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The Bluebird Cafe
4104 Hillsboro Road
615-383-1461
www.bluebirdcafe.com
The Bluebird Cafe opened in 1982 as a casual gourmet restaurant with some live music. In 1985, Sunday writers’ nights were added as a chance for new writers to audition and perform before a special guest writer. In 1987, dinner shows were added, and over the next decade, the Bluebird evolved into a music club first, and a restaurant second. As a listening room, silence is requested at all times during a performance. Due to the strict enforcement of this rule, the Bluebird’s slogan has become, “Shhh!” Late shows feature established hit songwriters, while earlier shows feature the songwriters of tomorrow. In this intimate setting you can experience the unique “in the round” format created at the Bluebird. In this format, three or four songwriters sit in a circle, sharing songs and the inspirations behind the music. This format has become an important part of The Bluebird Cafe’s tradition. The audience is given a unique opportunity to hear original material from different points of view in a casual, comfortable environment. The Bluebird Cafe now has a reputation worldwide for presenting the best original acoustic music seven nights a week.
Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum
222 Fifth Avenue South
615-416-2001
www.countrymusichalloffame.org
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum has been the home of America’s music since its opening in 1967 on Music Row. In May 2001, the museum relocated to a new $37 million building in downtown Nashville. The facility boasts a vast collection illustrating country music’s story as told through the years. An immense compilation of historic country video clips, recorded music, dynamic exhibits and state-of-the-art design create an intimate and interactive experience. The museum also features a regular menu of live performances and public programs, a museum store, live satellite radio broadcasts, on-site dining and fabulous public spaces all contribute to an extraordinary museum experience. The museum’s current temporary exhibit “Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy,” tells the story of Hank Williams, Hank Williams, Jr. and several other family members through family artifacts and interviews. It offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of the great American musical dynasty.
Ernest Tubb Record Shop
417 Broadway
615-255-7503
www.ernesttubb.com
Ernest Tubb, nicknamed the “Texas Troubador”, was a pioneer of country music in Nashville. He opened the Ernest Tubb Record Shop on lower Broadway in 1947 and started hosting a “Midnite Jamboree” in the back of the store as a way to advertise the shop while showcasing established and rising stars. Even though the Midnite Jamboree has moved to the Texas Troubadour Theatre near Gaylord Opryland, the record store has stayed true to its roots. The “old country” vibe is still present, and if an album is in print, you can bet they’ll have it, as long as it’s country or bluegrass.
The Fontanel Mansion and Farm
4225 Whites Creek Pike
Whites Creek, TN 37189
877-820-8687
www.fontanelmansion.com
TThe Fontanel Mansion, a 27,000-square-foot log home formerly owned by Country Music Hall of Fame® member Barbara Mandrell, opened its doors to the public on June 7, 2010. Located less than 15 minutes from downtown Nashville, The Mansion at Fontanel boasts three stories, more than 20 rooms, thirteen bathrooms, five fireplaces, two kitchens, indoor pool and even an indoor shooting range on 136 acres of pristine land. An exclusive spot for the stars, the home and grounds have been the setting for numerous photo and video shoots. Additionally, the Mansion features oneof- a-kind items, personal photos and keepsakes of the Mandrell family and of artists including Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson and many others. Guests can experience The Woods at Fontanel, The Trails at Fontanel and dine at the Southern-style Farm House Restaurant. Nashville’s only country music mansion tour, the Mansion at Fontanel gives visitors a sneak peek into the lives of country music greats by providing a truly interactive experience.
Music City On Stage: Live at Fontanel
www.musiccityonstage.com
Music City On Stage is a brand new live production at the Fontanel Mansion. Fully staged and costumed, the show features a dynamic cast of talented performers. This is a true “Dinnertainment” experience for all ages; serving up a taste of Tennessee with a home-cooked meal with a side of blues, gospel, bluegrass and chart-topping country music favorites from yesterday and today.
General Jackson Showboat
2812 Opryland Drive
866-567-5225
www.generaljackson.com
For more than 20 years, the General Jackson Showboat has sailed the Cumberland River and offered visitors a wide variety of shows in its two-story Victorian theatre. Mid-day cruises offer a country music show and lunch, while evening cruises offer an elegant dinner and musical performance. Throughout the year special shows also take place such as a Valentine’s and Mardi Gras cruise.
