Kindling Arts is an organization that helps support and provide the practical infrastructure necessary for creatives to make original, innovative and independent live performances.
This year’s Kindling Arts Festival happens this Thursday (June 23) through Sunday (June 26) at eight different venues across Nashville highlighting more than 150 local artists and featuring 22 shows ranging from musicals, comedy to an opera performance. Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva, who is featured in the performance art showcase titled “Off the Clock,” talks about the importance the festival for the Nashville art community.
 ”It is one of the best feelings to live in a city that is as fruitful as it is with all of the artists and all of the work that is happening,” she said. “It’s a short festival, but it is jam-packed full of so much stuff that it’s one of those you buckle yourself in and it’s kind of like an amusement ride that you go on, and it’s fast and it’s furious. But you are getting to meet new artists, throw yourselves into something that maybe you would not see on the norm.”
She continues: “If you would not go see dance or multimedia pieces, it’s wonderful to do that, and it helps with networking, also with collaborations as an artist to meet a new artist, to form a new bond or friendship with these artists, and then catapult yourself into all of these new art forms. I know from past Kindling festivals, you’re definitely tired by the end of that last day, but you’re filled with so much warmth and inspiration from all the art that you have seen over the course of four days. It’s the best feeling in the world.”
Additional event opportunities start tonight (July 22) with Music City Roots with MT Jones at Harken Hall. Tomorrow night (July 23) Nation of Language takes the stage at the Basement East and WNXP presents Wombo at the Blue Room. At the same venue Friday (July 24) WNXP presents Nashville band Styrofoam Winos and PJ Morton performs at the CMA Theater. On Saturday (July 25) Showmance begins at the Nashville School of Arts’ Roxy Theater. Two nights with Pavement at the Ryman are on Monday (July 27) and Tuesday (July 28).
