City Cast Nashville
🧸 The Nashvillian making history on ‘Sesame Street’
July 2, 2025 · — Adrian González
Hi, Nashville! I come bearing good news for urban forestry lovers: Submissions are open for this year’s Big Old Tree Contest. The Nashville Tree Foundation’s annual challenge calls on residents to submit a living giant in an effort to track the city’s landscape.
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🤝 Don’t Call It a Honky-Tonk
American Legion Post 82 might be known for its honky-tonk vibes, but this Fourth of July weekend it’s all about its mission to support veterans. Post commanders Shannon Rasmussen, Eric Rasmussen, and Josh Jordan join City Cast Nashville podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson to share how they’re leveraging Nashville’s music scene to bring community healing to fellow veterans. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
🧯 The Source of the Library Garage Fire
A report on the fire at Nashville Public Library’s downtown parking garage cites a secured “tool room” as the source of the blaze, though no further details were included. While the library itself is closed until at least July 28, the Nashville Downtown Partnership — which leases the parking structure — faces a steep insurance claim before it can reopen the garage. [Nashville Scene]
🏛️ State Representative Eyes Congress
Tennessee Rep. Jay Reedy is the latest Republican to join the race for the vacated 7th Congressional District seat, with backing from Nashville car dealer Lee Beaman. Reedy has expressed skepticism of environmental protections on local farmlands and wants to eliminate the Department of Education — along with the $2.6 billion it sends to Tennessee. [Tennessee Lookout]
- Reedy also testified in the fraud and corruption case against former House Speaker Glen Casada and his aides. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
🧸 The Nashvillian Making History on ‘Sesame Street’
Ventriloquist Megan Piphus grew up in Ohio and studied economics at Vanderbilt, but her dedication to ventriloquism propelled her into a career that has landed her a dream job on “Sesame Street” as the show’s first female Black puppeteer. Piphus voices Muppet Gabrielle, a confident 6-year-old Black girl, who she hopes inspires the next generation of young girls of color. [🔒 Tennessean]
What To Do
Wednesday, July 2
- 🎥 “Gladiator” Live in Concert at Schermerhorn Symphony Center
- 🎵 Nissan Free Wednesdays at National Museum of African American Music (Free)
- 🐉 A Summer of Dragons for Teens at Bellevue Library Branch (Free)
- 🥫 Food Pantry Assistance at The Branch of Nashville (Volunteer)
- 🛸 Close Encounters at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
- 🪕 Family Program: Musical Instrument Petting Zoo at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- 🌼 ZooFlora: An Orchid Safari at Nashville Zoo
Thursday, July 3
- 🎆 Fireworks at Nashville Shores
- 🎵 Half Batch Brewing Backyard Party at Memorial Park
- 💜 Purple Madness at City Winery
- 🖼️ Frist Art Museum Presents Ottoman Empire Artmaking Workshop at Hadley Park Library Branch (Free)
- 🎤 Music in the Café: Roadie at the Frist’s Café Cheeserie (Free)
- 🎻 Thursday Night Out: Bronwyn Keith-Hynes at Cheekwood
- ⚾ Nashville Sounds vs. Memphis Redbirds at First Horizon Park
- 🥾 Nature Trail Crew at Glen Leven Farm (Volunteer)
- 🎨 An Art Party Fundraiser at DRKMTTR
- 🎇 Freedom Festival at Drakes Creek Park (Free)
- 🇺🇸 Independence Day Celebration at Moss-Wright Park (Free)
- 🧨 July 3rd Independence Celebration at Fairview City Hall (Free)
For those of you journeying downtown for the Fourth of July, here’s a handy guide for where to park. Oh, library garage … we miss you so much.
Free · Daily