Tag Archives | Centennial Park

Musicians Corner Partners with American Artisan Festival for Three-Day Event

By Matt Williams on June 19, 2012 in Special Events

Three straight days of Musicians Corner… what could be better? How about pairing it up with the American Artisan Festival, which took place in Centennial Park last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The structure was slightly different from the typical Saturday: Forgoing the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage, each act played acoustically on the main stage. Some went solo; some opted for accompaniment; all were terrific.

The American Artisan Festival is held each year in Centennial Park on Father’s Day weekend, and features fine arts, crafts and food from around the country. This year marked the first time Musicians Corner partnered with the festival to bring free music to its patrons.

The Cumberland Collective

Day one featured the likes of Jameson Elder, Anthony Snape, Jessica Campbell and Robby Hecht. Musicians Corner friend Holley Maher was set to close the day out; however, a sudden downpour forced her and her accompanying vocalist Merry Ellen Kirk to postpone until Saturday.

With the weather turning gorgeous for Saturday’s event, Musicians Corner saw a substantial number of regulars in addition to the festival goers, making it a large and rambunctious crowd. After Holley and Merry Ellen were able to kick things off, we saw performances by Sarah Siskind, Blue Mother Tupelo, The Cumberland Collective, Liz Longley, and the first ever Musicians Corner writer round featuring Danny Myrick, Kimberly June and Kendal Marvel.

Father’s Day on Sunday was a more relaxing day with Perrin Lamb, Sam Lewis, the Hogslop String Band, Ferrier and David Mead. A great way to end the weekend and a great place to bring dad.

Each artist brought something unique and enjoyable to the table. Standouts for me were the writers round (although I love writers rounds) when we were able to hear songs from the songwriters themselves such as Don’t Think I Can’t Love You cut by Jake Owen and She’s Country, the huge hit for Jason Aldean. I also loved The Cumberland Collective, which is made up of several extremely talented individuals that come together to jam and sing an eclectic mix of songs. They take turns singing their own songs with the accompaniment of everyone else on stage. Refreshingly original and incredible music as well.

You just never know who you'll run into...

We should give a special thanks to the Musicians Corner volunteers who showed up all three days. This sort of thing depends on them, and they are truly incredible. Next week (although those volunteers may not show up out of exhaustion) is another great lineup. The Kopecky Family Band, Halfbrass, The Rebecca West, SHIROCK, Nick Flora, Charity Vance and Michael Castro will all take the stage while Musicians Corner is back to the same place and time.

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The spring season of runs every Saturday through June, and features great artists, special guests and fun activities. For additional information and the entire spring schedule please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com.

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Musicians Corner Entertains During CMA Music Fest Week

By Matt Williams on June 14, 2012 in Special Events

The Country Music-Themed Week Keeps The CMA Party Going In Centennial Park

In the midst of CMA Music Fest, Musicians Corner continues to thrive. Another beautiful day in Centennial Park led to another packed house (lawn) as Carter’s Chord, Lighter Ray, The Henningsens and Bo Bice graced the stage. To compliment our country line up was Ryan Griffin, Brinley Addington, and Channing Wilson on the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage.

Carter’s Chord are Musicians Corner favorites, having played last year and also at the Music City Unsigned Tin Pan South show. The three sisters never cease to amaze, especially throwing in their World Vision-inspired Love A Little Bigger.

Following Ryan Griffin on the Acoustic Stage was the hot new country duo Lighter Ray. The sisters Lauren Leiter and Chynna Rae (see how they came up with the name?) are full of spunk and energy with dynamic songs and beautiful harmonies.

After Brinley Addington serenaded the crowd on the Acoustic Stage, complete with a summer time anthem about boats, it was time for The Henningsens. This family trio from Illinois has had recent success with cuts by The Band Perry (You Lie, All Your Life), and has recently been recording with producer and Musicians Corner friend Paul Worley. Debuting a couple new songs, they kept the good-spirited crowd singing and clapping along.

Channing Wilson was the final Acoustic Stage act with a Jamie Johnson vibe and gritty southern country swag. He made way for the headliner of the day, Bo Bice. Bo was runner up in season four of American Idol to none other than Carrie Underwood, and he still has the fan base to prove it. Directly in front of the stage is usually reserved for casual dancers, wandering children and Rico, but for Bo, a crowd gathered up close to get a photo op. Showing just why he deserved to be in the Idol finale, Bo performed with all his energy, even covering (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction and Sweet Home Alabama.

