Axios Nashville

August 21, 2026
It is Friday. You know what that means.
🌤️ Today's weather: Patchy fog then mostly sunny, with a high of 91 and a low of 68.
Today's newsletter is 786 words — a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: "Odyssey" translator to speak at Parthenon
"The Odyssey" has captured the world's attention this summer: Christopher Nolan's adaptation of the Greek epic became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, spurring plenty of critical praise but also some backlash.
- Fans who want to dive deeper into the conversation need look no further than The Parthenon in Centennial Park.
The latest: Scholar Emily Wilson, famous for her translation of "The Odyssey," will be speaking at The Parthenon on Sept. 1. Tickets are still available.
The intrigue: Nolan read Wilson's 2017 translation before delivering his own take on the epic poem. And while Wilson was initially enthusiastic about seeing the movie, she has emerged as one of its most outspoken critics.
What she said: Wilson wrote a blistering takedown in the London Review of Books where she said Nolan's script "lacks psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth."
- "Its narrative structure is gimmicky," she wrote. "The writing is abysmal.”
Yes, but: She has acknowledged some of the movie's merits.
- "Whatever one thinks of the film as a work of art, it's doing some good in the world, by generating big conversations, bringing new audiences to the cinema, and new readers to ancient literature."
Zoom in: Wilson's Nashville event will focus on her book about her work as a translator, "Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea." The book is, appropriately enough, an overview of the challenges and complexities of translating ancient works.
- The conversation is sure to be thought-provoking for fans — or critics — of Nolan's adaptation.
Between the lines: The Parthenon, Nashville's replica of the ancient Greek temple to Athena, is an obvious match for Wilson and "The Odyssey."
- The goddess of wisdom plays a pivotal role in the epic poem and in Nolan's film, where she is portrayed by Zendaya.
If you go: The event, which is presented by Parnassus Books and The Parthenon in partnership with Centennial Park Conservancy, starts at 6:30pm on Sept. 1.
2. Concert raises money for elderly parrots
Even parrots need retirement plans.
Why it matters: Some parrots can live as long as 80 years, creating an unusual rescue challenge when their guardians die or can no longer care for them.
- But in Nashville, we have a mini music festival for that.
State of play: A slate of 10 bands are scheduled to perform bird-themed rock covers this weekend at The East Room during Squawk Rock Festival 4, an annual fundraiser for the Exotic Avian Sanctuary of Tennessee.
- The Hermitage bird sanctuary is trying to ensure those birds still have a safe flock. They provide adoptions or long-term care for domesticated parrots who need a new home.
If you go: The 18-and-up show starts at 7:30pm Saturday at The East Room, 2412 Gallatin Ave. Tickets are $15.
3. The Setlist: No date set for Bonnaroo
👀 Bonnaroo organizers have yet to announce dates for next year's festival. Instead, they sent out a survey asking if fans would prefer to come in September. (Tennessean)
📍 Plans for a new ICE call center have shifted from Adams, Tennessee, to the Donelson area. (Tennessee Lookout)
🎓 Belmont University is partnering with Tennessee's community colleges to form a pipeline to educate aspiring teachers. (WPLN)
👔 The family-owned retailer Levy's Clothiers will close at the end of 2026 after 171 years in business, fifth-generation owners David and Ellen Levy announced.
- "This is not about expenses and cost," David Levy said. "It's about doing what we need to do as a family." (Tennessean)
4. The Friday News Quiz
We've escaped extreme heat — at least for now — and we feel like celebrating with a quiz.
How it works: Hit reply to send us answers to the following questions. If you get them all right we will give you a shoutout next week.
- What inspired a Tennessee state lawmaker to establish the new grant program for family caregivers?
- Which musical act will be the first to play at the new Wedgwood-Houston venue The Truth?
- What is the fastest-growing age group in Tennessee: Under 18, 45-64, or 65+?
Yes, and: We still need to celebrate our successful quizzers from last week!
- Congrats to Baird D., Doug J., Campbell H., Ann Marie O., Robbie J., Jessica P., Ben P., Mandy Y., Phil O., Michael C., Jared M., Suzanne M., David B., Paul S., Wilhelmina M., Juan Jose R., Randi Y. and Debbie D.
Our picks:
Nate shouts out his mother-in-law Skyla for finishing radiation treatment today and her pottery show at the Clay Lady's Campus.
🥳 Adam wishes his boyfriend's mom Dede H. a happy belated birthday.
This newsletter was edited by Jen Burkett.
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