Grand Ole Opry
2802 Opryland Drive
615-871-OPRY
www.opry.com
Every week, the Grand Ole Opry takes the excitement of a live audience, the heritage of the world’s longest-running radio show and an incredible mix of talent to the world, broadcasting it live over 650 WSMAM, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Opry.com and Great American Country (cable TV). What was originally known as the WSM Barn Dance and broadcast live from a modest studio in downtown Nashville has evolved into a multi-media music production with some of today’s most talented artists. In its early days, while the program was growing in popularity and audience size, the Grand Ole Opry moved from venue to venue before settling in at the famous Ryman Auditorium. After more than 30 years at the Ryman, the program made its home at the Grand Ole Opry House, just a few miles from downtown Nashville.
Grand Ole Opry Museum
2802 Opryland Drive
800-SEE-OPRY
www.opry.com
The Grand Ole Opry Museum pays tribute to the world’s longest-running radio show and its stars with exhibits honoring the legends like Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins, Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and Little Jimmy Dickens, as well as today’s chart-topping artists such as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Vince Gill.
Grimey's New and Pre-Loved Music Record Store
1604 Eighth Avenue South
615-254-4801
www.grimeys.com
In Nashville, Grimey’s is a record store in a class of its own. With its hardwood floors, spacious rooms and music venue The Basement downstairs, it’s a cornerstone of the local independent rock scene and it’s the first place that many quality bands from around the country play on their first trip through Nashville. You’re just as likely to find proprietor Mike “Grimey” Grimes thumbing through the back inventory for a customer as you are to find him pouring beers or working the soundboard in The Basement. Everyone on the local music scene knows Grimey and Nashville’s smartest new bands know that The Basement’s New Faces Night is the place to play your first public gig. Grimey’s is home turf for the Nashville independent music scene and has played host to some of the best indie shows Music City has seen in recent memory. From an impromptu late night Beatles jam by members of Wilco to a secret show by Metallica, The Basement is the vanguard of the local Nashville scene. And beyond the shows you can catch there, the record store itself regularly hosts daytime in-store performances by local and touring bands, making it a popular hangout for patrons to discover new music.
Gruhn Guitars
400 Broadway
615-256-2033
www.gruhn.com
Nestled amongst the honky tonks on Broadway is Gruhn Guitars, the world’s most famous vintage instrument store that also specializes in repair and restoration. George Gruhn is respected throughout the music industry for knowing “more about guitars than anyone on Earth.” Hundreds of acoustic guitars, electric guitars, basses, mandolins and banjos are hanging on the walls, ready for a hands-on inspection.
Hatch Show Print
316 Broadway
615-256-2805
www.countrymusichalloffame.org
Located in downtown Nashville on Broadway, Hatch Show Print is one of the oldest letterpress poster shops in America, and operates today using the same techniques of the 1800s. Tour the shop to see more than 10,000 wooden type faces used to create the renowned posters. Hatch became famous by printing the images of country music stars when they performed on the Opry. Today, their clientele has grown to include Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Nike and B.B. King. CNN even used Hatch Show Print to design and create nearly all of their promotion materials for the 2008 Presidential Election.
