Nashville's OutCentral Community Center is celebrating its one year anniversary this month with a "An Evening Out on Church."

The event will be held this Saturday, Oct. 10, and will feature a sit-down dinner at 1719 Church St. with food from chef Arnold Myint, owner of Nashville restaurants ChaChah and PM and head chef at Suzy Wong's House of Yum.

OutCentral was formed last October to serve as a community hub and resource for GLBTQI people and their straight allies in hope of fostering collaboration between community groups. Kate Nelson, OutCentral board member and development chair, said the center has managed to make great strides in the past year despite the poor economy.

"We've seen a lot of growth in our first year and we're happy to be debt free at this point," Nelson said.

During the past year OutCentral has served as the sponsor venue for a variety of events including art exhibits, lectures, holistic health fairs and live musical acts.

Some community groups utilize the center as their central meeting space including Nashville Pride and Artrageous. Other groups, including one for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, brought members together for the first time within OutCentral's walls.

"An Evening Out on Church" will include live music. Keynote speakers include Stephanie Barger, who will discuss the importance community plays in the coming-out process, and Del Ray Zimmerman, who will discuss cultural self-esteem. 

The event costs $45 per person and will directly benefit the programs of OutCentral. Tickets may be purchased online at nowplayingnashville.com or at OutLoud Bookstore next door to OutCentral on Church St.

Seating will be limited. For more information, contact Executive Director Jim Hawk at 615.294.4834.