America’s Music: Celebrating Black History Month & America 250
This month, the Nashville Jazz Workshop presents a celebration of American history through sound.
Jazz embodies resilience, innovation, and community—a history written in rhythm. To mark Black History Month and the America 250 initiative, we are launching "America's Music: A Black History Month Jazz Retrospective."
With support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and Velvet Chill, this four-part series traces the evolution of American music over the last century. We are honoring the Black innovators who built the foundation for the sounds we hear today by exploring the music in the context of the era in which it was born.
A Musical Timeline
The programming moves chronologically through the defining eras of the art form. We begin with the foundational swing of the 1920s, move into the spiritual power of the Black Gospel tradition, explore the electric experimentation of the Funk/Fusion era, and culminate in the modern dialogue between Jazz and Hip-Hop.
Community Partnership: Connecting History & Youth
NJW is proud to partner with John Early Middle School for this series to foster the next generation of arts appreciators. Through this collaboration, NJW is providing free access for John Early students, teachers, and their families to attend every concert.
Additionally, students will play an active role in the programming. During the pre-concert lecture for each event, a John Early student will present a brief historical overview, setting the scene by describing the societal and historical landscape of America during the specific musical era being showcased.
Sponsor Spotlight: Velvet Chill
We are incredibly grateful for the support of Velvet Chill, a local Black-owned business helping make this series possible.
"Music has always told powerful stories—stories of joy, struggle, innovation, and freedom," says Kimberly Ross, Founder of Velvet Chill. "Velvet Chill is proud to support the Nashville Jazz Workshop during Black History Month and to contribute, as a Black-owned business, to spaces where those stories continue to be shared and celebrated."
The Schedule
Sunday, Feb 8: The Swing Era (1920s-40s)
Artist: The Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra
Guest Lecturer: Dr. Robbie Fry (Vanderbilt University)
Experience the big band sounds that defined a generation.
Doors open at 6:30 PM. Pre-concert talks begin at 7:00 PM. Music starts at 7:30 PM.
Friday, Feb 20: The Black Gospel Tradition
Artist: Hamilton Hardin
Guest Lecturer: Dr. Cedric Dent (MTSU)
Exploring the deep spiritual roots that underpin jazz and soul.
Doors open at 6:30 PM. Pre-concert talks begin at 7:00 PM. Music starts at 7:30 PM.
Friday, Feb 27: The Link Between Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Beyond
Artist: Mike Hicks
A look at how modern artists are reinterpreting the jazz tradition.
Saturday, Feb 28: The Funk & Fusion Era (1960s-80s)
Artist: Joseph Wooten
The era of electrification, groove, and boundary-pushing fusion.
