Howard Jones and Wang Chung Bring an ’80s Synth-Pop Night to Ascend Amphitheater
Roll up the sleeves on that blazer and dust off your best synth-era memories, because Sunday, August 9, is a full-on flashback. Howard Jones and Wang Chung bring their brand of bright, buoyant '80s pop to Ascend Amphitheater, turning the downtown riverfront into a neon-lit celebration of the decade that gave us the synthesizer solo and the unforgettable chorus.
It's a feel-good, sing-every-word kind of night, staged outdoors with the Nashville skyline for a backdrop.
Who's on the Bill
Howard Jones was one of the defining voices of British synth-pop, a one-man hit factory whose songs paired shimmering keyboards with genuinely uplifting messages. “Things Can Only Get Better,” “No One Is to Blame,” and “What Is Love?” still sound like sunshine, and Jones remains a warm, engaging performer who clearly relishes playing them.
Wang Chung brings the party. The British band behind “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” and “Dance Hall Days” specialized in irresistible new-wave hooks, and those songs remain reliable dance-floor fillers four decades on. Together, the two acts make a double bill practically guaranteed to keep the crowd moving and grinning.
Why This Show Is Worth It
Nostalgia shows work best when the artists still deliver, and both of these do. Expect the hits you came for, played with the polish of performers who've been at it for decades, plus the communal joy of a crowd that grew up on this music. On a summer Sunday, outdoors, with a skyline view, it's about as breezy and fun as a concert gets. Bring the friends who still know all the words.
Ascend Amphitheater: Know Before You Go
Ascend Amphitheater is Nashville's downtown outdoor venue, set right on the Cumberland riverfront at 310 First Avenue South. It offers a reserved seating bowl and a general-admission lawn, so you can choose between locked-in seats or a relaxed spread-out-on-the-grass evening. Being open-air in August, it calls for light clothing and a glance at the weather before you head out.
Doors usually open about an hour before showtime. Arriving early gives you time to grab a drink, find your spot, and enjoy the skyline as the sun goes down.
Getting There, Parking, and Where to Eat
As a downtown venue, Ascend is served by the many garages and lots along First and Second Avenue and the neighboring streets; reserving a spot online ahead of time is the smoothest approach on a show night. Rideshare drop-off is easy and convenient from the surrounding area.
Dinner is right at hand. Lower Broadway and the SoBro neighborhood next door are packed with restaurants and bars for every taste, all within a short walk of the gate. Make an evening of it.
Get Your Tickets
Howard Jones and Wang Chung at Ascend Amphitheater is a joyful, low-stress night out for anyone who loves the '80s, and these nostalgia bills tend to fill up with fellow fans. Secure your tickets through the event listing, gather your crew, and get ready to dance the Sunday away on the riverfront.