This week is a very special Musicians Corner partnering with the American Artisan Festival for a THREE DAY EVENT! That’s right; three days of Musicians Corner: Friday 4-7, and Saturday and Sunday 2-6, all in Centennial Park. Get the complete schedule here: http://musicianscornernashville.com/#/calendar.

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The Epitome of “Nashville’s Weekly Lawn Party” Rocks Centennial Park

By Matt Williams on June 3, 2012 in Special Events

Maggie McCormick, Jill Andrews, Chuck Mead And Jim Lauderdale Entertain Over 1,500 People

The crowd getting' down to Chuck Mead

Talk about the perfect day. Not only did Musicians Corner set a new attendance record, but June 2nd in Centennial Park could not have been more beautiful. On the heels of the Tour de Fat, summertime was in the air as Maggie McCormick, Jill Andrews, Chuck Mead, Jim Lauderdale and others took the stage.

When I say perfect, I really mean it. Musicians Corner has become a hot spot for free music at “Nashville’s weekly lawn parties.” Saturday brought with it children playing everywhere, friendly dogs roaming about, people dancing and of course, great music.

Matthew Perryman Jones kicked off the day with a special guest appearance. A Musicians Corner friend, MPJ is a rising star in the Nashville underground. He put on a great performance in preparation for his Album release show later that night at Exit/Inn.

After Matthew and a shout out to our terrific sponsors by Executive Director John Tumminello, Maggie McCormick continued the festivities. Though used to playing with a full band, the solo performance by the beautiful songstress and killer guitar player was a great treat. She then brought on Jill Andrews who was next up on the main stage. While Jill sang, Maggie played, and together they performed a very smooth acoustic set.

Music legends Paul Worley and Chuck Mead backstage

The Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage acts were equally as impressive. First was the Devious Angels, a new country duo who performed in between the Maggie and Jill headlining sets. The second was pianist Jasi Misot.

After Jasi, the party was started. Chuck Mead, a founding member of BR-549 and his band The Grassy Knoll Boys had a large crowd dancing in front of the stage. As producer Paul Worley put it: “This guy has been kick ass for a long time!”

These guys seemed to play for quite a while. Maybe they did, or maybe it just seemed that way because we were having so much fun. But the party didn’t stop there. After an incredibly talented Shelly Colvin rocked the Acoustic Stage, country legend Jim Lauderdale closed out the day.

If this week seemed great, just wait until CMA Music Fest hits town next week! Musicians Corner has a great lineup including Lighter Ray and American Idol’s Bo Bice. Hope to see you there!

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The spring season of runs every Saturday through June, and features great artists, special guests and fun activities. For additional information and the entire spring schedule please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com.

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The McCrary Sisters, The Kicks Bring the House Down at Musicians Corner

By Matt Williams on May 21, 2012 in In The Press

Marc Scibilia and Umbrella Tree Round Out a Fantastic Lineup on Saturday in Centennial Park

On Saturday, Musicians Corner almost looked like it wouldn’t take place about half an hour before show time. Despite a great weather forecast, the heavens opened at 2:30 and it monsooned on Centennial Park. The power was shut off and volunteers ran for cover. Yet somehow, at 2:50 the skies cleared, the power was turned back on and we were back in business for a great afternoon full of music.

To kick off the day was special guest Steve Moakler. He played two acoustic songs, including his “first attempt at a country song,” and got the crowd warmed up for Marc Scibilia. Marc also played acoustically to serenade the crowd with his alternative bluesy style. He brought up the second special guest of the day, music dynamo Tommy Sims.

First up on the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage was MC’s own Kristen Wright singing beautiful songs from her newest album “In the Year of Letting Go.” Following Kristen on the main stage were The McCrary Sisters who absolutely took us to church. The three sisters (there are normally four, but one unfortunately could not make it) had everyone clapping and standing with their powerful gospel music.

After a beautiful Spring Quartet by Benjamin Chakoran Jones on the Acoustic Stage and the coveted Dog of the Day award, Umbrella Tree took the stage. This duo is nothing if not exciting to watch with their unique sound and energetic personalities.

