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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 witness a moment "in the round." 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.com
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 and recorded music, dynamic exhibits and state-of-the-art design, 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.
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 a record is in print, you can bet they'll have it, as long as it's country or bluegrass.
Gibson Guitars
641 Massman Drive
800-4-GIBSON
www.gibson.com
The famous Gibson Guitar company moved its headquarters appropriately to Music City in 1984. Here, classic guitar designs are made as well as contemporary guitars. Gibson Guitars has been crafting instruments for more than 100 years. Gibson also carries the prestigious line of Baldwin pianos.
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 WSM-AM, Sirius 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. The Grand Ole Opry's scope of styles and range of artists continue to evolve, but its reputation will always be that of a place "where country rocks, bluegrass rules and western swings."
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 contemporary charttopping artists such as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Vince Gill.
Gruhn Guitars
400 Broadway
615-256-2033
www.gruhn.com
This is the world's most famous vintage instrument store and 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.com
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.
Historic RCA Studio B
Music Row
615-416-2096
www.countrymusichalloffame.com
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 over 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, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers, among others, have all recorded in this historic studio.
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 Nashville’s most famous honky tonk, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, known far and wide by its orchid-purple exterior. Many famous musicians such as Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and Kris Kristofferson all called Tootsie's "home."
A little further down the block, 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 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 and whenever you land — most bars are open from 10 a.m. until 3 a.m. — there's never a cover charge, and the music is always live.
General Jackson Showboat
2812 Orpyland 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. Midday cruises offer a country music show and lunch, while evening cruises offer an elegant dinner and Broadwaystyle music show. Throughout the year special shows also take place such as the Sunday Gospel Brunch Cruise.
Music City Walk of Fame
Walk of Fame Park
Between Fourth and Fifth Avenues South
www.visitmusiccity.com/walkoffame
This new 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-and-guitar design. Inductees have included Barbara Mandrell, Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill, Jimi Hendrix, John Hiatt, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Roy Orbison, longtime Nashville Symphony Maestro Kenneth D. Schermerhorn, Wynonna Judd, Michael W. Smith, the Fisk Jubilee Singers and other talented artists.
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
301 Sixth Avenue South
615-244-3263
www.musicianshalloffame.com
This is the first museum and hall of fame honoring the musician. The 30,000-square-foot facility recognizes musicians of all genres and features artifacts and instruments used during legendary recording sessions. The space also contains a gift shop, a mini-theatre for film screenings, a 5,000-square-foot performance hall, a functioning recording studio as part of the museum tour and a school of music, offering lessons to students of all ages and abilities.
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 Jack Greene. Nashville Nightlife also offers a meet and 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 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. 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. The stage would soon host appearances by the world’s leading entertainers, including Enrico Caruso, W.C. Fields, Helen Hayes, Bob Hope, Katharine Hepburn, Bela Lugosi, Doris Day and countless other entertainment legends. With the arrival of the Grand Ole Opry in 1943, the Ryman found its identity as the "Mother Church of Country Music." After 30 years at the Ryman, the Opry moved to its current home by the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in 1974. Through the years, the Ryman was used for occasional concerts and TV tapings — Johnny Cash’s classic ABC series was taped here — but continued to crumble into disrepair. It was not until 20 years later in 1994 that the Ryman was saved from the wrecking ball and restored to be the national showplace that it is today. The Ryman was named Theater of the Year in 2003 and 2004 by Pollstar. 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 current-day 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, 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 many Opry stars.
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 those 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 find country that kicks and an authentic Nashville experience. From award-winning cuisine and great contemporary country music to nightly dance lessons, the Wildhorse guarantees a good time seven nights a week. The Wildhorse houses 60,000 square feet on three levels, a private dining area and a larger-than-life dance floor where crowds kick up their heels to today's top country acts.
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 Presley, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and more.
| 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
Multi-genre
12th & Porter
114 12th Ave. N
615-254-7250
Rock
Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar
220 Printers Alley
615-242-5837
bourbonstreetblues.com
Blues
The End
2219 Elliston Place
615-321-4457
Alternative Rock
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Exit/In
2208 Elliston Place
615-321-3340
exitin.com
Rock/Pop
Legends Corner
428 Broadway
615-248-6334
legendscorner.com
Country
Mercy Lounge
One Cannery Row
615-251-3020
mercylounge.com
Multi-genre
Rocketown
401 6th Ave. S
615-843-4001
rocketown.com
Multi-genre (youth)
Robert's Western World
416-B Broadway
615-244-9552
robertswesternworld.com
Country
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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
Douglas Corner Cafe
2106-A 8th Ave. S
615-298-1688
douglascorner.com
Singer/Songwriter
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F. Scott's Jazz Bar
2210 Crestmoor Rd.
615-269-5861
fscotts.com
Jazz
Family Wash
2038 Greenwood Ave.
615-226-6070
familywash.com
Multi-genre
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Gibson Showcase
161 Opry Mills Dr.
615-514-2200
gibsonshowcase.com
Bluegrass/Blues
Sambuca
601 12th Ave. S
615-248-2888
sambucarestaurant.com
Mulit-genre
Tin Roof
1516 Demonbreun
615-313-7103
Country/Songwriter |
Click on any of the linked Press Kit pieces below to view.
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