N A S H V I L L E
September 12, 2025
N A S H V I L L E
September 12, 2025
The Cookout made its Nashville debut at Warner Music Nashville on Friday, September 12, 2025, bringing together more than 150 Black professionals and allies from across music and tech to celebrate culture, community, and collaboration.
Presented by employee resource groups from Warner Music Group, TikTok, and Live Nation (with contributions from BMI and Sony Music Publishing), the evening blended live music, games, community engagement, and networking in a vibrant atmosphere.
Click here for the recap video!
The experience opened with a DJ setup powered by the Rivian R1T while an R1S offered test rides. Inside, guests enjoyed amazing food from All Seasons Grill and tastings from Stateside Vodka, Corsair Distillery, Courvoisier, White Squirrel Brewery, and Espolon Tequila, served by Tipsy Barista.
Hip Hop Charades had the crowd roaring with laughter and competition, while games including Spades, Uno, Jenga, and Cornhole kept the energy high.
The Community Activation portion of the event spotlighted Nashville Music Equality and The L.O.V.E. Academy, encouraging attendees to connect with local organizations committed to empowerment and growth.
Musical performances were a centerpiece of the evening. Summer Joy’s soaring vocals captivated the audience as she worked both levels of the venue with effortless grace.
Later, Mille Manny and his full band brought the house down with dynamic R&B/Pop stylings, sending waves of energy through the crowd.
A spirited Line Dance-Off brought everyone to their feet, while photo moments and giveaways (including exclusive merch, vinyl records, and concert tickets) rounded out the evening.
Building on its successful Los Angeles launch in 2024, The Cookout continues to expand as a premier space for Black professionals in entertainment and tech to connect, celebrate culture, and spark collaboration.
Conversations throughout the night sparked ideas for future partnerships, with many emphasizing the importance of creating more spaces like The Cookout and expressing excitement for upcoming events.