The final Acoustic Stage act of the day was Poly, who played what can only be described as “happy music.” Then to close out the day were rockers The Kicks. The Kicks were actually supposed to play last season at Musicians Corner, but were forced to cancel due to illness. Boy was the crowd happy to have them back! Mixing classic, old school rock style with modern rock sensibilities and three-piece harmonies, these guys are superb. Think Rolling Stones meets Boston with an alternative twist.

Aside from the freak rain storm right beforehand, the day turned out perfect and sunny. Let’s hope it stays that way for next weekend when Andy Davis, Heypenny, Star and Micey, and Us and Our Daughters take the stage.

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The spring season of runs every Saturday through June, and promises more great artists, special guests and fun activities. For additional information and the entire spring schedule please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com.

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The Secret is Out on Musicians Corner’s 3rd Season!

By Matt Williams on May 7, 2012 in Special Events

Record Crowd Packs Centennial Park for the Spring Season Kickoff

A record crowd packs Centennial Park for the free music on Saturday May 5

Maybe it was because of Cinco de Mayo, maybe it was because of the beautiful day, or maybe it was because Musicians Corner is just an awesome weekly event, but one thing was for certain at the first show of the spring season on Saturday… Musicians Corner’s popularity is growing FAST.

Over 1,400 people showed up to the Musicians Corner concert, which will take place each Saturday until the end of June in Centennial Park. And what a concert it was! With new amenities such as a Beer & Wine Garden, this promises to be a season to remember.

The day started off with the group Escondido, a groovy new duo. Following them was the young, talented trio Punchinello on the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage.

That’s when yours truly hopped on stage (pardon me for the shameless plug). It was a special event that I wanted to commemorate and share with 1,400 of my closest friends. It was my mom’s birthday, so I got to wish her a happy birthday from the Musicians Corner stage. My family and some friends made it all the way down from Pennsylvania to spend the weekend with me, and I couldn’t have been happier. Happy birthday agin mom, love you!

Ok, back to the show. To celebrate the Cinco de Mayo festivities, MC next featured Latin Salsa by Afinke. It was hard to keep the crowd seated and still for this band, who was sporting a huge brass section. Representing the acoustic stage after that was Rayvon Owen, with a smooth voice and killer falsetto.

Friends of Musicians Corner Amy Stroup and Trent Dabbs took to the main stage next as their new duo Sugar & the Hi Lows. Each has graced the MC stage as solo artists, yet they are truly a joy to listen to together, even covering the Tina Turner classic Rollin’ on the River. Anderson East was the final Acoustic Stage act of the day and, utilizing nothing but his guitar, swooned the crowd with his unique style.

Mayor Karl Dean and Paul Worley at Musicians Corner

Mayor Karl Dean and Esteemed Record Producer Paul Worley at Musicians Corner on May 5

After the coveted Dog of the Day Award, there was a historic event that took place. No, I don’t mean the return of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, who haven’t performed in Centennial Park in 115 years…. I mean the fact that no less than 4 people introduced them.

John Tumminello, Musicians Corner’s Executive Director took the stage first to introduce Grammy-Award-winning record producer Paul Worley. He then introduced our wonderful Mayor Karl Dean, who introduced the band’s director, who in turn introduced the band itself.

However, we must thank both Mayor Dean and Mr. Worley for their ongoing support of Musicians Corner and for the Nashville music community as a whole. We can’t say enough about these gentlemen!

And although the quadruple-introduction was an unprecedented event, let that not diminish the true history that was made at Musicians Corner. The last time the Fisk Jubilee Singers performed in Centennial Park was for President William McKinnley during the Centennial Exhibition… in 1897! You can read more about this historic event in this wonderful article from The Tennessean.

The singers haven’t changed their style or their music since their formation in 1871. It is still traditional, beautiful choir music. And the Musicians Corner crowd stuck around to hang on their every word.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers at Musicians Corner

The Fisk Jubilee Singers at performed in Centennial Park for the first time since the Centennial Exhibition in 1897

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Musicians Corner Returns This Saturday in Centennial Park!

