Live on the green in Music City USA

Nashville.  A city known originally as Country Music USA is slowly shifting its aura to a more modern, contemporary approach of crossover artists.  The launch of Live on the Green concert series proved this notion to be true with the soulful and fervent voices of Allen Stone and Andra Day.  A different crowd surfaced to embrace the melodious reverberations of these world-renowned artists.  One can’t help be entangled in their lyrical stories while gracefully meandering with the dance vibes of the crowd.  It’s a new age of Nashville that is refreshing as more and more people stake their claims in a city also known as Music City USA. 
 
According to Mayor Megan Barry, an estimated 10,000 people gathered for the free festival at Public Square Park.  Mayor Barry, the first woman mayor of Nashville, made her debut, just before Andra Day graced the stage, sharing factual information about the festival. How does a city put on a free festival with international artists you may ask?   It's under the direction of meritorious leadership who values it citizens, transplants and all,  and hears their quality of life needs.  Music does heal souls after all!  The fact that various organizations and corporations work together to create community is remarkable in and of itself.  Uber, RedBull, Transit Now Nashville, Double Tree, LP Field and more have all work together with the festival’s host, Lighting 100 to produce the free event since 2009.  Each year, attendance increases and vendors fill the streets surrounding Public Square Park all becoming components of a historic shift in Music City USA. 
 
Public Square Park is right in front of the Nashville Metro Courthouse.  This park is home to justice for all in Nashville.  Hosts of peaceful protests led by the #LGBT community and #BlackLivesMatter activists and much more have all gathered to digress and heal in this very location.  If you visit, this plot of land, you can surely feel the liberation and validation, as its ambiance never seems to leave.  Andra Day must’ve felt the emanation as she performed.  Her raspy, powerful, unique voice told the stories of so many victims of injustice ranging from Sandra Bland to Philando Castille.  An unexpecting and emotional audience gracefully received the vibes of the show and belted the words of Day’s most infamous song, Rise Up.  Spectators and listeners throughout the halls of downtown heard Day’s words so pleasantly that no void soul was left.  All could proclaim inspiration.  All could proclaim Music City USA is the wave of the future. 
 
For all of the friends who are wondering what's happening.  Nashville is happening at Live on the Green for the next few weekends!  Grace the green with your presence for the next few weeks.  See the schedule here. 

Photo Credits: Live on the Green