We are Indeed The City That Listens...
Sylvia Rapoport, Conservancy President
Two years ago, Conservancy Board Member Ben Armistead had a vision for a world-class outdoor musical epicenter located in Centennial Park. He believed that Nashville had long been recognized as a mecca for nimble pickers, sharp-eyed storytellers and big-voiced dreamers, but that it wasn’t just the talent and vision of Music City artists that made the town unique – it was Nashville’s sense of community. Ben enlisted the support of Mayor Dean, Paul Worley (Skyline Music), Jody Williams (BMI), John Styll (GMA) and Kristen Dabbs (Ten out of Tenn) and we collectively birthed Musicians Corner. The Conservancy, along with Metro Parks, is honored to be part of Nashville’s newest destination!
Inspired by Speakers Corner in London, Musicians Corner aspires to be a central point, free and open to all, where Music City will gather to perform and enjoy its music. Musicians Corner casts a wide net over Nashville’s increasingly diverse pool of talent. The series promises to be entertaining, challenging, compelling and fun, as each week unannounced performers, impromptu collaborations and audience contributions illustrate the diversity, passion and fellowship of Music City.
“The idea here is to look back 50, even 100 years from now, and see that Musicians Corner has become a legendary Nashville landmark. Diverse, organic and historic – an institution that is as local as it is global, and a touchstone for the lovers and makers of music.” Jody Williams, BMI, VPWriter/Publisher Relations
Situated in the Park’s southwest corner facing West End Avenue, the naturally sloping amphitheatre boasts the Parthenon as its atmospheric backdrop. Slated for every Saturday from 3 to 6 PM, each installment will feature a multicultural slice of world-class singers, songwriters and musicians – a definitive and delightfully surprising celebration of Music City’s artistic melting pot. A pastiche of musical performances featuring locally based favorites, original voices and surprising guests will be augmented by lifestyle, food and artisan vendors to create a community gathering space in Nashville’s Centennial Park. With support from Fifth Third Bank, Musicians Corner will run from July 10th through October 16th.
Musicians Corner in Centennial Park’s central location, open greenspace and easy access promises to become another star in Nashville’s crown, another reason to love our city. Its rich musical history – as host to musical performances of all kinds going back to the 1897 Centennial Exposition – is a vital part of Nashville’s heritage. Please join us when Mayor Dean “cuts the ribbon” at the Saturday, July 10th, inauguration of Musicians Corner!
For more information, please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com
Great Events Planned...
Hope Stringer, Board Chair
There may be hazy days of summer, but there are no lazy days of summer with The Conservancy…
As a support organization, The Conservancy is constantly trying to find new ways to improve the Parthenon and Centennial Park. We have gilded Athena; we have restored the maquettes (models of the pediment sculptures on the Parthenon exterior); we have strengthened educational programming; we are a conduit for grant monies; we have enabled the addition of an entablature model for the blind; we have nurtured a relationship with the Onassis Foundation for support of classical theatre; we have shepherded Centennial Park’s Master Plan.
The Conservancy is committed to broadening the vision for these treasures in our community and we are taking a bold step forward with our inaugural fundraiser. The Conservancy is planning an unforgettable evening in Nashville’s most memorable event venue. With a party under the leadership of Emme Baxter, Demetria Kalodimos, Clare Armistead, Jamie Stream, Ben Page, Bobby McAlpine and Ray Booth, you’ll surely want to mark your calendars for Saturday, November 6th - THE CONSERVANCY GALA: DESIGNS IN BLACK & WHITE. The focus is DESIGN, from the classical Parthenon to the complete revitalization of Centennial Park. The black tie event will benefit these two crown jewels. Julia Reed will be in town to emcee and Committee Chairs include Jacky Akbari, Lee Ann Anderson, Dianne Berry, Julie Boehm, Jean Bottorff, Lisa Campbell, Frannie Corzine, Beth Seigenthaler Courtney, Albie Del Favero, Beth Fortune, Julie Gordon, Jay Hardcastle, Trish Lindler, Sandra Lipman, Barbara Mayden, Robin Patton, Ann Shayne, Shirley Speyer, Emily Tidwell, Sukie Vaughan, Betsy Wills. We’re looking forward to a fun party for a great cause and we hope you’ll be there to celebrate with us!
Please join us Wednesday, July 14th at 5:30 PM, when Mayor Dean helps us honor the Byrd family for their generous donation to fully restore the John Thomas Monument in Centennial Park. This statue was the very first monument erected in the Park following the 1897 Exposition. As a leader of the Centennial Exposition and president of the railroad, John Thomas is certainly a Nashvillian to honor. We are grateful to the Byrd family for officially beginning the revitalization of Centennial Park.
Centennial Park’s Master Plan process is moving forward successfully and our final Public Meeting will take place Wednesday, July 14 at 6:30 PM in the Events Shelter of Centennial Park. This meeting is planned to immediately follow the unveiling of the restored John Thomas Monument. The principals from Gustafson, Guthrie & Nichols will present plans for the renovation of Centennial Park. This long range plan acknowledges the past and future simultaneously, respecting the traditions of our Park as a showcase for Nashville’s culture, arts and history. We hope that July 15th will offer an active, inclusive and responsive public process. This will be the third opportunity for community input - we encourage your participation. The best product results from the best client.