her story, along with other valuable exhibits that showcase the lives of Chattanooga musicians who followed in Bessie’s footsteps.

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center commemorates Juneteenth each year with the free Celebration of Freedom festival. This year, attendees will enjoy food trucks, live music from DJ Ant and free museum admission. There will be a screening of Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom documentary.

Other ways to celebrate Juneteenth this year in Tennessee:

Juneteenth celebration – The Tennessee State Museum in Nashville is hosting a June 15 celebration with family crafts, live music and a reading by Tonya Abari, the author of Let’s celebrate Juneteenth.

Jefferson Street Sound Museum – This Nashville museum preserves the music and entertainment history of Jefferson Street through historical artifacts, sounds and other learning materials through arts and music programs.

Juneteenth Community Day – The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis will offer free admission on June 19, providing everyone with the opportunity to learn about the contributions of Black Americans and the ongoing struggle for civil and human rights.

Ruby’s Happy Farm Wellness Festival – Located in Cross Plains, just 40 minutes from Nashville, Ruby’s Happy Farm will host the Feel Good Festival on June 22, featuring vendors, entertainment and presentations on agriculture, history and wellness.

Chattanooga Black Arts and Ideas Festivals – An ongoing festival series highlighting and celebrating artists of African descent. The Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts & Ideas’ Juneteenth Commemoration Ceremony on June 19 features the sounds of the Inversion Vocal Ensemble, led by four-time EMMY nominated composer Dave Ragland.

Beck Cultural Exchange Center – Knoxville’s Beck Cultural Exchange Center, dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of African Americans, hosts an annual Juneteenth celebration, featuring special exhibits and experiences.

The Hermitage – This National Historic Landmark and President Andrew Jackson’s 1,120-acre Nashville home will host a series of events, including a presentation of stories of freedom told by historical experts on June 19. Dr. Brandon Byrd will reflect on emancipation in the Volunteer State in June. 20.

Also explore Tennessee’s 15 sites along America’s Civil Rights Trail.

Related News: Icelandair Lands in Pittsburgh Louisiana Travel – TravelMole Dominican Republic only. – TravelMole Florida Keys and Key West – TravelMole What’s Hot in San Francisco What’s Hot in Florida 2024: Unveiling the Sunshine State… Tennessee Tourism – TravelMole Visit Mississippi – TravelMole Big-Ticket Summer Events in Minneapolis Visit Lauderdale – TravelMole

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *