From morning to night, Cheekwood celebrates Black artists and expression in all forms. This celebration highlights the richness of Black traditions and creativity through musical performances, dance, visual art spoken word from local authors, and culinary delights crafted by local Black chefs.
At the 6th annual Black Arts Bash, visitors can participate in a collaborative art project and enjoy hands on activities throughout the day. A visual art exhibition will showcase local artists, and in the afternoon and evening, Cheekwood presents a dynamic lineup of Black musicians on the Arboretum Lawn Stage. Join us for a powerful day dedicated to culture and community, with additional performer details to be announced.
At the 6th annual Black Arts Bash, visitors can participate in a collaborative art project and enjoy hands on activities throughout the day. A visual art exhibition will showcase local artists, and in the afternoon and evening, Cheekwood presents a dynamic lineup of Black musicians on the Arboretum Lawn Stage. Join us for a powerful day dedicated to culture and community, with additional performer details to be announced.
The William Rollins Fund for the Arts
Media Sponsor
Massey Auditorium | Botanic Hall
Storytime with Dorena Williamson | 10:00 AM & 11:00 AM
Dorena Williamson is a best-selling author of nine children’s books showing how differences are a delightful part of our humanity. She is a longtime bridge-builder and clergy in a multicultural faith community in Nashville. Her latest book, Every Breath, Every Blessing: Finding Hope on Tough Days, is being released on August 12.
Performance: Sankofa African Drum and Dance | 12 PM and 2 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.
Special Program: Fashion Show | 3 PM
Come and see a special fashion presentation by local fashion brands Charles Lord and Ellenelle Bridal, and meet the respective designers, Charles Brown and Leah Langley-McClean. Browse and shop their collections of couture, ready to wear, and vintage apparel and accessories, as well as those of Threads by Dreads and The Creativity Bar. On display will also be the work of local visual artist, ArJae Thompson.
Models provided by Tribe Talent Management – Charika White, New Faces Director
Vendors | 9 AM – 5 PM
Charles Lord
Threads by Dreads
Ellenelle Bridal (1 – 5 PM)
The Creativity Bar
ArJae Thompson
Main Stage
Arboretum Lawn | 1 – 8 PM
Cheekwood and WNXP 91.1 FM are proud to present Black Women in Music. A dynamic and diverse lineup of local Black female songwriters, vocalists, and performers will take the stage throughout the festival to celebrate music, culture, and community.
Amber Ais | 1 – 1:45 PM
Amber Ais is an indie pop singer/songwriter. She aims to connect with listeners through her honest and relatable songwriting. She draws inspiration from artists like John Mayer, Julia Michaels, and Tori Kelly. Her lyrics are often described as genuine and like a page ripped from her own diary.
Kyleigh | 2:30 – 3:15 PM
With a sound that combines elements of R&B and alternative pop, Kyleigh has been writing songs featuring poignant and honest lyrics since she was 8 years old. R&B legends like Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, and Boyz II Men have shaped her style and influenced her sound.
Lizzie No | 3:45 – 4:30 PM
As a singer-songwriter, harpist, and guitarist, Lizzie No has established herself as one of the most exciting new voices in indie folk music. She has performed at the Newport Folk Festival, Americanafest, and South by Southwest, and classical arrangements of her songs have been performed at the Louisville Orchestra’s Festival of American Music and the Downtown Chamber Series.
SistaStrings | 5:30 – 6:15 PM
SistaStrings is a dynamic musical duo comprised of sisters Chauntee and Monique Ross. Their style features a blend of classical training, soulful melodies, and contemporary sounds. The Ross sisters are members of Brandi Carlile’s touring band and have performed with Joni Mitchell, Ed Sheeran, Maggie Rogers, Margo Price, Allison Russell, and Jason Isbell.
The New Respects | 7 – 8 PM
The New Respects is a family affair. The band consists of singer/guitarist Jasmine Mullen, her cousin, guitarist Zandy Mowry, and her brother, Darius Fitzgerald. They are part of the second generation of a successful musical family and were influenced by the gospel music they were surrounded by growing up. They will uplift audiences with their throwback pop-rock sound and catchy lyrics.
Arboretum Lawn
Community Activity with Destiney Powell | 9 AM – 4 PM
Nashville artist Destiney Powell has created a multigenerational piece in reference to the feeling of connection. Celebrate the women in your life by adding a petal, thread, or thought to this incredible artistic vision.
Art Activity: Learn about Augusta Savage | 9 AM – 3 PM
Across from Botanic Hall
Born in Florida in 1892, Augusta Savage began creating art as a child by using the natural clay found in her hometown. After attending Cooper Union in New York City, she made a name for herself as a sculptor during the Harlem Renaissance and was awarded fellowships to study abroad. Savage later served as a director for the Harlem Community Center and created the monumental work The Harp for the 1939 New York World’s Fair. She spent most of her later years in Saugerties, New York, before her death from cancer in 1962.
The Urbaanite Nashville Lounge | Beer Garden
6 – 8 PM
Note: 21+
Visit 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.
Frist Learning Center
Black Arts Bash Visual Art Exhibition: Faces of the Community
Artist Panel | 5:00 pm
The 2025 Fine Arts Exhibition will spotlight portraits, showcasing works by both emerging and established artists. Selected portrait submissions will be displayed alongside a photography exhibition created especially for Black Arts Bash by local artists DaShawn Lewis and Kimberly Manson.
