Summer Events
From Beethoven to Big & Rich, Nashville's got it
Beethoven Festival
For three weeks in June, the Nashville Symphony will play the very best of Beethoven—and nothing but Beethoven—in the courtyard in front of the War Memorial Auditorium. You'll be able to enjoy cocktails, conversation and appetizers while listening to fine classical music. Patrons will also be able to sit inside the hall, where they can eat a picnic at their own private table. The Symphony will hold six concerts starting June 17 and 18. For information and tickets, call 783-1212 or visit www.nashvillesymphony.org.
12th Annual Celtic Music Festival
The Scottish and Irish are coming to Tennessee June 5 for a day of traditional and contemporary Celtic music and dance. The festival will be held at Travellers Rest Plantation and Museum, the historic home built in 1799 for Tennessee Judge John Overton and his family. For tickets and information, call (866) 832-8197 or visit www.travellersrestplantion.org.
Movies in the Park
Every Wednesday night from June 1 to July 6, a free, family-friendly movie will be shown in the Centennial Park band shell. Pack a picnic, or buy food from a host of local restaurants. We can't tell you too much about the lineup, but here are a few hints: a lovable green monster, everybody's favorite arachnid, a bespectacled boy with special powers, a cartoon dog with a speech impediment.... To find out more, call the Movies in the Park Hotline at 244-7989, ext. 650.
Dukefest 2005
If you've been pining over the loss of the classic television show Dukes of Hazzard, then you're in luck, because on June 4 and 5 CMT Dukefest 2005 comes to Tennessee's Bristol Moto Speedway and Dragway for a cast member reunion. Ben Jones ("Cooter"), Catherine Bach ("Daisy Duke") and John Schneider ("Bo Duke") will be on hand to sign autographs and talk to fans. Dukefest will also feature stunt drivers, county music and drag racing. Yeehaw! For the latest updates on Dukefest, visit www.cootersplace.com or call (865) 430-9909.
Frist Fridays
The Frist Center and Fifth Third Bank kick off the popular Frist Fridays concert series on May 27 with Halcyon, a high-powered female folk-rock duo. The series continues the last Friday of each month with musical performances by some of Nashville's hottest bands. Light hors d'oeuvres, cash bars and full access to the Frist Center's exhibitions provide entertainment rain or shine. For information on the upcoming concerts, call 244-3340 or visit www.fristcenter.org.
Miller Lite Cannery Row Concert Series
This new concert series launches June 9, with a free Miller Lite-sponsored show featuring Cheap Trick and an autograph signing with NASCAR superstar Rusty Wallace. From June 18 on, the series will run every Saturday night through Aug. 27 in the Mercy Lounge's wide-open parking lot off Eighth Avenue South, which holds about 3,000 people. For the summer months, Brian Wagner hopes to turn the lot into a giant outdoor bar with tents, cheap beer and a railroad-yard backdrop for touring national acts, with just a $5 cover. Thus far, the only other confirmed act is the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, set for June 18.
CMA Country Music Festival
County music lovers can hardly wait until June 6-12, when all of their favorite acts will play The Coliseum. June 9 brings Dierks Bentley, Dolly Parton & The Grascals, LeAnn Rimes, Julie Roberts, Sugarland, Keith Urban, Phil Vassar & Lee Ann Womack. June 10 continues with Sara Evans, Josh Gracin, Alan Jackson, Craig Morgan, Rascal Flatts, SHeDAISY, Blake Shelton, & Travis Tritt. June 11 has Trace Adkins, Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Messina, Joe Nichols, Kenny Rogers, Wynonna, & Trisha Yearwood. Big & Rich, Cowboy Troy, Diamond Rio, Andy Griggs, Sawyer Brown, Van Zant, & Gretchen Wilson wrap it up on June 12.
Dancin' in the District
This well-loved concert series starts June 16. The lineup hasn't been officially announced yet, but Gavin DeGraw, Matt Wertz and Wichita Stallions are confirmed to make this another successful Dancin' year. The series will run every Thursday night at Riverfront Park.
