The Nashville Symphony Free Day of Music is set for Sept 27, with four stages of music throughout the day.
(Photo:
Submitted
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With so many free, fun activities on the calendar between Labor Day and Thanksgiving, I don’t want you — or me — to miss anything.
So, I have put together my annual “Ms. Cheap’s Guide to Fall” to keep us all on track.
Everything on my list is free, so you can fill your calendars with fall fun without spending a cent — everything from wonderful concerts and interesting festivals to hikes and nature events, astronomy nights, history happenings and much more.
MUSIC
• The Live on the Green concert series has a special three-day music fest set for Sept. 4-6 at Public Square Park outside the Metro Courthouse. It is Thursday and Friday nights and all day and into the night on Saturday, with the lineup including internationally known U.K. songsmith Jake Bugg, as well as Nashville’s own The Wild Feathers, Daniel Ellsworth & the Great Lakes, Sugar and the Hi-Lows and PHIN. www.liveonthegreen.net.
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• The Nashville Symphony Free Day of Music is set for 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept 27, with four stages of music throughout the day and the Nashville Symphony performing a family-friendly concert at noon in the Laura Turner Concert Hall. There also will be a Belmont University Singer Songwriter Showcase, a Youth Orchestra festival, an organ recital and more. www.nashvillesymphony.org.
• The Nashville Symphony will take its instrument “petting zoo” to the Nashville Public Library branches. The symphony will perform and then allow audience members to check out the instruments. These free shows are at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Green Hills branch (3801 Benham Ave.); 6 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Old Hickory branch (1010 Jones St.); 10 a.m. Oct. 8 at the North branch (1001 Monroe St.); 10:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Inglewood branch (4312 Gallatin Road); 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Madison branch (610 Gallatin Pike); 10 a.m. Oct. 25 at the Main Library (615 Church St.); 10:30 a.m. Oct. 14 at the Bordeaux branch (4000 Clarksville Pike); 10:30 a.m. Oct. 6 at the Donelson branch (2315 Lebanon Road); 4:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Edmondson Pike branch (5501 Edmondson Pike); and 4 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Edgehill branch (1409 12th Ave. S.). www.library.nashville.org.
Singer-songwriter Marshall Chapman is among the performers in the Nashville Public Library’s free Courtyard Concert series this season. Chapman will perform Sept. 9.
(Photo:
Samuel M. Simpkins / File / The Tennessean
)
• Nashville Public Library’s free Courtyard Concert Series takes place 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesdays in the courtyard of the downtown Metro Library at 615 Church St. The lineup features Annie Sellick and the Hot Club of Nashville on Sept. 2; a Songwriters Session featuring Marshall Chapman, David Olney and RB Morris performing an acoustic set on Sept. 9; Western music and comedy from Riders in the Sky Sept. 16; pop and country singer Mandy Barnett on Sept. 23; Mr. Sipp, the Mississippi Blues Child (aka Castro Coleman) on Sept. 30; and Latin jazz from the San Rafael Band on Oct. 7. The concerts, which appeal to all ages, will move inside the library if it rains. www.library.nashville.org/courtyardconcerts.
• The Nashville Public Library has two free classical guitar concerts at the main library, 615 Church St. They are at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 21 with Edel Munoz; and at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 19 with Marko Feri. www.library.nashville.org.
• The Jazz on the Cumberland concert series takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month at Cumberland Park on the east side of the river. Scheduled performers are Dana Robbins on Sept. 21 and Jason Eskridge and Friends on Oct. 19. 615-862-8400.
• The multi-genre Musicians Corner fall season takes place noon-5 p.m. on Saturdays in Centennial Park through Oct. 25. The first of these fun Saturday afternoon lawn parties is Sept. 6, with Robert Earl Keen, Emily West and Roots of a Rebellion. The rest of the lineup features Erin McCarley, Marc Scibilia and Vinyl Thief on Sept. 13; the American Music Festival with Over the Rhine, Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, The Brothers Comatose on Sept. 20; Josh Rouse, Gabe Dixon, Mike Hicks & The Funk Puncs on Sept. 27; Melinda Doolittle, Fairfield Four and Revolfusion on Oct. 4; Dave Barnes, J.C. Brooks & The Uptown Sound, The Soil and the Sun on Oct. 11; Oktoberfest with the Delta Saints, The Vesters and Kink Ador on Oct. 18; and Andrew Combs, Andrew Ripp and Blackfoot Gypsies on Oct. 25. There also is one special Sunday event on Oct. 19, with Chris Stapleton, Steve Moakler and Magnolia Sons. Pre-show entertainment and the “Kidsville” programs start at noon, and the music is from 1:30 to 5 p.m. www.musicianscornernashville.com.
• Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music fall calendar is loaded with free offerings, and there is even free valet parking for most of its concerts. Here are some of the highlights:
The “Mozart Sonatas for Piano and Violin” series, performed by pianist Craig Nies and violinist Carolyn Huebl has performances at 8 p.m. Sept. 5 and Oct. 26.
