String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry is a lively telling of the history of country music, with a Nashville emphasis. Starting with the early days of string-band and gospel music and continuing with the birth of the Grand Ole Opry, the audience meets the great icons of country music as the show travels through time, from classic recordings to present-day hits.

String City creates a fascinating and entertaining “circle” through the history of country music. Marionettes, rod puppetry, animation, and more portray country music’s legacy through songs and puppet appearances from the Carter Family, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, Alison Krauss, and many others.

String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry is co-production of the Nashville Public Library and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Created and presented by the Library’s Wishing Chair Productions in collaboration with the Museum, String City was made possible in part by a special gift from Judy and Steve Turner to the Nashville Public Library Foundation.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Tour the Museum before or after String City to learn more about country music and the artists featured in the show. Student groups might qualify for free or discounted admission. Family visitors receive discounted admission for children and up to two accompanying adults on show days. Become a museum member to enjoy free access to the exhibits, family programs, and more throughout the year.

Directions and Parking
Museum Ticket Information
Dining at the Museum

Arts Access Fund

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Arts Access Fund subsidizes the cost of field trips to the Museum and fees for distance-learning programs for K-12 schools with demonstrated need. Subsidies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, as funds are available, with priority given to Title I schools. Please see the Arts Access Fund Application for eligibility details and to apply for funding.

Financial assistance may also be available through the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Student Ticket Subsidy, which supports artist fees, tickets, and transportation so that Tennessee public school students can experience a broad variety of cultural opportunities, arts disciplines, and artists. For details, please visit Student Ticket Subsidy.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Learn more about the artists and songs featured in String City and explore one-of-a-kind artifacts! Continue the fun in the museum galleries with the String City Search activity guide.

Replay all the songs featured in String City! A full track listing can be found here and a Spotify playlist can be found here.

Read about the artists, music, and themes seen throughout the show. A full resource list—including recommended books—can be found here.

Download supports for Autism Spectrum Disorders and neurodiversity, created by Vanderbilt University Kennedy Center’s AAIN Social Story   |   Visual Schedule

Connect to the classroom with standards-based lessons that prepare students for the String City performance and provide post-program reflection opportunities. Support lessons also provide creative ways to teach core subject areas in social studies, English language arts, arts education, and music.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STRING CITY: NASHVILLE’S TRADITION OF MUSIC AND PUPPETRY CREDITS

String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry is co-production of the Nashville Public Library and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Created and presented by the Library’s Wishing Chair Productions in collaboration with the Museum, String City was made possible in part by a special gift from Judy and Steve Turner to the Nashville Public Library Foundation.