A Tennessee Waltz Honors State History with an Elegant Evening at the Capitol

The Tennessee State Museum’s 32nd annual A Tennessee Waltz felt grand upon arrival. After ascending the winding hill leading to the Tennessee State Capitol, guests stepped onto a red carpet, and guards escorted them up the stairs. As revelers reached the top, event co-chairs Dawn and Tre Hargett jovially greeted them, shaking each attendee’s hand. 

As black-tie-clad guests moved from the lobby to the upstairs cocktail reception, they admired ceiling projections of Tennessee state flag stars on the way. Per usual, the room was filled to the brim, signaling an ample turnout. Many attendees gathered on the balcony, which boasted gorgeous views of the sunset-tinged skyline. 

When the dinner bell rang, guests returned to the downstairs lobby — which, like magic, was transformed with round dinner tables and lavish décor. In a chandelier-lit glow, revelers listened with intention as Ming Wang played an erhu (two-stringed Chinese violin) solo, accompanied by guitarist Carlos Enrique. 

Dawn and Tre took the podium, acknowledging the political leaders in the room and thanking everyone who’d brought the evening to life. Per Tre’s request, guests toasted to “the best state museum in the country.” The co-chairs introduced Tennessee State Museum executive director Ashley Howell, who emphasized the importance of preserving and conveying the state’s history. John DeBarry gave a powerful speech highlighting Tennessee’s rich, diverse and multicultural backstory. 

After dinner, guests meandered back upstairs, where servers greeted them with Champagne and white wine. Auction items — such as a stay at The Hermitage Hotel, a retreat in a Dolly Parton-themed tiny home, and a lyric sheet autographed by the night’s entertainer, Gary Morris — caught many eyes. 

Gary opened with an acoustic rendition of his hit song, “The Wind Beneath My Wings.” He then performed “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables, paying homage to the time he played Jean Valjean on Broadway. When Gary sang the first few notes of Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King’s “Tennessee Waltz,” Dawn and Tre floated to the front of the room and danced the first waltz of the night. And once the Pat Patrick’s Legacy Band opened with “My Girl,” it was hard for guests to resist joining in.