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Brave. New. Art.
As if that wasn’t enough to capture your attention, I want to share a new discovery I’ve made in Nashville that involves art, family and an old, musical friend.
Actually, I should clarify: I’m not talking about a musical friend that’s old; I’m talking about a musical act that we invited into our family back when our kids were just wee little ones. And nearly a decade after discovering these uniquely talented musicians on TV (via Disney Junior), we get to meet them this weekend at the first Family day at OZ Nashville!
But I’m getting ahead of myself…
As a new mom that grew up as an only child, I wasn’t exposed to many things that were child-centered. So when my kids came around within 19 months of each other, the only media I trusted to entertain them (on a limited and appropriate basis, naturally) was Sesame Street & Disney Junior. Aside from annoying commercials on other stations, I just couldn’t stomach most of the juvenile, syrupy-sweet music they tried to jam into my kids’ heads.
Being a globe-trotting, city girl myself, I craved something different to dance along to in our living room and put on repeat in the mini-van.
And then I saw it…
During a break between shows on Disney Junior, I caught a glimpse of quirkily dressed musicians gathering with their instruments on the steps of a New York apartment. Their infectious music and attitudes not only captured my attention, but my kids’ as well. As they turned an average day into a dance party on screen, we quickly followed suit in our own home.
That became the day we started following Dan Zanes and Friends.
As I told my friends they didn’t have to listen to ‘kids’ music anymore, but rather good music that kids liked, I discovered my friends had been holding out on me, keeping their playlists and CD collections to themselves that already included hit songs like “House Party Time“, “Jump Up” & “Wonderwheel”.
But I did not make that same mistake…and I won’t allow you to fall into the same fate!
In fact, you and your family cannot only hear Dan Zanes & Friends in person this weekend, but you can experience their show at a new venue for “Brave New Art” here in Nashville: OZ.
As if the name “OZ” isn’t already oddly welcoming, intriguing and familiar, then just wait until you see it.
As the first contemporary arts institution in the region, OZ is transforming the cultural landscape of Nashville. Though OZ supports the creative explorations of leading artists from around the world and inspires curious audiences of all ages through a year-round program of performing and visual arts events, I’m THRILLED to announce that their first EVER family day is happening THIS WEEKEND!
Not only will the OZ Family Day include a performance by the afore-mentioned Dan Zanes & Friends, but families will also be treated to over 20 different family-friendly booths, artisans and activities, including community partners like:
Confeastador – yummy tacos and more
Country Music Hall of Fame – instrument petting zoo
Hip Hues -silkscreening bandanas and T-shirts
Hoss’ Loaded Burgers – famous stuffed burgers
Bryce McCloud – printmaking
Crankee’s Pizzeria – personal pizzas
Moves and Grooves – learn choreography to Dan Zanes’ music
Nashville Shakespeare Festival – fun Shakespeare recitation
NMAAM – make a guitar out of a cigar box
Oasis Center – cyanotype prints
Playing by Air – juggling for all
Plaza Art – abstract painting on canvas
ReMake Art – community weaving with recycled materials
Andee Rudloff – 45×4 painted mural
DH&H Sno Cone – icy cold treats
Star Education – record your own CD
Two Guys in a Lunchbox – melt-in-your-mouth grilled cheese
Your Heart on Art – oil pastels and canvas project
Harpeth Art Center – bisque clay magnets
Watoto Memphis – onstage performance with Dan Zanes and Friends
Tennessee Board of Regents – iPad table and apps
Clay Lady Studio – community clay project
Jeni’s – splendid ice creams
(Keep in mind, food truck offerings are made available for additional purchase)
OZ Nashville Family Day Details
What: OZ Family Day
When: 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 9 (Dan Zanes and Friends will perform at 2 p.m.)
Where: 6172 Cockrill Bend Circle in Nashville, TN
Cost: Tickets, $25 for people age 13 and up (free for those 12 and under), can be purchased online at www.oznashville.com
OZ Nashville Family Day Ticket Giveaway
The good news is that FOUR of you (that’s right 4 families!) can each win a family 4-pack of tickets to this weekend’s first ever Family Day at OZ Nashville. Starting today, I’ll be doing a rolling giveaway, giving away a family 4-pack of tickets each day through Friday. That means the earlier you enter, the more chances you have to win!
Before you enter, please make sure to use a valid email address (winners will receive their tickets through Eventbrite) and only enter if you know you will be in Nashville on Saturday, August 9 to attend the OZ Family Day.
I have multiple ways for you to enter via Rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck and can’t wait to see ALL of you with your families at OZ Nashville this Saturday!
6 comments
My boys are pretty excited about printing their own tshirt and helping paint the wall mural.
Thanks for writing this article and offering the contest. Looks like a great place and a fun family day!
This sounds like something my family would love! We love art and music!!
Would love to hear Dan Zanes.
I am looking forward to seeing OZ and being among so many Nashville families.
Sounds like a neat event for the family!