The Merchants of COOL

Maury County’s own Big Band

Who We Are

The Columbia, TN based “Merchants of Cool” was formed in 2006 and held its first venue that summer in Mt. Pleasant, TN. Today our repertoire includes more than 260 songs of the 1930’s and 40’s as well as some pop and rock.
Our musicians are all volunteers and come from various professions. The love of this music and the desire to preserve it are common bonds among the members. The Merchants of COOL Big Band is a member of the American Big Band Preservation Society. We hope you will come out to one of our performances and listen as we play set after set of music of the Big Band Era that you’ll never forget!

Music Samples

Leap Frog

Two O’Clock Jump

In the Mood

Take the A Train

Event Dates

July 30th, 7:00 pm – Big Band Dance Series at Centennial Park

2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Metro Parks Music is returning to the Centennial Park Event Shelter this Summer for the Big Band Dance Series! The Merchants of COOL are scheduled for July 30th! This is a free event presented by Metro Parks Nashville. It features live Big Band music and two free group dance lessons and the Foxtrot is the featured dance for our night of July 30th. Everyone is invited to this outdoor event. Bring a chair or blanket; this is a great, family-fun event and has always been one of our favorites to perform for.

A note on Legion Dances:

The Legion building had become sort of our beloved, albeit, “unofficial” home base. We held more events there than at any other venue and had developed a fond friendship with the Legion folks. Plans are still up in the air for any future Legion events in their new home in downtown Columbia, but nothing is concrete as of yet. We will keep you posted on any new developments and updates.