Fisk University will once again hold its annual Food & Jazz Festival, organized and presented by their award-winning FM radio station, WFSK, founded by Fisk students as WRFN (Radio Free Nashville) in 1973. The FREE Festival runs Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 4 pm to 9:30 pm (rain or shine) is on 17th Street inside the Fisk Gate down to Phillips Street. This year’s lineup includes the following artists:
Adam Hawley – Guitarist. Adam burst onto the scene in 2016 with his debut album “Just the Beginning” which featured three chart-topping smooth jazz singles including “35th Street,” “Joy Ride,” and “I Don’t Mind.” The gifted musician was handpicked by Maurice White (founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire) to debut on the legend’s record label Kalimba Music. “I am beyond excited to come to Nashville and headline for WFSK” Adam said.
Ragan Whiteside -Flautist. The sensational Soul Jazz flautist Ragan Whiteside has made quite a name for herself in the industry and is a 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Jazz Album (Instrumental) for her sixth career album, “Thrill Ride.” Ms. Whiteside was WFSK Artist of the Week (Emerging Talent Category) with her 2007 debut release of the album “Class Axe.”
“I’ve really been looking forward to this,” said Ragan. “Nashville has such a deep musical soul and culture, so getting the chance to perform there for the first time is something I’m truly excited about. I’m so grateful for the support and airplay from WFSK; it means everything when my music connects in a new city.”
Ben Tankard – Keyboard Pianist. You can’t go very far into this genre (Smooth & Contemporary Jazz) without hearing or knowing the name Ben Tankard. Known by many different titles pastor, award winning musician, producer, arranger, author, reality tv-dad and the “Godfather of Gospel Jazz” and “The Quincy Jones of Gospel.” At an early age Tankard began playing drums and tuba. He went from there to becoming a super talented multi-instrumentalist without ever taking a lesson or learning to read a note. He’s also known for playing guitar, the synthesizer, piano, tuba, drums, and percussion, making a huge name for himself and bridging the gap between two genres of Smooth Jazz & Gospel.
Paula Atherton – Saxophonist & Vocalist. Saxophonist, flutist Paula Atherton has enjoyed a long and varied career in contemporary and mainstream jazz. Her acumen on her instruments are poised and adept. She’s a native New Yorker who began playing the flute at the age of nine and in her teens added the saxophonists to her repertoire. Paula studied at the Manhattan School of Music and honed her skills playing with various bands and artists before launching her solo career. Over the years, Atherton has established herself as a dynamic and versatile performer, with a sound that blends elements of jazz, soul, and pop. Her music has been featured on numerous radio stations and programs, and she has received critical acclaim for her recordings and live performances.
Michael Fair & The Michael Fair & The Michael Fair Band. Over the last 30 years, Michael Fair has placed himself prominently into the competitive smooth jazz market, carving a unique niche for himself musically here in the Middle Tennessee area, performing and recording smooth jazz in a city primarily known for country and contemporary Christian music makes him a bit unique, and being notorious for playing the flugelhorn and trumpet make him a Nashville anomaly.
