Celebrating the Power of Music and the First Amendment at Freely Fest

The First Amendment came to life at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on April 8, where artists and fans gathered to celebrate the power of music at Freedom Forum’s inaugural Freely Fest.

Throughout the evening, the spirit of free expression took center stage. Audiences cheered as artists shared what free speech and the First Amendment mean to them and joined host Ariana DeBose in chanting the five freedoms. Between headline acts, Nashville-area musicians performed songs tied to compelling stories about the power of music and the First Amendment.

As Avery Anna shared at the close of her set: “What I really love about this festival is that no matter where you came from or what you look like or what you believe in, we can all just connect through the music regardless of our differences. I really love music because it gives me a place to speak, and it also gives me a place to listen. I hope you feel the same way tonight. I hope you feel seen, I hope you feel heard.”

That sense of connection extended far beyond the stage. Fans inside Bridgestone Arena and viewers watching the nationwide livestream came together to share what they “speak freely” for, creating a vibrant digital tapestry of responses illustrating how the First Amendment shows up in people’s everyday lives. Outside the arena, festivalgoers gathered at Freely Fest Village, engaging with interactive exhibits and experiences that brought First Amendment freedoms to life in new ways.

What unfolded that night was more than a music festival; it was a shared experience that deepened understanding and appreciation of our fundamental freedoms.

As Freedom Forum marks its 35th anniversary this year, we're reaching more people than ever through powerful experiences like Freely Fest, bringing us one step closer to achieving our vision of an America where everyone knows, values and defends the five freedoms of the First Amendment.

Jan Neuharth is the chair and CEO of Freedom Forum.