By Matt Williams on May 2, 2012 in Special Events

May 5 Spring Season Kickoff Celebration

Celebrating Free Music In The Park

The Fisk Jubilee Singers with their musical director, Dr. Paul T. Kwami. Photo by Bill Steber and Pat Casey Daley

It’s time to kickoff another season of free music and fun in Centennial Park as Musicians Corner returns on Saturday, May 5 and takes places each Saturday through June 30.

Historic appearance by Fisk Jubilee Singers®  We have a wonderful line up of local music planned for you on May 5. The hot new duo Escondido will kick things off at 3 PM sharp on the main stage, followed by Latin Salsa band Afinke to help us celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the throwback sounds of Trent Dabbs and Amy Stroup’s duo Sugar & The High Lows and a headline performance by Fisk Jubilee Singers® who are making a historic return to Centennial Park.

Check out this great article by Gail Kerr in Sunday’s Tennessean about the Fisk Jubilee Singers® appearance.

Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage.  We are introducing the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage this season. Our May 5 artists include Anderson East, Rayvon Owen and Punchinello.

Free Parking And Shuttles

We’re excited to let you know that we will have lots of additional parking and free shuttles on May 5!

Thanks to our generous neighbors at HCA, there will be free parking on May 5 at all of the HCA building lots along Park Plaza.

From there, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Centennial Park to Musicians Corner or take the free shuttles that will be running throughout the afternoon.

Arrive early to enjoy the 41st Annual Tennessee Craft Fair taking place on the main lawn in Centennial Park from 10 AM – 6 PM.

Introducing the Beer & Wine Garden

Many of our attendees have requested it and on May 5 we will introduce our Beer & Wine Garden. Accessible to attendees 21 and up, it will showcase local brands Yazoo, Hap and Harry’s and Arrington Vineyards. The Beer & Wine Garden opens at 2 PM each week, one hour before the music starts.

Mobile Food Court Lunch from 11am to 3pm

We are also introducing a Mobile Food Court lunch featuring many of Nashville’s popular food trucks. It takes place each week from 11AM – 3PM and features unplugged acoustic music from 1 – 3 PM. The food trucks will be on site until 6 PM for your culinary enjoyment.

Free Kidsville Activities

Thanks in part to a generous grant from the Jackson National Life Insurance Company, We have many wonderful activities planned for you at Mix 92.9 Kidsville this season. We will be decorating maracas on May 5 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Bring the little ones each week for arts & crafts, fun & games and more family friendly entertainment in the park.

Dog of the Day, Giveaways and More Fun

Bring your dog for a relaxing day in the park and enter to win our Dog of the Day award!

We will also be giving away tickets to the Nashville Symphony.

Our charity partner, World Vision, will once again be on site with us each week.

Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors

Musicians Corner is a program of The Conservancy for The Parthenon and Centennial Park, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is funded and made possible by the generous support of 40 organizations in the music, media and business community.

Sponsors: World Vision, The Conservancy, Vanderbilt University, City National Bank, Jackson National Life Insurance Company, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Metro Parks, R.S. Lipman, Taziki’s, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Happy Family, Baker Donelson and Friendly Arctic.

Music Industry Partners: BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, Brantley Sound Associates, The ASCAP Foundation, Country Music Association, SAE Institute, Paul Worley Productions, EMI, Major Bob Music, Capitol Records Nashville, Warner Music Nashville, Sony Music, Sony/ATV Publishing, We Make Tapes & Discs, Gibson, Asterope, Nashville Symphony, Music City Roots, American Songspace, Corner Music, Noisetrade, Nashville Songwriters Association, Gear For Days and Nashville Muse.

Media Partners: Lightning 100, Nashville Scene, Mix 92.9, NowPlayingNashville.com and Yelp.

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Musicians Corner Returns For It’s Third Season!

By Matt Williams on April 3, 2012 in In The Press, Special Events

Free Weekly Events in Centennial Park Begin Saturday, May 5

Musicians Corner, Nashville’s free weekly lawn party in Centennial Park, will kick off its third season on Saturday, May 5.

Musicians Corner’s spring season takes place on Saturdays from May 5 to June 30. The May 5 kick off event at Musicians Corner will begin with a Mobile Food Court lunch from 11 AM – 3 PM, featuring several of Nashville’s mobile food trucks. Musicians Corner will provide unplugged acoustic entertainment on site from 1 – 3 PM for people who turn out early to enjoy lunch in Centennial Park.

