Communicate Effectively for Maxium Creative Success. Award-winning filmmaker, lyricist and psycholtherapist Linnda Durre will be the featured speaker at a special event to be held at the Nashville Film Institute, 191 Polk Avenue, Nashville. Thursday, 6-8 p.m. Durre’ is a licensed psychotherapist, business consultant, corporate trainer, sports performance coach, author of two books, international speaker, expert witness, columnist, media guest, TV and screenwriter, book and script editor and consultant, award winning filmmaker, director, producer, actor, acting coach, cartoonist, standup comedian, celebrity interviewer, TV and radio talk show host, lyricist and songwriter. Information: www.twifm.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
Madison Rivergate Chamber Luncheon
Mayor Megan Barry will be speaker. St. Joseph Parish Life Center, 1217 Gallatin Pike. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: madisonrivergatechamber.com
Street Food Thursdays
Enjoy a gathering of up to 20 local food trucks parked along Deaderick Street between 4th Avenue North and 5th Avenue North ever Thursday through October. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Gallatin Free Concert
Third Thursday on Main. 6:30-9 p.m. Gallatin’s Downtown Historic Square. The Michael Vance Trio performs. Downtown merchants, restaurant’s and bars will be open late. Bring a lawn chairs. Information:gallatintn.org
Robertson Summer Concert Series
J. Travis Price Park, 4155 Wilkes Road, Springfield. 6:30 p.m. Free. Bring a chair.
-- Aug. 18: Howard Decker Country Hoedown
-- Aug. 25: Highland Jazz Machine
-- Sept. 1 70s-80s Rock Buzzy and Friends
Goodlettsville Music on Main
Bring your family, a blanket and dinner to enjoy the sounds of summer. City Hall Lawn and Gazebo Park, 105 S. Main Street. Information: goodlettsvillechamber.com
THROUGH SEPT. 18
Fair Season
Agricultural fairs are a tradition in Tennessee, and Middle Tennessee has plenty to choose from, beginning with the Williamson County Fair and culminating with the Tennessee State Fair. Middle Tennessee fairs and dates include:
-- Through Aug. 20: Cheatham County, 870 Fairgrounds Road, Ashland City. www.facebook.com/CheathamCountyFair
-- Through Aug. 20: Maury County, 1018 Maury County Park, Columbia. www.maurycountyfair.com
-- Aug. 19-27: Wilson County, 945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon. www.wilsoncountyfair.net
-- Aug. 22-27: Robertson County, 4635 Hwy 41 North, Springfield. www.robertsoncountyfair.com/county-fair.html
-- Sept. 5-10: Dickson County, 1053 Hwy 47E, Dickson. www.dicksonfair.com
-- Sept. 9-18: Tennessee State Fair, 500 Wedgewood Avenue, Nashville. http://tnstatefair.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
Coffee with Veterans
Event takes place third Friday of each month, 7:30-9 a.m., at Cultivate Coworking. Free coffee and pastries for everyone. 107 W. Lytle Street, Murfreesboro. Information: rutherfordchamber.org
AUGUST 19-20
Annual Quilts in the Boro Show
Quilt exhibit and completion with cash prizes, free demonstrations with admission, vendors, and bed-turnings of vintage and antique quilts. The Bees General Store, 315 John Rice Boulevard, Lane Agri-Park Community Center. Fee: $5, age 12 and under free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free parking. Information: http://www.quiltingbees.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
Musicians Corner
Free music series in its seventh year. Events feature multi-genre artist performances on the SunTrust Main Stage and Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage, Mix 92.9 Kidsville activities, several of Nashville’s best food trucks, Dogville activities, local artisans, featured charity partners, and the Musicians Corner Pub. Noon-5 p.m., corner of West End Avenue and 27th Avenue. This week’s lineup: Blind Boys of Alabama, AJ Ghent Band and Matt Brown on the Suntrust Main Stage. Bentley Caldwell and Handsome & Gretyl on the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage. Information: www.musicianscornernashville.com
-- Aug. 20: Holly Williams, Tony Lucca, Christian Lopez Band, Mocha, J. Whaley, Brandy Zdan
-- Aug. 27: Ruby Amanfu, Robbie Fulks, The Bundys, Carey Ott
Lebanon Healthy Kids Back to School Bash
Includes backpack check, kids fun run, games, balloons and prizes, hula hoop competition, free smoothies. Nutrition Seminar by Ms. Melody at 11 a.m. Free. 801 S. Cumberland St. Information and RSVP: 549-8070
Dickson Music on Main
Celebrate summer in Downtown Dickson with local musicians and merchants. Performing will be: Taylor Eagleson & Cody McCliss; FYC Militia; Russell Faulk & Friends; Templeton Thompson & Sam Gay; and HoliDaze. Waychoff Park (corner of East College & Main Street), 3-6 p.m. Information: http://dicksoncountychamber.chambermaster.com/events
