Step Inside: Art Sets the Stage at The Pinnacle

As visitors climb a floating staircase to the second floor in The Pinnacle, the city’s newest live music venue, they are met by a striking kinetic art installation. “Circa Luna,” by Strangehandle (Jason Brooks), is composed of 36 LaserDiscs, whose movements are guided by the phases of the moon. 

The 90,000-square-foot venue, operated by AEG Presents, celebrates not only the performing arts, but the visual arts as well. Works by over 40 local artists dot the walls of the space, which is largely reminiscent of an art gallery. 

“We wanted it to actually feel like an art exhibit that just showcases Nashville-based artists,” says Emily Cox, owner of the creative project management firm Formation, who oversaw the design. “Because I think a lot of times, people don’t recognize how good their visual art community is, and we have such a talented one.” 

Much of the art is movement-based. “The idea was: Music moves people,” Emily says. “They come [to a performance] to feel something, and we wanted to create an experience for them to feel moved by something before they’re even in the actual show.” Other noteworthy works include an untitled piece by LeXander Bryant showcasing wheatpaste photography and “Your Love; To Infinity” by visual artist Lance Scruggs. 

The 4,500-person space can be adapted for a range of events. The venue can remove the chairs on the floor near the stage to offer a general admission option, or set up tables for corporate events or parties.

“I intend to do everything from EDM to Latin to country to rock,” says Mike DuCharme, regional vice president of AEG Presents, the live music division of entertainment giant AEG Worldwide. “I think we’ve intentionally tried to book a little bit of everything for everybody. I’ve got boxing events that’ll happen here, wrestling events that we’ll televise.” They are even in talks to potentially host award shows. 

Above the floor level, there is a balcony as well as upper risers. There are both seated and standing options depending on the event. There are seven bars, including the 300- to 400-person rooftop bar, which is open to patrons during shows. It features a video wall so guests don’t miss any of the performance while grabbing a drink. Artists might also use the space for meet and greets, or it could be rented out for a party, says Mike.

Back of House

On the second floor behind the stage, there are four production rooms, a catering kitchen, and bathrooms with showers for long days and nights. On the third floor — the artist’s floor — there are six dressing rooms outfitted with comfortable sofas and textured chairs in earthy shades, like tobacco, terra-cotta and forest green. “I wanted it to feel cozy, residential and a little more elevated,” says Emily. There’s even a roadie hangout space complete with a ping-pong table. 

In Context

The Pinnacle holds a prominent position in Nashville Yards, a nearly completed 19-acre mixed-use development in Midtown. There are residential towers, like the Everett, an apartment building now leasing, and the Emory, offering condos for sale. 

Companies that have relocated to Nashville Yards include Pinnacle Financial Partners, Creative Artists Agency, and the law firm Bass, Berry & Sims. Amazon has two office towers there. In addition to the Grand Hyatt Nashville and The Union Station Nashville Yards, there will be an array of retail shops and restaurants. 

Upcoming Shows

This summer, concerts include Alice in Chains, Eric Church, Counting Crows, Smino and Lord Huron. L-Acoustics made sure the sound system is state-of-the art, and HOK was the architect. Mike says one thing that sets The Pinnacle apart is that it’s a new build — it didn’t have a past life as something else. Its sole purpose is, and has been from the start, “to be a great music venue.” 

When it comes to parking, there are three convenient garages within Nashville Yards — and there’s always the option of taking a rideshare.