The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp has organized a webpage solely dedicated to the August 21 Solar Eclipse, when the moon will entirely block the sun for a period in early afternoon (see below).
The local website includes viewing parties, vacation packages, a real-time countdown and a Spotify playlist includes titles like Kenny Chesney’s “When The Sun Goes Down,” Johnny Cash’s “You Are My Sunshine,” Dolly Parton’s “Shine Like The Sun” and The Black Keys’ “Everlasting Light.”
Not only is this the first total solar eclipse to sweep across the entire United States in 99 years, but it is the first total eclipse in mid-day, modern day Nashville since July of 1442, 575 years ago. The next total eclipse in Nashville is anticipated in 549 years with two annular eclipses until then: March 26, 2267, and March 27, 2294.
To celebrate, many Nashville establishments are hosting events, including a FGL House rooftop party, offering no cover beginning at 11 a.m.
The George Jones Museum will also begin events at 11 a.m. with live music, a limited edition Nashville “No Show” Eclipse tee, Blue Moon drink specials, free access to the world-famous George Jones Museum all day, eclipse glasses, contests and giveaways, and more.
The Grand Ole Opry has added two shows to make five events through the weekend of Aug 18-20 with Sunday’s events billed as the Total Eclipse Show with Little Big Town, Darius Rucker, Wynonna, Charles Esten and more to be added. A Total Eclipse Plaza Party will be held day-of, beginning at 11 a.m. with live music on the Plaza stage, commemorative gifts and eclipse glasses, and an array of themed food and drink, including specialty eclipse cocktails.
The Nashville Sounds, in conjunction with Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Metro Government, the Metro Sports Authority, and the Adventure Science Center, will host a viewing party at First Tennessee Park at 10:30 a.m., including music from the Nashville Symphony, science demonstrations with hands-on activities from the Adventure Science Center. A separate Sounds baseball game against the Iowa Cubs will follow at 4:05 p.m., after the park is cleared. Seating for the viewing party is first-come, first-served basis (excluding club level and group areas) and solar glasses will be distributed. Tickets are $5.70.
AJ’s Good Time Bar is hosting a $125-per-person event, including eclipse viewing glasses, t-shirt, BBQ lunch, commemorative poster, 2 drink tickets and more.
#MUSICCITYECLIPSE DETAILS FOR DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE
Partial eclipse begins: 11:58 a.m. CT
Start of totality: 1:27 p.m. CT
Total eclipse duration: 1 minute 55 seconds
End of totality: 1:29 p.m. CT
Partial eclipse ends: 2:54 p.m. CDT
Note: Never look at the uneclipsed sun without approved solar glasses or solar shades. Permanent blindness can occur. The Visitors Corp. recommends Rainbow Symphony- or American Paper Optics-brand eyewear and has approved protection at their Bridgestone Arena storefront. Visit nasa.gov for more info.
Category: Featured
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Eric T. Parker oversees operations and contributes editorial for MusicRow's print magazine, MusicRow.com, the RowFax tip sheet and the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart. He also facilitates annual events for the enterprise, including MusicRow Awards, CountryBreakout Awards and the Rising Women on the Row. eparker@musicrow.com | @EricTParkerView Author Profile