NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Following a short series of virtual events to stay connected with patrons earlier this summer, the nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) will launch an expanded Salon Series starting Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.
The TPAC Salon Series, hosted via Zoom, is a series of free evening virtual events that will feature entertaining and interactive conversations and explore the diversity of Nashville’s arts and culture community.
“We had so much fun earlier this year connecting with our donors and patrons through virtual experiences,” says Jennifer Turner, TPAC President and CEO. “People enjoyed the escape of cooking together, watching artist performances and spending time with our community partners. While we wait to reopen our theatres, this Salon Series helps maintain that connection while highlighting more of our impressive arts community.”
Featuring special community guests, Nashville artists, and interactive activities – from sipping along with a sampler from Green Brier Distillery to learning to dance the Salsa – the Salon Series will invite participants into fun conversations between September and December of 2020.
Event descriptions and links for the first five events are below. For additional information, visit TPAC.org.
Whiskey is a science, bourbon is an art.
Sept. 1, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Andy and Charlie Nelson of Green Brier Distillery join TPAC President and CEO Jennifer Turner to share the unknown story of how Louisa Nelson, one of the only women of her time to run a distillery, took over in 1891 and helped save the iconic beverage for almost two decades.
Reservation link.
Ba de yah, dancing in September.
Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.
Thinking about the National Museum of African American Music opening this fall has us singing and dancing. TPAC’s Kristin Horsley, Tamar Smithers, Dr. Dina Bennett, Kara Duke and Mr. Lucius “Spoonman” Talley take you through the evolution of African American music and preview the new museum. NMAAM will be giving away one free membership, and the first 25 registrants will be entered for a chance to win.
Reservation link.
Dance like your Zoom camera is off.
Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.
Admit it. You’ve tried to Salsa. Victor Berrios, President of the Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce, and special guests explore the Latin dance and teach you some impressive dance moves perfect for the club… or the kitchen (cameras optional).
Reservation link.
Nashville’s art scene from “Musica” to “I Believe in Nashville.”
Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
You may have heard of the “Nashville Sound.” But is there a “Nashville” identity when it comes to the visual arts? Join TPAC’s Kristin Horsley; artist Omari Booker; artist Adrien Saporiti and Susan Tinney, founder and owner of Tinney Contemporary for a deep dive into what inspires Nashville’s artists, galleries and more.
Reservation link.
So much more than cherry blossoms.
Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.
Host to one of 14 Consulates-General of Japan and “sister city” to Kamakura, Japan, Nashville celebrates its rich connection to Japanese culture each April with an annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Japanese culture expert Terry Vo and Ginger Byrn, the Director of Programs and Membership Development at the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, Inc., welcome a variety of special guests to showcase Japanese arts and culture in Nashville.
Reservation link.
The TPAC Salon Series are free, reservation-only events. Tickets will not be distributed. The Zoom link and password will be emailed to registrants.
Institutional sponsors for TPAC include Nissan North America and Coca-Cola. TPAC is funded in part by support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission.
Since 1980, the nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center has welcomed more than 14 million audience members and served more than 1.8 million children and adults with performances at TPAC, teacher resources, professional development opportunities, classroom residencies, and enrichment programs. Each year, TPAC serves several hundred thousand audience members with the HCA Healthcare / TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series, a variety of special engagements, and the productions of three resident artistic companies – Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, and Nashville Repertory Theatre. TPAC’s mission is to lead with excellence in the performing arts and arts education, creating meaningful and relevant experiences to enrich lives, strengthen communities, and support economic vitality. For more information, visit TPAC.org.