The 64th Annual Swan Ball Celebrates Transformation

Throughout the human experience, change remains constant. The seasons of our lives shift, often imperceptibly. There are seasons of founding, seasons of growth, seasons of challenge and seasons of renewal. Over the past 64 years, the Swan Ball — Nashville’s premier white-tie gala — has weathered each of these seasons, preserving its traditions while evolving to inspire a new generation of supporters.

For the second year, guests wound along the quiet drive through Edwin Warner Park to Harpeth Meadows, an idyllic greenspace in the heart of Warner Parks’ 3,100 plus acres. The setting brought into sharp relief the mission of Swan Ball’s beneficiary, Friends of Warner Parks — to preserve, steward and protect Percy and Edwin Warner Parks. The event specifically raises funds to give children across Nashville more opportunities to connect with nature.

Swan Ball co-chairs Jenny Corts and Jennie Garth Lowe planned an evening evoking the four seasons — a vision Jenny, who played double duty as event designer, executed flawlessly with the Jenny Richter Events team. Working with The Florista and Tenn Hens Design, the group created a setting capturing nature’s continual cycle of growth, abundance, harvest and renewal. Hand-painted murals and lush florals guided guests through spring, summer, autumn and winter.

As members of the dance committee, chaired by Sterling Akers and Kathleen Jackson, escorted ladies down a grand path to the cocktail tent, many guests stopped to admire — and shop — the expansive display by official Swan Ball jeweler Richters of Palm Beach. The collection featured unique fine and vintage jewelry, each exquisitely crafted piece offering juxtaposition between history and modernity. 

Guests found the dinner tent divided subtly into quadrants, with décor and programs corresponding to each of the four seasons. As guests enjoyed a delicious dinner by Kristen Winston Catering, Kathryn Brown and Elizabeth Nichols, co-board chairs of the Swan Ball’s governing body, SB Initiative, offered heartfelt thanks to the 2026 co-chairs for their hard work and transformation of the event. 

It then came time to present the Swan Award. This year’s recipient, music industry leader Joe Galante, is well known for his commitment to philanthropy — having established the Phran Galante Memorial Fund for Lung Cancer Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and helped found Leadership Music. 

During the award presentation, the Late Party, chaired by Callie Cook and Mary Keith Robbins, got underway. Guests dined al fresco under custom drapery, which featured original artwork by Mary Keith and transformed the ceiling into an immersive installation. After enjoying a dinner by Kindred Farms, Late Party revelers made their way to the main tent for the entertainment.

This year’s headliner was celebrated American country vocal quartet Little Big Town. The band — as known for their masterful four-part harmonies as they are for their deep commitment to philanthropy — made a fitting addition to the event. In seconds, they had the crowd on their feet, dancing and singing along to chart-topping singles.

When party band Powerhouse Next Generation took the stage afterward, revelers were ready for more. The band kept the room lively as drinks flowed and dancing continued. At midnight, guests enjoyed a late-night snack — Jack Brown’s cheeseburger sliders and fried Oreos — as the party persisted into the morning.

The thrilling evening served as a reminder that while traditions endure, they are never static. Each generation leaves its mark, bringing new ideas, energy and perspectives, while honoring the foundation laid by those who came before. After 64 years, the Swan Ball continues to evolve with the seasons, proving that growth and renewal are not departures from tradition, but the very qualities that allow it to flourish. 

Click Here for Swan Ball 2026 Photo Gallery II