Historic RCA Studio B
Music Row
615-416-2096
www.countrymusichalloffame.org
Affectionately called “the Home of a Thousand Hits,” RCA Studio B is one of the oldest recording studios in town. Made famous when Elvis Presley recorded more than 250 hits there, the studio opened in 1957 and remained open until the day after Elvis died in 1977 (just a coincidence, by the way). Built by Dan Maddox in 1957, RCA Studio B became known as one of the cradles of the “Nashville Sound.” A style characterized by background vocals and strings, the Nashville sound revived the popularity of country music and helped establish Nashville as an international recording center. Bobby Bare, Floyd Cramer, Chet Atkins, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers, among others, have all recorded in this historic studio. Tours of Historic RCA Studio B are available through the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Honky Tonk Highway
300-500 Broadway
Sitting on the corner of Fifth and Broadway, Legends Corner guards the entrance to “the Honky Tonk Highway,” a stretch of bars known for their atmosphere and music. The walls of Legends Corner are lined with thousands of vintage album covers; name your favorite star and his or her album will be there. Next door to Legends, you will find one of Nashville’s most famous honky tonks. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, known far and wide by its purple exterior, has been called “home” by many famous musicians such as Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and Terri Clark. A little further down the highway, you’ll find Robert’s Western World. As soon as you enter Robert’s, you’ll hear the sounds of Brazilbilly, the country music house band with Latin flair. Sandwiched between The Second Fiddle and Robert’s, you’ll find Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, a cozy club that offers traditional bluegrass and a great atmosphere. Step into The Second Fiddle and enjoy the music as well as the Grand Ole Opry memorabilia lining the walls. The Stage says it all in its name: with the biggest stage on Broadway, you’re sure to find room to dance to authentic honky tonk sounds. One thing to remember while you’re on the Honky Tonk Highway: Wherever you land (and whenever: open 10am – 3am), there’s never a cover charge and the music is always live.
Music City Walk of Fame
Walk of Fame Park
Between Fourth and Fifth Avenues South
www.visitmusiccity.com/walkoffame
This landmark pays tribute to influential musicians, entertainers and industry executives from all genres who have a connection to Nashville. The honorees are recognized officially with an unveiling ceremony of commemorative sidewalk markers that are made of stainless steel and terrazzo and display each honoree’s name in a star-andguitar design. Inductees have included Keith Urban, Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill, Jimi Hendrix, John Hiatt, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Roy Orbison, Little Richard, longtime Nashville Symphony Maestro Kenneth D. Schermerhorn, Wynonna Judd, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers among other talented artists.
Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theatre
2620 Music Valley Drive
615-885-4747
www.nashvillenightlife.com
Come experience a celebration of country music from both past and present. Hear songs from many of the great artists in country music history and today’s hottest stars. Some of their guest stars include Tommy Cash, Steve Hall & Shotgun Red plus Opry stars Jeannie Seely and Billy Walker. Nashville Nightlife also offers a meet & greet after every show.
The Nashville Palace
2611 McGavock Pike
615-884-3199
www.nashvillepalace.net
Located just across from the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is the legendary Nashville Palace. Reopened in early 2006, the Palace offers nightly showcases with the rising stars of Nashville and features both a lunch and dinner menu. Hours of operation are from 10:30am to 2:30am seven days a week with live music everyday.
Ryman Auditorium
116 Fifth Avenue North
615-458-8700
www.ryman.com
The Ryman Auditorium first opened its doors as a church in 1892 as a vision of Captain Thomas G. Ryman. With the coming of the Grand Ole Opry show in 1943, the Ryman found its identity as the “Mother Church of Country Music”. In 1974, the Opry moved to its current home by the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center and left the Ryman vacant. It was not until 20 years later in 1994 that the Ryman was restored to be the national showplace that it is today. The Ryman has been named Theater of the Year three times by Pollstar and has also been named Academy of Country Music’s Theatre of the Year. Musicians ranging from Roy Acuff to James Brown and Patsy Cline to Sheryl Crow have performed on the Ryman stage, making it a historical as well as a modernday icon for people everywhere.
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
One Symphony Place
615-687-6500
www.nashvillesymphony.org
In 2006, the city welcomed the spectacular new $123 million Schermerhorn Symphony Center. This acoustic masterpiece boasts 1,872 seats on three levels and features 30 soundproof windows, making it one of the few major concert halls in North America with natural light. The lovely facility also houses an enclosed garden, a gift shop with music-themed items including recordings of the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony orchestra, and a bistro-style cafe.
Texas Troubadour Theatre
2416 Music Valley Drive
615-889-2474
The Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, a live country music radio production, broadcasts every Saturday night from the Texas Troubadour Theatre over 650 WSM-AM, following the Grand Ole Opry as it has for almost 60 years. Midnite Jamboree is the nation’s second longest-running radio show. The show is hosted by special guests each week, including frequent visitors like The Grascals, Rhonda Vincent, Jett Williams and more.