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
‘If These Logs Could Talk’
Historic Wynnewood presents an engaging series of events on life in the 19th Century. Topic: Clothing – 1830s to the Civil War, presented by Tonya Staggs, education director, Traveler’s Rest Plantation. Wynnewood, 210 Old Highway 25, Castalian Springs. 2-4 p.m. Information: www.historicwynnewood.org
MONDAY, AUGUST 22
Williamson Chamber Prospective Member Open House
An evening of networking, light hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Williamson Inc., 5005 Meridian Blvd., Suite 150, Franklin. 4-6 p.m. Open to all prospective members. Information: williamsonchamber.com
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23
Gallatin Chamber Networking Power Lunch
Buffalo Wild Wings, 1109 Nashville Pike. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. All attendees are responsible for the cost of their own meal. Information: 452-4000
Women In Business Luncheon
Topic: Branding with the Best featuring guest speaker Lynne Tolley, master taster, Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road, Brentwood, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fees: $25 Chamber Members, $45 Guests. Information: williamsonchamber.com
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24
Pick Your Place Open House
Learn to make the most of your Nashville Chamber membership. Meet Chamber staff and volunteers who lead the efforts of creating economic development, advancing public education and protecting the area’s business environment. The Chamber office will be set up in small conversation areas to allow attendees to meet staff and ask questions. Light lunch refreshments will be served. 211 Commerce Street, Nashville. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fee: Free to chamber members
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25
SALON@615 Noah Galloway, Living With No Excuses
Sgt. Noah Galloway was assigned to the 1st of the 502nd Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Three months into his second tour of duty, he experienced a life changing injury, losing his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee in an Improvised Explosive Device attack. After a long stint in recovery and rehabilitation, Noah became a motivational speaker and fitness activist. His Living With No Excuses sheds light on his upbringing in rural Alabama, his military experience and the battle to overcome his injuries. 6:15 p.m. Main Library, 615 Church Street. A free ticketed event. There will be a $2.50 online ticket fee if purchased in advance. Information: library.nashville.org
Upcoming events/authors include:
-- September 7; Jacqueline Woodson, Book: Another Brooklyn
-- September 8; Glennnon Melton in conversation with Ann Patchett, War Memorial Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. Book: Love Warrior
-- September 12; Ann Patchett, Book: Commomwealth, Montgomery Bell Academy
-- September 15; Jonathan Safran Foer, Book: Here I Am. 6:15 p.m.
-- October 6; Rick Riordan, War Memorial Auditorium, Book: The Hammer of Thor
-- November 15; Marissa Meyer, Book: Heartless
-- December 4; Michael Chabon, Book: Moonglow
-- December 13; Robbie Robertson (guitarist for The Band), Ingram Hall, Blair School of Music, 6:15 p.m., Book: Testimony
For more information on Salon Special Editions: www.salon615.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
The Great Americana BBQ Festival
Patrons will enjoy local artisan flavors from Tennessee distilleries and craft beers. Additionally the festival will feature live music, craft vendors, a variety of food vendors and a kid’s zone. 10 a.m., The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, 239 Franklin Road. Information: greatamericanabbqfestival.com
The Taste of Dickson County
Taste samples of specialty foods from popular restaurants, caterers and eateries, as well as wine and beer tasting. Cash bar available. Shop at the silent auction and learn about services provided by our partner agencies. Montgomery Bell State Park Inn & Conference Center, 100 Hotel Avenue, Burns. 6-8 p.m. Fees: $25 for adults & over 12, Children 6-11 $12. Information: www.unitedwayofdicksoncounty.org
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28
Carnton Plantation Hosts Annual Sunset Concert Series
The Battle of Franklin Trust’s annual Sunset Concert Series, a family-friendly, summer tradition providing monthly outdoor concerts on the east lawn of Carnton Plantation. Gates open at 5 p.m. and concerts are 6-8 p.m. Attendees can bring a picnic and enjoy the music. Performing: Chris Weaver Band (Motown/Country). Information: www.boft.org.