Musicians Corner’s third season officially begins at 3 PM and runs until 6 PM. The kick off event will feature musical performances, Kidsville activities, a Dog of the Day award, mobile food trucks, prize giveaways and showcase nonprofit partner World Vision. May 5 performers include The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Sugar & The Hi Lows, Escondido and more to be announced. The Mix 92.9 Kidsville area, which is being funded in part by a generous grant from the Jackson National Community Fund, will feature crafts and other fun activities for the little ones. Musicians Corner attendees are encouraged to stop by the 41^st Annual TACA Spring Craft Fair taking place in Centennial Park from 10 AM to 6 PM on May 5.

“We’re planning another wonderful season of free family-friendly entertainment for the Nashville community” said John Tumminello, Musicians Corner Executive Director. “We hope people will spend a relaxing Saturday afternoon with us to enjoy some of the best music Nashville has to offer!”

Last year, Musicians Corner presented a diverse line-up of music by: Emmylou Harris, Gabe Dixon, The Wooten Brothers, Nanci Griffith, Ben Sollee, Trent Dabbs, Melinda Doolittle, Sarah Buxton, The Vespers, Damien Horne, James Otto, The Delta Saints, Pat McLaughlin, Nathan Angelo and over 100 additional performers.

“Musicians Corner is one of the many long-term initiatives that helps to highlight Nashville globally as Music City,” said Mayor Karl Dean. “While Musicians Corner offers our citizens free weekly entertainment at one of our most beautiful urban parks, it also provides a great venue for local musicians and opportunities for visiting artists to share their creative talent with our community.”

The 2012 season will feature more multi-genre musical performances by over 60 artists including: David Mead, Emily West, The McCrary Sisters, k.s. Rhoads, Jim Lauderdale, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Heypenny, Bo Bice, Sugar & The Hi Lows, Chuck Mead, The Kicks, Jill Andrews, Andy Davis, Jason Eskridge, Sarah Siskind, Star and Micey, Blue Mother Tupelo, Umbrella Tree, Marc Scibilia, Christabel and the Jons, The Cumberland Collective and Megan McCormick. You can view the entire confirmed spring season schedule at MusiciansCornerNashville.com. More artists will be announced throughout April.

The spring season of Musicians Corner will take place from 3-6 PM on Saturdays in May and June on Centennial Park’s front lawn (near McDonalds). After a break during Nashville’s “hot” months, Musicians Corner will present its fall season on Saturdays from September 1 to October 27.

Musicians Corner is a program of The Conservancy for The Parthenon and Centennial Park, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is funded and made possible by the generous support of over 25 organizations in the music, media and business community.

Sponsors include: World Vision, The Conservancy, Vanderbilt University, City National Bank, Jackson National Life Insurance Company, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Metro Parks, Taziki’s, Baker Donelson and Friendly Arctic.

Music Industry Partners include: BMI, Brantley Sound Associates, The ASCAP Foundation, SESAC, SAE Institute, Paul Worley Productions, EMI, Sony Music, Sony/ATV Publishing, We Make Tapes & Discs, Nashville Symphony, Music City Roots, American Songspace and Nashville Songwriters Association.

Media Partners include: Lightning 100, Nashville Scene, Mix 92.9, Now Playing Nashville and Mogreet.

Additional partners and sponsors will be announced throughout the month of April.

For more information about Musicians Corner, please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com.

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Tag Archives | Centennial Park

Musicians Corner Partners with American Artisan Festival for Three-Day Event

Musicians Corner Entertains During CMA Music Fest Week

The Country Music-Themed Week Keeps The CMA Party Going In Centennial Park

The Epitome of “Nashville’s Weekly Lawn Party” Rocks Centennial Park

Maggie McCormick, Jill Andrews, Chuck Mead And Jim Lauderdale Entertain Over 1,500 People

The McCrary Sisters, The Kicks Bring the House Down at Musicians Corner

Marc Scibilia and Umbrella Tree Round Out a Fantastic Lineup on Saturday in Centennial Park

The Secret is Out on Musicians Corner’s 3rd Season!

Record Crowd Packs Centennial Park for the Spring Season Kickoff