Frist Fridays, the Frist Center’s popular summer concert series presented by Fifth Third Bank, kicks off May 25 with special musical guest, Junior Brown, performing live in the Turner Courtyard.
Now in its fifth year, the series, which runs on the final Friday evening of each month through October from 6 to 9:00 p.m., has quickly become a Nashville tradition, attracting visitors of all ages from Middle Tennessee and beyond. Patrons can enjoy an evening of live music, food and beverages as well as visit the diverse exhibitions on view in the Frist Center’s galleries. Frist Fridays will be offered rain or shine.
Friday, May 25
Junior Brown (www.juniorbrown.com), armed with his now-famous guit-steel – a custom double-necked hybrid of a six-string guitar and lap-steel – takes his audience on a musical journey, performing a rich-layered set that mixes the best of country, blues, Tex-Mex, Western swing, rock and roll and countless other shades of electrified American music. Junior is backed by his outstanding band that includes his wife Tanya Rae on rhythm guitar. Visitors may also view a portrait of Junior Brown that is featured in the exhibition, Jim McGuire: The Nashville Portraits, on view at the Frist Center May 11 through September 9.
Additional Frist Fridays performers:
June 29: Webb Wilder
www.webbwilder.com
Mississippi native Webb Wilder entertains audiences with soulful performances, rich with rock ‘n’ roll and rustic wit and character. The Associated Press describes his live show as “a glorious amalgamation of grunge chords, killer grooves, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins theatrics, a healthy sense of humor, and great pop melodies.”
July 27: Anthony David
www.anthonydavidmusic.com
Georgia-based singer/songwriter Anthony David creates soulful urban tunes inspired by the human experience. His immaculate blend of blues, R&B, and hip-hop creates a distinct sound that breaks open a new dimension of soul music.
August 31: Lee Roy Parnell
www.leeroyparnell.com
Lee Roy Parnell, the Texas-born and -bred country hitmaker with an ornery streak of southern rock ‘n’ soul ‘n’ blues in his system, will perform at a special Frist Fridays co-sponsored by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
September 28: Afinke Orchestra
www.myspace.com/afinkemusic
Afinke Orchestra brings energy, style, and rhythm to the stage, performing hits of well-known Latin artists such as: El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Grupo Niche, Celia Cruz, Oscar de León, among other stirring revolutionary classics. Taking their infectious grooves and driving rhythm, the 12-piece orchestra has headlined numerous festivals throughout the southeast. The orchestra’s multi-cultural background features members hailing from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Sweden and the Americas.
October 26: Guilty Pleasures
The Guilty Pleasures, featuring Michael “Grimey” Grimes and his rock ‘n’ roll band, launch a non-stop dance party to those 1980’s hits everyone loves to hate! Enjoy this evening with one of Nashville’s long time favorite cover bands.
“Frist Fridays inspires your spirit with the great sounds of talented musicians and views of astounding artwork,” says Connie White, marketing director of Fifth Third Bank. “Fifth Third invites you to visit the Frist Center and enjoy evenings of fun and fascinating art.”
Admission
Admission to Frist Fridays is free for Frist Center members and to visitors 18 years and younger. General adult admission for non-members is $8.50, $7.50 for seniors and military, and $6.50 for college students with ID.
Event Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor is Fifth Third Bank; Contributing Sponsors are Junior League of Nashville and Southwest Airlines; Media Sponsors are Nashville Scene and Lightning 100.