There’s a Reason We’re Called Music City
Chances are, your perspective of Nashville’s music is too narrow–especially if all you know is your grandma’s records or the gaudy neon-lit sounds of Broadway’s honky tonks. We’re home to all kinds of music–rock, pop, gospel, r’n’b, jazz, soul, classical, opera and musical theater.
Fun fact: the origin of our nickname has nothing to do with country music. When the Fisk Jubilee Singers performed before Queen Victoria in 1873 during a tour of Europe, she marveled at their artistry and exclaimed (well, I’m not sure if queens are allowed to exclaim), “You must be from a city of music.” Boom, the moniker stuck.
For details on 25+ Christmas concerts plus lighting displays, theatrical presentations, and more, visit Holiday Happenings.
Honky tonk heroes
I’ll admit that all those neon lights are photogenic. And honky tonks may be the first thing you think of when you when you think of Nashville. Well, here’s the scoop: you won’t find a bad musician anywhere because the competition for stage time is intense.
If you go to Robert’s Western World, you’re going to hear honest-to-goodness country. At some honky tonks–especially the newer ones–you might hear Bob Seger and Bon Jovi along with Garth Brooks. Go enjoy yourself but know this–there’s a lot more to our music scene than honky tonks.
The Shows blogpost will take to a link for the Grand Ole Opry and other similar showcases.
Singer-songwriters
Nashville loves to celebrate songwriters and often showcases them where the craft of writing takes the spotlight. The Bluebird Cafe is our most famous venue but you’ll find respectful audiences lending an ear at The Commodore Grille, The Listening Room Cafe’and other venues. A number of clubs have regular songwriter’s nights including the in-house venues of larger hotels. The styles vary so you might be surprised that hits from many genres of music were birthed in Nashville. We’re talking hits for Eric Clapton, Beyonce, Bonnie Raitt, Lady Gaga, Nelly, and many more.
Rock/alternative/other names you want to use
The Kings of Leon and Paramore are just two of the locally based bands that launched from Nashville. Today Jack White keeps things interesting with his Third Man Records, a combination retail operation/live music venue. Many visitors asked, “What if I don’t like country music?” Not a problem. We have a ton of venues that host music that is definitely belongs in my category “Not Country.”
Jazz and blues
Nashville’s jazz scene may be overshadowed by country but it still shines. In addition to Nashville Jazz Workshop and Rudy’s Jazz Room, clubs host special jazz performances around town. In Printer’s Alley, live jazz kicks in at Skull’s Rainbow Room at 7:30pm. Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar keeps things hopping all afternoon and into the wee hours. If you’d like live blues with your barbecue, visit Papa Turney’s.
City Winery also frequently hosts jazz artists in its lounge and on its main stage. On occasion, you’ll also see jazz offerings at Schermerhorn Symphony Hall.
Flamingo Cocktail Lounge does jazz on Thursdays, 7:00-9:30pm. Urban Cowboy’s Public House has jazz Sundays, 9-11pm. Villager Tavern in Hillsboro Village hosts a jazz jam Mondays, 11pm-2am.
Also, check out the calendars for Americano Lounge, Arrington Vineyards, Vinyl Tap, Black Rabbit, Springwater, and Living Waters Brewing.
