Train Strikes Pure ‘AM Gold’ in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – June 21 marked the summer solstice, hence the first official day of summer. For the many who braved the extreme heat and high humidity at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, Summer began precisely at 7:00 p.m. central time. That is the moment John Popper and Blues Traveler took the stage and ignited an amazing night of music, with John Popper and company bringing the groove to the party.

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Did Karl Dean Use Flood Relief Funds to Build Ascend Amphitheater?

News4 I-Team has followed up with its stunning report that it says shows former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean used relief funds from the 2010 flood to build Ascend Ampitheater. Dean denied the accusation during a gubernatorial debate Tuesday night after opponent Craig Fitzhugh brought it up, WSMV said. Last week News4 I-Team reported that $7.4 million in HUD disaster relief money didn’t go to flood victims; it went to design and engineering work for riverfront development, including Ascend Amphitheater. Dean’s former communications director Janel Lacy tweeted, “strong rebuttal by Karl Dean in response to a false statement about the use of flood recovery funds.” Paige Hill, communications director for the Karl Dean for Governor campaign, gave a statement saying Dean went through a three-year period of working with Metro Council and other stakeholders to “repurpose” $7 million of Community Development Block Grant funds to build a seepage cut-off wall along the Riverfront Park where the ampitheater is located. “This infrastructure fix slows down the movement of underground water and helps decrease the impact of future floods. The city’s actual investment in flood mitigation totaled well over the $7 million that was repurposed.” The I-Team report cited invoices and other paperwork…

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Nashville Symphony To Hold Rescheduled Tchaikovsky Spectacular Sunday

Tennessee Star

The Nashville Symphony will hold its rescheduled Tchaikovsky Spectacular on Sunday at the Ascend Amphitheater downtown. It was originally scheduled for Memorial Day weekend but got rained out. The weather forecast shows Sunday will be mostly sunny and nice, with a high temperature of 78. Giancarlo Guerrero will conduct the performance, which will feature renowned pianist Joyce Yang as a soloist for Piano Concerto No. 1. The show will also include the Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture and 1812 Overture. A fireworks display will accompany the 1812 Overture. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and will last about an hour and 45 minutes. The Ascend Amphitheater is located at 310 First Ave. S. General admission lawn seats are $20. Reserved seats are $30 and premium box seats are $45, which includes full wait service. For more information and to order tickets, click here.  Click here for options about what to do with tickets purchased for the canceled May 27 performance.

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