Nashville has no shortage of iconic venues, but The Pinnacle is raising the bar for live entertainment in Music City. Located in the heart of downtown, with its striking architecture, skyline views, and a lineup that spans genres and generations, The Pinnacle isn’t just any old venue. From chart-topping artists to up-and-coming acts, this is another feather in the city's musical cap. Franklin Lifestyle talked with Anne Hack, VP of Operations and Mike Ducharme, Regional VP both for AEG River Cities to get your top questions answered.
What inspired the creation of The Pinnacle, and how does it stand out from other venues in Nashville?
The Pinnacle was conceived as a state-of-the-art music venue to complement Nashville's rich musical heritage. Situated within the $1 billion Nashville Yards development, it aims to offer a versatile space for various events, from concerts to corporate gatherings. Operated by AEG Presents, the venue is designed to provide an intimate yet grand experience, featuring a 4,500-seat capacity and advanced production capabilities.
Can you tell us about the vision behind the design and architecture of the venue?
We see The Pinnacle being a complementary piece of the music landscape. A venue to showcase programming that resonates within the city's rich musical history and is simultaneously a home for all genres of music. Our aim is to become an artist and fan favorite and part of the fabric of the Music City scene.
The architectural design of The Pinnacle blends modern aesthetics with Nashville's cultural essence. The venue's exterior features a grand staircase leading to a mirrored "The Pinnacle" sign, which changes colors depending on the performer. Inside, the space is adorned with murals and installations from over 30 local artists, curated by Emily Cox and Jenn Ward, ensuring the venue resonates with the community's artistic spirit.
What kind of artists or genres can we expect to see regularly at The Pinnacle?
The Pinnacle is designed to attract touring acts across a broad spectrum of genres. The venue's versatile design allows for various event formats, including general admission, seated shows, and comedy performances.
How will The Pinnacle contribute to Nashville’s already rich live music scene?
By offering a venue with arena-scale production capabilities and a focus on artist, industry, and fan experience, The Pinnacle aims to enhance Nashville's live music offerings. Its central location within Nashville Yards, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and green spaces, positions it as a hub for both locals and visitors seeking diverse entertainment options. We want to be a complementary piece of the music and special events landscape in Nashville.
What was the biggest challenge in bringing The Pinnacle to life, and how did the team overcome it?
One of the significant challenges was integrating the venue into the existing Nashville Yards development while maintaining its unique identity. The design team focused on incorporating local art and materials to ensure the venue felt connected to the community. Additionally, the team worked on creating a flexible space that could accommodate various event types, from concerts to corporate functions.
How is AEG working with the local community and businesses around the venue?
AEG has partnered with local artists to curate the venue's interior art installations, curated by Emily Cox and Jenn Ward, ensuring that the community's creative talents are showcased. The venue also highlights local breweries and distilleries to offer authentic Nashville experiences to attendees. By integrating local elements into the venue's operations, AEG aims to foster a strong connection with the surrounding community.
Can you share any exclusive details about upcoming opening acts or events?
We will continue to have all genres represented to touch all music fans.
Where do you see The Pinnacle’s role in the future of live entertainment in Nashville and beyond?
The Pinnacle is poised to become a central figure in Nashville's live entertainment landscape. With its state-of-the-art facilities and diverse programming, it aims to attract a wide array of artists and audiences. AEG's track record with venues like L.A. LIVE and The O2 in London suggests that The Pinnacle could serve as a model for future entertainment districts, blending live music with community engagement and urban development. I believe concert tourism to be an exciting part of the music hub that is Nashville, and that feels like it's only going to grow. And of course, our audiences will also be patrons of surrounding downtown businesses. First off, there are so many great venues in Nashville, and we hope to be thought of in the same breath as them. We want this to feel like home to everyone in Nashville and beyond, a home that comes with the appeal that a bespoke, purpose-built music venue can offer. That's going to lead to people traveling here to see their favorite act, in a great venue, in a wonderful city where they want to spend the weekend. ThePinnacleNashville.com
"Its central location within Nashville Yards, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and green spaces, positions it as a hub for both locals and visitors seeking diverse entertainment options."