Third Man Records
623 7th Avenue South
615-891-4393
www.thirdmanrecords.com
Third Man Records was originally founded by Jack White in Detroit in 2001. In March of 2009, a physical location was established in Nashville. Third Man Records in its current state serves as a record store, record label, live venue and one-stop production house with a rehearsal and photo studio, darkroom, and production office and distribution center. All records are produced by Jack White in his own Third Man Studio, then printed and pressed right here in Nashville. With their unique set-up, they can have an artist recorded and photographed in one day and have records for sale in the store within weeks.
United Record Pressing
453 Chestnut Street
615-259-9396
www.urpressing.com
United Record Pressing, the biggest record plant in North America, turns out 20 to 40,000 vinyl records a day. From the ‘oldies’ you’d expect - to the current hits you might not. Of the top 50 or so hits of today, two-thirds are on vinyl, and are pressed here. Gray Line tours now offers tours of the plant so be sure to visit the upstairs ‘party room’ and vintage-style apartment used to entertain music executives and artists back in the days of Motown.
Wildhorse Saloon
120 Second Avenue North
615-902-8200
www.wildhorsesaloon.com
At the Wildhorse Saloon, you’re sure to have an authentic Nashville experience. It is simultaneously a restaurant, bar, concert site, dance venue and TV studio. From award-winning cuisine and great live music to nightly dance lessons, the Wildhorse guarantees a good time seven days a week. The venue has hosted concerts for some of the biggest headliners in music from Ringo Starr to Dolly Parton. The 60,000-squarefoot building is comprised of three levels, a private dining area and a larger-than-life dance floor.
Willie Nelson & Friends Showcase Museum
2613-A McGavock Pike
615-885-1515
This museum, combined with one of Nashville’s largest gift shops, features tributes to the “Redheaded Stranger,” Willie Nelson. The museum houses an expansive collection of country music memorabilia, including Willie’s recognizable bandana complete with fake braid attachments. A large portion of the space is dedicated to Willie, but guests are sure to enjoy photographs and mementos from a variety of other country stars, including Elvis and Patsy Cline.
| A Sampling of Music City's Live Music Clubs |
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3rd & Lindsley
818 3rd Ave. S
615-259-9891
3rdandlindsley.com
Multi-genre
The 5 Spot
1006 Forrest Ave.
East Nashville
615-650-9333
the5spot.net
Multi-genre
12th & Porter
114 12th Ave. N
615-254-7250
12thandporterlive.com
Rock
The Basement
1604 8th Avenue South #330
615-254-8006
thebasementnashville.com
Multi-genre
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Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar
220 Printers Alley
615-242-5837
bourbonstreetblues.com
Blues
The End
2219 Elliston Place
615-321-4457
endnashville.com
Alternative Rock
Exit/In
2208 Elliston Place
615-321-3340
exitin.com
Rock/Pop
Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom
One Cannery Row
615-251-3020
mercylounge.com
Multi-genre
Robert's Western World
416-B Broadway
615-244-9552
robertswesternworld.com
Country
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Rocketown
522 5th Ave. S
615-843-4001
rocketown.com
Multi-genre (youth)
The Rutledge
410 Fourth Ave. S
615-782-6858
therutledgelmv.com
Multi-genre
The Second Fiddle
420 Broadway
615-251-6812
thesecondfiddle.com
Country
The Stage
412 Broadway
615-726-0504
thestageonbroadway.com
Country
Station Inn
402 12th Ave. S
615-255-3307
stationinn.com
Bluegrass
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
422 Broadway
615-726-0463
tootsies.net
Country |
| Restaurants with Live Music |
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B.B. King's Blues Club & Restaurant
152 2nd Ave. N
615-256-2727
nashville.bbkingclubs.com
Jazz/Blues
Bluebird Cafe
4104 Hillsboro Rd.
615-383-1461
bluebirdcafe.com
Singer/Songwriter
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Douglas Corner Cafe
2106-A 8th Ave. S
615-298-1688
douglascorner.com
Singer/Songwriter
F. Scott's Jazz Bar
2210 Crestmoor Rd.
615-269-5861
fscotts.com
Jazz
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Family Wash
2038 Greenwood Ave.
615-226-6070
familywash.com
Multi-genre
Tin Roof
1516 Demonbreun
615-313-7103
Country/Songwriter
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Click on any of the linked Press Kit pieces below to view.
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