Musical Gifts 2026
A Giving Tuesday Benefit Concert and Tree Lighting Experience
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
National Museum of African American Music
Doors 6 PM | Show 6:30 PM
Celebrate the season of giving with Nashville’s largest Giving Tuesday celebration! The National Museum of African American Music welcomes our Nashville community back for the fourth annual Musical Gifts Benefit Concert & Tree Lighting Celebration — a special evening where music, community, and generosity come together to support the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of African American music.
This year’s Musical Gifts will feature special musical tributes honoring the legendary artists, innovators, and cultural trailblazers whose contributions are celebrated throughout NMAAM’s galleries, including:
Wade in the Water: Richard Smallwood
Crossroads: Dolly Parton
A Love Supreme: Cassandra Wilson
One Nation Under a Groove: D’Angelo
The Message: Tay Keith
Join us as we pay homage to the sounds, stories, and artists who have shaped generations of music.
Come celebrate the music. Honor the legacy. Give the gift of preserving Black music.
$100,000
2026 Giving Tuesday Goal
Your generosity funds music education for Nashville students. Last year NMAAM put music education in front of more than 25,000 students and educators across Metro Nashville. Every new gift is matched dollar for dollar by the NMAAM Board of Directors, up to $50,000, through December 31. Your $25 becomes $50. Your $350 becomes $700.
Free Registration · $0
Everyone is welcome, regardless of ability to give.
- Full access to all event spaces and programming
- Five live tribute performances
- Tree lighting ceremony with Black Santa
- Interactive exhibits in the Rivers of Rhythm gallery
- Local vendors and craft marketplace
- Livestream on YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn
Choose this so we know to expect you!
Friend of Musical Gifts · $25
Start here. Every gift funds music education for Nashville students.
- Everything in Free Registration
- Your name on our digital donor recognition scroll
- Musical Gifts 2026 digital thank-you card
- Your contribution counts toward our $100,000 Giving Tuesday goal
Supporter of Musical Gifts · $55
Fifty-five dollars for our fifth anniversary year.
- Everything above
- Reserved seating area in the Main Concourse
- Your name read aloud in the livestream donor roll during the program
Advocate of Musical Gifts · $125
Come in early, and see your name in print.
- Everything above
- Priority entry at 5:45 PM
- Your name printed in the Musical Gifts program
Champion of Musical Gifts · $350
Join our leadership circle and meet the artists.
- Everything above
- Priority seating for two in the reserved section
- Exclusive artist and artifact commemorative toast
Eighth Note Patron · $750
One step from our patron circle, with a year of membership included.
- Everything above
- Recognition in our post-event social coverage
- Contributing Club Membership with four guest passes
Quarter Note Patron · $1,500
Reserved seating, recognition from the stage, and a full year of benefits.
- Everything above
- Reserved VIP seating for four
- Stage recognition by level
- Name listing and post-event social recognition
- Contributing Club membership with six guest passes
100% of Your Donation Supports Our Mission
Every contribution directly funds NMAAM's education programs, community initiatives, and our work to preserve and celebrate the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music. Last year, Musical Gifts raised over $100,000, making it possible for thousands of students to experience our museum and programs.
Interested in Higher Giving Levels?
Individual Patron and Corporate Sponsorship opportunities are available at the $1,500, $3,000, and $5,000 levels with enhanced benefits including year-round NMAAM membership, private museum tours, and prominent recognition.
For more information, please visit https://www.nmaam.org
510 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203
Discounted Parking Available