Sept. 6: The Signature Series “Blair Voices” concert offers a lighter, more accessible repertoire of music, with the audience on the stage with the performers. Plus, there will be dessert and coffee. 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 12: The Vanderbilt Orchestra concert should be a good choice, since it includes the Vanderbilt Chorale and Symphonic Choir, too. 6 p.m.
Sept. 13: A concert honors Roland Schneller, who has been teaching at Blair for all of Blair’s 50 years! Some of his current and former piano students will perform a concert in his honor. 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 27: Blair will present a concert featuring Susan Graham, a Grammy-winning opera star, who has been dubbed “America’s favorite mezzo” by Gramophone magazine. 8 p.m.
Oct. 4: The Blair String Quartet will perform, introducing new first violinist Stephen Miahky. 8 p.m.
Oct. 29: If you like clarinet, mark your calendar for this concert featuring guest artist David Shifrin. I’m told that Shifrin is arguably the most important clarinetist of our day, and that he will be joined by Blair clarinet professor Bil Jackson for a “finger-bending” duet. 8 p.m.
Nov. 1:“Cornelia Heard and Friends” includes a lot of special guests, including a family ensemble performance with bassist Edgar Meyer (her husband) and their son, violinist George Meyer. The concert is at 8 p.m.
Nov. 14 (7:30 p.m.) and Nov. 16 (2 p.m.): The Vanderbilt Opera Theatre and University Orchestra present Johann Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus.”
All of these concerts take place at the Blair School of Music at 2400 Blakemore Ave. Details: 615-322-7651 or http://blair.vanderbilt.edu.
• Belmont School of Music has an impressive fall lineup:
There is a Back to School Alumni Concert at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 in Massey Concert Hall. (It’s free, but you need a ticket: www.belmont.edu/music.)
On Sept. 25 is the Woods Piano Concert Series, which will feature Vadym Kholodenko, winner of the gold medal at the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
There are faculty concerts on scattered Monday nights, where you can hear a variety of performances featuring Belmont faculty. On Sept. 15, it is Bruce Dudley and Friends with “The Modern Jazz Quartet — A Retrospective.”
The 27th Belmont Camerata series featuring the Belmont faculty chamber ensemble has two fall offerings: Sept. 29, “A trio of Quartets”; and Oct. 27, “Camerata Potpourri.” Both are at 7:30 p.m. in the Belmont Mansion.
The Belmont University Symphony Orchestra will play at McAfee Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9, or you can catch Belmont Pops at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 in Massey Concert Hall.
Details on Belmont concerts: 615-460-6408 or www.belmont.edu/music.
• Lipscomb University has a fine lineup, too.
On Sept. 15, the United States Navy Band Country Current (country bluegrass group) will play in Collins Auditorium, at 7:30 p.m. This concert is free, but tickets are required. To order tickets, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to U.S. Navy Band Country Current Concert, Allen Arena Box Office, Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204. Write the number of tickets (up to six) requested in the top left-hand corner of the envelope. Tickets are also available at the door 10 minutes before the concert starts.
On Oct. 23, the “Moonlight and Serenades” program at 7:30 p.m. will feature vocal soloists in a recital of music to be sung on a balcony in the moonlight. Readings from “Romeo and Juliet” and “Cyrano de Bergerac” will be interspersed between the songs. It is in Ward Hall on campus. For additional information, contact the music department at 615-966-5932 or 1-800-333-4358, ext. 5932.
The Trevecca Symphony Orchestra will play a concert at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Woodbine Baptist Church, 29 Whitsett Road. On 7 p.m. Nov. 4, the Trevecca Wind Ensemble will play a concert at Tarter Student Activity Center, and at 7 p.m. Nov. 11, there is a TNAZ Jazz Concert at Tarter center.
On Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m., the Madrigalians and the Trevecca Symphony Orchestra will play a concert at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Ave. And at 7 p.m. Nov. 20, there is an Acoustic Guitar Concert in Wakefield Auditorium on campus. Details on Trevecca events: 615-248-1200 or www.trevecca.edu.
Tennessee State University has a strong fall schedule of free music, including an Oct. 4 concert where TSU will host the National Association of Composers Festival of new music in the Performing Arts Center, ET Goins Recital Hall; There is also an Oct. 28 TSU University Orchestra concert at 7 p.m., in the Performing Arts Center in Goins Hall, and on Oct 29, the TSU Aristocrat of Bands will have its Fall Concert at 7 p.m. in Kean Hall.
TSU’s November calendar includes: the TSU Jazz Collegians big band concert at 7 p.m., on Nov. 18 in the Performing Arts Center in Goins Hall, and a Nov. 20 TSU Choirs concert at 7 p.m., in the Cox-Lewis Theater and Music Hall. Details: 615-963-5341 or www.tnstate.edu/music.
The Fisk Jubilee Singers will perform at 10 a.m. Oct. 6 as part of the Jubilee Day Convocation in Fisk Memorial Chapel on the Fisk University campus.
(Photo:
Larry McCormack / The Tennessean
)
• The Fisk Jubilee Singers will perform at 10 a.m. Oct. 6 as part of the Jubilee Day Convocation in Fisk Memorial Chapel on the Fisk University campus. 615-329-8744.
