Black Arts Bash

Schedule of Events

Family Activity: Learn about DeFord Bailey

Across from Botanic Hall | 9 AM – 3 PM
An influential harmonica player in both country and blues music, DeFord Bailey was one of the Grand Ole Opry’s most popular early performers and country music’s first African American star. He also learned songs in church and developed a keen ear for the music he heard around him: the chugging of trains, the baying of hounds chasing foxes, and the sounds of animals. Make your own harmonica, listen to recordings of DeFord Bailey play, and try your hand at recreating his sound.

Harmonica 101 with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Massey Hall | 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Learn more about Bailey’s story and music during a demonstration led by Carlos DeFord Bailey, a harmonica player and DeFord Bailey’s grandson. After the performance, participants will get a chance to play along, with guidance from the pros. Youth participants will receive free Hohner harmonicas while supplies last.

Storytime with Dorena Williamson

10 AM & 10:45 AM
Dorena Williamson is a bestselling author who is passionate about showing children—and adults—that differences can be curiously explored and joyfully celebrated. Using a graceful approach, Williamson’s books tackle tough subjects with storytelling that enriches young hearts and minds.

Community Activity with XPayne and DaShawn Lewis

Arboretum Lawn | 9 AM – 6 PM

Join Nashville-based artists XPayne and DaShawn Lewis to create a community mural.

In 2022, XPayne was named “Best Artist of the Year” by the Nashville Scene following the success of his latest exhibition of works that debuted in August of the same year. He has been part of group shows and live engagements nationwide since 2014, and has completed projects for The Source Magazine, Spike Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule Studio, and Complex.com.

DaShawn Lewis is a self-taught photographer whose work focuses on the preservation of memories and youth arts. Building community, making connections, and storytelling are components that he considers when making photographs. DaShawn Lewis’ work has been featured at the Memphis College of Art, Frist Art Museum, NKA Gallery, Scarritt Bennett Center, Hiram Van Gordon Gallery at TSU, and in the Nashville Scene.

Black Arts Bash Exhibition

Frist Learning Center Great Hall
Now in its third year, this stunning exhibition brings together the work of established artists and those still honing their crafts – both in college and in high school – in a celebration of the Black artists who call Nashville home. The show runs in the Frist Learning Center Great Hall through September 1.

Artist Panel | 5:00 PM
Hear from exhibiting artists Higgins Bond, DaShawn Lewis, XPayne, Destiney Powell, and Sydel Petty.

Performance: Southern Word

Frist Learning Center Great Hall | 11 – 11:30 AM
Believed to be the largest spoken word youth development and education organization in the Southeast, Southern Word gives students a platform to share their voices through spoken word. Hear from participants as they boldly express themselves through self-composed poetry.

Performance: AfricaNashville

Massey Auditorium | 12 – 12:45 PM

The Yeli Ensemble is a troupe of performers primarily composed of two Guinean master musicians – Ibrahima ‘Ibro’ Dioubate and Sekouna Conte. They will be joined by South African gumboots dancer and choreographer Michael Moloi.

Performance: Sankofa African Drum and Dance

Massey Auditorium | 1:30 PM

Join Sankofa African Drum and Dance group for a heart-pounding performance featuring traditional African drumming and dance. Come prepared to be moved by the beat.

Main Stage

Arboretum Lawn | 1 – 8 PM

Ping Rose – 1 – 1:45 PM

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Jett Holden – 2:30 – 3:15 PM

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Grace Givertz – 3:34 – 4:30 PM

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Carmen Dianne – 5:30 – 6:15 PM

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Tylar Bryant – 7 – 8 PM

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The Urbaanite Nashville Lounge

Arboretum Lawn | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Note: 21+
Enjoy happy hour at the Urbaanite Nashville Lounge powered by Bevmatic Brands for a fun and free cocktail tasting experience by African American owned spirits brands. Stick around for the evening’s headlining performance.

Chipping Away: The Life and Legacy of William Edmondson

Bradford Room | 9 AM – 5 PM

Chipping Away: The Life and Legacy of Sculptor William Edmondson combines original research, interviews and rare archival images, including the only known motion picture footage of the artist at work. Visit the Mansion & Museum to see the majority of Cheekwood’s William Edmonson sculptures on display.