The Nashville Public Library Foundation Honors James McBride at its 20th Annual Gala

Celebrating a 20-year milestone is no small feat. For the past two decades, the Nashville Public Library Literary Award Weekend has honored great writers of the day. The first Literary Gala honoree was famed historian David Halberstam, whose presence set the bar for future galas. Authors like David McCullough, John Updike, Ann Patchett, John Irvin, Margaret Atwood and more followed. Each honoree was passionate, not only for the written word, but also for the bastions of literacy and free speech — libraries.

This year, the annual gala honored award-winning author and musician James McBride. James’ first book, The Color of Water, launched a prolific career that has spanned the globe. Often referred to as one of the most important writers of our time, James was included on Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” list in 2024.

Guests arrived at the Nashville Public Library’s downtown branch excited to hear from the acclaimed author. Later, they would get much more than they bargained for. The evening began with a lively reception in the Ingram Hall Lobby. Co-chairs Margaret Riley King and Casey King, Joelle and Brant Phillips, and Marie and Charles Sueing chose autumnal hues and florals for the décor. As guests ascended to the Memorial Foundation Grand Reading Room for dinner, they encountered a quote from the author affixed to the stairs: “Light is only possible through dialogue between cultures, not through rejection of one or the other.”

After guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, James took the stage for remarks — but he was not alone. In a most nontraditional act, a six-piece musical ensemble joined the author onstage, suggesting this reading would not be like those that had come before. Guests spent the next 30 minutes entranced in southern gospel, R&B and jazz music — as well as readings from James’ new book, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. Soulful tunes married with smooth instrumentals, wowing guests who could be heard asking for just five more minutes of the experience.