5th Annual Black Arts Bash Returns to Cheekwood in 2025

The following is a press release:

From morning to night, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens will celebrate
Black artists with music, visual art, dance, and more. Guests can explore and experience
Black traditions and artistic expression courtesy of a variety of activities and special
events.
The 5th annual Black Arts Bash will be on Saturday, August 16 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This
is the second of four multicultural festivals celebrated throughout the year at
Cheekwood. Tickets for Black Arts Bash are on sale now at cheekwood.org.
New this year, 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.
In addition to musical performances, guests can participate in a collaborative art
project, enjoy hands-on activities inspired by the work of Black female artists, a lounge
featuring African American-owned spirits brands, homecooked favorites made by local
Black chefs, and storytime with a local author. The event also includes the premiere of
the Faces of the Community Fine Arts Exhibition, a portrait exhibition featuring local
artists.
Black Women in Music
Arboretum Lawn | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Amber Ais | 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
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 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
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 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
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 p.m. – 8 p.m.
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.
The Urbaanite Nashville Lounge
Beer Garden | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Long-time Black Arts Bash collaborator Urbaanite is returning to host an exciting and
educational cocktail tasting experience featuring African American-owned spirits
brands. The 21+ crowd can enjoy free samples while a DJ keeps the music and fun going.
It’s a perfect place to hang out and socialize before catching the evening’s headline
musical performance.
Faces of the Community Fine Arts Exhibition
Frist Learning Center Great Hall | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
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. The
exhibition opens concurrently with Black Arts Bash on August 16 and runs through August
29. Artists interested in participating in the exhibition can still submit their work. For more

information visit: https://cheekwood.org/learn/school-programs/black-arts-bash-fine-
art-exhibition/

The Faces of the Community Fine Arts Exhibition is supported by the William Rollins Fund
for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
Collaborative Art Project
Arboretum Lawn | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Join Nashville artist Destiney Powell to create a mural celebrating Black women. Powell’s
work is inspired by the experiences of Black women and features a vibrant and
imaginative twist. She will create the design of the mural, and guests will fill in the colors.
She will be on-hand to assist with the completion of the project.
Special Performance – Sankofa African Drum and Dance
Massey Auditorium | 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Join Sankofa African Drum and Dance group for a heart-pounding performance
featuring traditional African drumming and dance. Sankofa is a Tennessee-based
performing arts company whose mission is to rally communities around the beat of the
drum to unify, heal, and inspire.
Art Activity
Across from Botanic Hall | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Guests of all ages will have the chance to use their creative skills to create cardboard
relief portraits inspired by Augusta Savage’s sculptures. Savage was a sculptor
associated with the Harlem Renaissance who worked for equal rights for African
Americans in the arts.
Storytime with Dorena Williamson
Across from Botanic Hall | 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
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.
Food Vendors
Homecooked favorites provided by local Black chefs from will be available in Lot B from
10 a.m. – 8 p.m. An exciting lineup of local food trucks will offer tasty fare including
sandwiches, burgers, and barbecue.

Arts and Goods Vendors
Local artisans will sell their creations in Lot B from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ticket Information
Black Arts Bash is free for Cheekwood members. For not-yet members, tickets for adults
cost $20, and youth (3-17) are free. All tickets include access to the Historic Mansion &
Museum. Visit Cheekwood.org to reserve tickets. Reserving a timed-entry ticket in
advance is required for all guests. During busy seasons and events, Cheekwood may
reach parking capacity. If parking capacity is reached, walk-up tickets will only be
available for those utilizing rideshare services.