Food Vendors
10 AM – 8 PM
Soul of the City
Nashville Craft Beverage
Smoke Boss
10 AM – 3 PM
Radical Rabbit
CJ’s Smoked Wings
4 – 8 PM
U Got it Grubs
Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream
Arts and Goods Vendors
Massey Auditorium | 9 AM – 5 PM
Charles Lord
Threads by Dreads
Ellenelle Bridal (1 – 5 PM)
The Creativity Bar
ArJae Thompson
Lot B | 10 AM – 8 PM
Floradayleaf
Erihii Nyamor
Black Candle Company
Outside/In Home Décor
Friends of the William Edmondson Homesite
Dayo Art
Goddess on the Rise
Black Women in Music
Cheekwood and WNXP proudly present Black Women in Music at the 2025 Black Arts Bash! From 1 – 8 PM on the Arboretum Lawn Stage, experience a dynamic and diverse lineup of local Black female songwriters, vocalists, and performers. Join us for a powerful day of music, culture, and community. Check back for upcoming performer announcements!
Performance: Sankofa African Drum and Dance
Massey Auditorium | 12 PM and 2 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
Cheekwood and WNXP 91.1 FM are proud to present Black Women in Music. A dynamic and diverse lineup of local Black female songwriters, vocalists, and performers will take the stage throughout the festival to celebrate music, culture, and community.
Amber Ais | 1 – 1:45 PM
Amber Ais is an indie pop singer/songwriter. She aims to connect with listeners through her honest and relatable songwriting. She draws inspiration from artists like John Mayer, Julia Michaels, and Tori Kelly. Her lyrics are often described as genuine and like a page ripped from her own diary.
Kyleigh | 2:30 – 3:15 PM
With a sound that combines elements of R&B and alternative pop, Kyleigh has been writing songs featuring poignant and honest lyrics since she was 8 years old. R&B legends like Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, and Boyz II Men have shaped her style and influenced her sound.
Lizzie No | 3:45 – 4:30 PM
As a singer-songwriter, harpist, and guitarist, Lizzie No has established herself as one of the most exciting new voices in indie folk music. She has performed at the Newport Folk Festival, Americanafest, and South by Southwest, and classical arrangements of her songs have been performed at the Louisville Orchestra’s Festival of American Music and the Downtown Chamber Series.
SistaStrings | 5:30 – 6:15 PM
SistaStrings is a dynamic musical duo comprised of sisters Chauntee and Monique Ross. Their style features a blend of classical training, soulful melodies, and contemporary sounds. The Ross sisters are members of Brandi Carlile’s touring band and have performed with Joni Mitchell, Ed Sheeran, Maggie Rogers, Margo Price, Allison Russell, and Jason Isbell.
The New Respects | 7 – 8 PM
The New Respects is a family affair. The band consists of singer/guitarist Jasmine Mullen, her cousin, guitarist Zandy Mowry, and her brother, Darius Fitzgerald. They are part of the second generation of a successful musical family and were influenced by the gospel music they were surrounded by growing up. They will uplift audiences with their throwback pop-rock sound and catchy lyrics.
Art Activity: Learn about August Savage
Across from Botanic Hall | 9 AM – 3 PM
Born in Florida in 1892, Augusta Savage began creating art as a child by using the natural clay found in her hometown. After attending Cooper Union in New York City, she made a name for herself as a sculptor during the Harlem Renaissance and was awarded fellowships to study abroad. Savage later served as a director for the Harlem Community Center and created the monumental work The Harp for the 1939 New York World’s Fair. She spent most of her later years in Saugerties, New York, before her death from cancer in 1962.
Storytime with Dorena Williamson
Across from Botanic Hall | 10:00 am & 11:00 am
Dorena Williamson is a best-selling author of nine children’s books showing how differences are a delightful part of our humanity. She is a longtime bridge-builder and clergy in a multicultural faith community in Nashville. Her latest book, Every Breath, Every Blessing: Finding Hope on Tough Days, is being released on August 12.
Community Activity with Destiney Powell
Arboretum Lawn | 9 am – 4 pm
Nashville artist Destiney Powell has created a multigenerational piece in reference to the feeling of connection. Celebrate the women in your life by adding a petal, thread, or thought to this incredible artistic vision.
The Urbaanite Nashville Lounge
Beer Garden | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Note: 21+
Visit 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.
Black Arts Bash Visual Art Exhibition
Frist Learning Center Great Hall
Artist Panel | 5:00 pm
Black Arts Bash aims to elevate Black arts in all forms—performing, culinary, literary, and, in this space, visual. The 2025 Fine Arts Exhibition will spotlight portraits, showcasing works by both emerging and established artists. Selected portrait submissions will be displayed alongside a photography exhibition created especially for Black Arts Bash by local artists DaShawn Lewis and Kimberly Manson.
Food Vendors
Lot B | 10 AM – 8 PM
TBA
Arts and Goods Vendors
Lot B | 10 AM – 8 PM
Floradayleaf
Erihii Nyamor
Black Candle Company
Nailed My Nails
Outside/In Home Decor
Friends of the William Edmondson Homesite
Black Arts Bash
Fine Art Exhibition
Black Arts Bash aims to celebrate Black arts in all forms – performing, culinary, literary, and visual. Featuring both emerging and established artists, the 2025 Black Arts Bash Fine Arts Exhibition is part platform and part mentoring opportunity. This year’s show is centered on portraits. Help us fill the Frist Learning Center Great Hall with faces of the community.
