A Tennessee Waltz Celebrates 85 Years of the Tennessee State Museum

A long line of cars snaking their way up to the State Capitol on a Saturday evening could only mean that it was once again time for A Tennessee Waltz. The wide halls and gracious marble interiors of the classic building serve as well for politics as for the black-tie affair, which is the Tennessee State Museum Foundation’s most important annual event and combines history, the arts and fun into one memorable evening.

Co-chairs Nicole and Bo Watson welcomed guests as they entered the dramatically lit lobby brimming with grand floral arrangements by Jim Marvin. Upstairs was a rollicking cocktail party, complete with passed wine and a massive cheese and charcuterie table. Quite a few people stepped out onto the balcony to take advantage of the pleasant weather and sweeping views across the city.

The dinner bell rang, and Joey Richey and Friends performed as attendees headed downstairs, where tables were covered in moss green linens and topped with vibrant centerpieces, also by Jim. The talkative crowd finally settled down enough to savor a delicious three-course meal from Catering & Events by Suzette. During the after-dinner remarks, Museum Director Ashley Howell spoke about the organization’s 85 years of preserving artifacts for education and engagement now and for generations to come. The museum opened in 1937 in the lower level of the War Memorial Auditorium and today encompasses 137,000 square feet in its new home, which opened in October 2018.

After more comments, everyone returned to the second floor for another musical treat. Singer-songwriter Kelly Lang performed “The Tennessee Waltz” while Nicole and Bo had the first dance. The Pat Patrick Legacy Band took over, and everyone joined the Watsons to dance the night away. It was a wonderful way to close out the 29th A Tennessee Waltz and celebrate 85 years of the Tennessee State Museum.