Every year around now, we’re all gearing up to celebrate Independence Day — planning for burgers, drinks, fireworks, maybe a trip downtown for the massive Let Freedom Sing festivities.
In East Nashville, though, the celebration starts early. Each year on July 3, North 12th Street between Ordway and Calvin are closed off to traffic, and East Nashvillians and visitors alike dig in for an afternoon-to-evening block party that puts most block parties to shame.
Kicking off at 2 p.m., this year’s Thirth — like past Thirth celebrations — brings out a world-class collection of musicians, plus fantastic food trucks, local beer and lots of neighborhood togetherness. In a neighborhood like East Nashville that puts all-around independence on a pedestal, a personal twist on the July 4th party is fitting, if not inevitable.
Among the musicians taking the stage at The Thirth of July in 2016:
Singular country/Americana voice and Sirius Satellite Radio host Elizabeth Cook, whose new album, Exodus of Venus, is out on June 17.
Longstanding roots outfit The Mavericks, whose latest album, Mono, brought them to the Grammy Awards show earlier this year with Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song nominations.
Nashville singer-songwriter Rod Picott, whose raw and real songwriting on 2015’s Fortune earned him praise from American Songwriter to Rolling Stone.
and more — including DJ Rutherford Beat Hayes spinning records between sets.
Nashville’s stage-setting craft brewery, Yazoo, will be providing the brews, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and G’z BBQ will be among the food providers.
Sold on it? Earlybird tickets are on sale now for $30, which give you access to refillable beer and all the festivities. If you’d rather wait until the gate, it’ll be $40.
An added reason to feel good about going: a portion of the proceeds from The Thirth will support Martha O’Bryan Center’s work to combat poverty, and Nashville music education initiative Music Makes Us.
Grab your advance Thirth tickets here, and get more info at thethirth.com.