This summer, we gathered with our TPAC community via Zoom to learn about wine, cook a traditional African meal, discuss the importance of arts education, and even sing a few Broadway songs with friends.

Due to the popularity of those virtual events, we are headed back for an expanded TPAC Salon Series of free evening events starting Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

“We had so much fun earlier this year connecting with our donors and patrons through virtual experiences,” says Jennifer Turner, TPAC President and CEO. “People enjoyed the escape of cooking together, watching artist performances and spending time with our community partners. While we wait to reopen our theatres, this Salon Series helps maintain that connection while highlighting more of our impressive arts community.”

The free series will feature entertaining and interactive conversations that explore the diversity of Nashville’s arts and culture community.

Featuring special community guests, Nashville artists, and interactive activities – from sipping along with a sampler from Green Brier Distillery to learning to dance the Salsa – the Salon Series will invite participants into fun conversations between September and December of 2020.

Event descriptions and links for the first five events are below. For additional information, visit TPAC.org.

Whiskey is a science, bourbon is an art.
Tuesday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Andy and Charlie Nelson of Green Brier Distillery share the unknown story of how Louisa Nelson, one of the only women of her time to run a distillery, took over in 1891 and helped save the iconic beverage for almost two decades.

Ba de yah, dancing in September.
Tuesday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Tamar Smithers, Dr. Dina Bennett, Kara Duke, and Mr. Lucius “Spoonman” Talley take you through the evolution of African American music and preview the new National Museum of African American Music.

Dance like your Zoom camera is off.
Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Victor Berrios, President of the Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce, and special guests explore the Salsa and teach you some impressive dance moves perfect for the club… or the kitchen (cameras optional).

Inside Nashville’s visual arts scene
Tuesday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m.
You may have heard of the “Nashville Sound.” But is there a “Nashville” identity when it comes to the visual arts? Join TPAC’s Kristin Horsley; artist Omari Booker; artist Adrien Saporiti and Susan Tinney, founder and owner of Tinney Contemporary for a deep dive into what inspires Nashville’s artists, galleries and more.

So much more than cherry blossoms.
Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Host to one of 14 Consulates-General of Japan and “sister city” to Kamakura, Japan, Nashville celebrates its rich connection to Japanese culture each April with an annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Japanese culture expert Terry Vo and Ginger Byrn, the Director of Programs and Membership Development at the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, Inc., welcome a variety of special guests to showcase Japanese arts and culture in Nashville.

The TPAC Salon Series are free, reservation-only events. Tickets will not be distributed. The Zoom link and password will be emailed to registrants.