#United States #Nashville #FREELY FEST™ #Ariana DeBose #Bruce Cohen

Celebrating Freedom Through Music: The Inaugural FREELY FEST™

On April 8, 2026, the vibrant city of Nashville will host its first-ever FREELY FEST™, a music festival dedicated to celebrating the power of artistic expression and the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. Spearheaded by Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose, famous for her roles in West Side Story and Scarpetta, and the esteemed producer Bruce Cohen, known for his work on films like American Beauty and Silver Linings Playbook, this festival aims to unite diverse voices through music.

The event will take place at the renowned Bridgestone Arena and will feature an impressive lineup of artists, including The Killers, T-Pain, Janelle Monáe, and rising talent like Avery Anna. With the backdrop of Nashville’s rich musical heritage, FREELY FEST™ promises not just entertainment but also a significant cultural dialogue around the freedoms that enable such expressions.

Bruce Cohen, serving as the creative director, has a clear vision for the festival. Collaborating closely with screenwriter Katherine Fugate, Cohen envisions FREELY FEST™ as not merely a concert but a movement to reaffirm the vital role of First Amendment freedoms in artistic endeavors. "The freedoms protected by the First Amendment have helped make my work and career possible. That’s why I joined the Committee for the First Amendment and why I’m honored to serve as creative director of Freely Fest,” Cohen stated.

Ariana DeBose, who will also grace the stage with a special musical performance, expressed her excitement about the festival. "I’m thrilled to join forces with Bruce Cohen and the team at Freely Fest as we celebrate the power of music and the freedoms protected by the First Amendment,” she said, emphasizing the importance of this event in recognizing the rights of individuals to express themselves, even amidst differing opinions.

Between the main acts, FREELY FEST™ will spotlight a series of acoustic performances by Nashville-based artists who will share songs imbued with stories of First Amendment struggles. Artists such as MORGXN, Marcella Simien, and Kyshona will connect the rich traditions of American protest music with contemporary artistic expression, reinforcing the ongoing importance of these freedoms in today’s society.

Tickets for this highly anticipated event are available now at FreelyFest.org, with a promise of soul-stirring performances and a celebration of the fundamental rights that shape American culture. Follow @FreelyFest on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content leading up to the festival.

FREELY FEST™ is not just an event; it is a celebration, a gathering, and a reminder of the liberties that allow creativity and individuality to flourish. In a world where expression can often feel stifled, this festival emerges as a beacon of hope and unity, fostering dialogue and appreciation for the freedom to create.

About Freedom Forum**
Founded on July 4, 1991, by Al Neuharth, the Freedom Forum is dedicated to promoting First Amendment freedoms for everyone. It aims for an America where individuals understand, cherish, and advocate for the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. By educating and engaging millions through various programs and events, the Freedom Forum plays a pivotal role in safeguarding these essential rights. For more information, visit FreedomForum.org.