• Middle Tennessee State University’s School of Music has some great offerings, too:
Sept. 18: The MTSU Wind Ensemble, which is the premier performing ensemble for wind, brass and percussion students at the university, will play at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 19: The MTSU Symphony Orchestra plays at 4 p.m. The orchestra also will play at 8 p.m. Nov. 23, performing Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 15, with pianist Arunesh Nadgir.
Oct. 30: The MTSU Jazz Ensemble I has a 7:30 p.m. concert.
All performances are in Hinton Music Hall of the Wright Music Building on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro. Details: 615-898-2493 or see www.mtsumusic.com for the full calendar of events.
• The Music for Seniors Concert Series offers three fall concerts: 1:30 p.m. Sept. 16, Journey of Faith vocal quartet at FiftyForward Donelson Station, 108 Donelson Pike; 10 a.m. Oct. 15, Roy “Futureman” Wooton, presenting “Mozart and the Gospel” at East Park Community Center, 601 Russell St.; and 1:30 p.m. Nov. 20, John England and the Western Swingers at Brentwood Family YMCA, 8207 Concord Road. www.musicforseniors.org.
• There is a free outdoor concert by the Williamson County Community Band at 5 p.m. Sept 7 at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. The band also will play at 5 p.m. Sept. 21 in Thompson’s Station Park, 1513 Thompson’s Station Road West. 615-790-5719, ext. 30, or www.wcparksandrec.com.
• The Arts Alliance of Middle Tennessee is hosting a “Summerfest” Singer/Songwriter night from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Charlie Daniels Park in Mt. Juliet, with performances by Justin and Jamie Zimmer, Suzanne Kerr-Herring and Rick Herring and Tyler House. 615-415-1740.
• Our Middle Tennessee wineries have great musical offerings:
Beachaven Winery in Clarksville has its Jazz on the Lawn series. On Sept. 13, it is Tina Brown; on Sept. 27, it is the Clarksville Jazz Quintet; on Oct. 11, Midnight Riders; and Oct. 25, Handsome White Boyz. The concerts are 6:30-9:30 p.m. No outside wine. 931-645-8867, www.beachavenwinery.com.
The Sumner Crest Winery in Portland has fall concerts, including the annual Cruise-In with Four on the Floor playing on Sept. 20, and a BBQ Blues and Rock and Roll night with Skip Bond and the Fugitives playing from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 4. No outside wine. www.beachavenwinery.com or 615-325-4086.
Arrington Vineyards in Arrington has its “Music in the Vines” outdoor music on Fridays and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons through November. 615-395-0102, www.arringtonvineyards.com.
• Greater Gallatin puts on a free “3rd Thursday on Main” outdoor concert in downtown Gallatin from 6:30 to 9 p.m. through October. It’s Jonell Mosser on Sept. 18 and Savannah Jack on Oct. 16. 615-452-5692 or www.mainstreetgallatin.com.
• Goodlettsville’s Music on Main is 6:30-8 p.m. Sept.18 on the lawn next to City Hall on Main Street, with the country and Southern rock band Harlan County Line performing and food trucks on site. Goodlettsville City Hall is at 105 S. Main St.
• Downtown Murfreesboro’s Friday Night Live series continues with a concert from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 5, featuring The O’Donnells. Bring your own lawn chair. www.downtownmurfreesboro.com.
• The Third Friday Night Concert series at Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro features the Hands of Time on Sept. 19 and The Mary Howell Band on Oct. 17. Both are from 7 to 9 p.m., and there should be dancing, too. 615-890-0355.
• Metro Parks/Victor Chatman Productions’ Brown Bag Lunch series continues at 11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays through Oct. 9 at Centennial Park’s Event Shelter. 615-578-7525
The Brentwood Library, 8109 Concord Road, has some great music once a month on Sunday afternoons.
On Sept 21, at 4 p.m., Nashville Symphony music director Giancarlo Guerrero and pianist Dr. Williams DeVan will present a program, where Guerrero will talk about the importance of music and DeVan will perform a piano recital with comments along the way.
On Oct. 26, it is “Music from the Backyard & Front Porch” featuring Lauren Pelon in a show that features the songs and instruments of America’s many immigrants. 3 p.m.
On Nov. 2, it’s the “Andre and The Heartsounds Concert” featuring Dr. Andre Churchwell and The Heartsounds, as they perform classics from The Great American Songbook. 3 p.m.
All of these Brentwood Library concerts are free, but registration is required. 615-371-0090, ext. 8510, or https://brentwood-tn.org/library.
• Smyrna Parks has a “Music at the Mill”concert at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12, featuring the band Missy Garnett and the $2 Pistols at Gregory Mill Park. www.townofsmyrna.org or 615-459-9773.
Reach Ms. Cheap at 615-259-8282. Follow her at www.tennessean.com/mscheap, at Facebook.com/mscheap and on Twitter @Ms_Cheap, and catch her every Thursday at 11 a.m. on WTVF-Channel 5′s “Talk of the Town.