NASHVILLE'S MUSICAL HERITAGE

The Bluebird Cafe
4104 Hillsboro Road
Nashville, TN 37215
(615) 383-1461
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
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 416-2001
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, onsite dining and fabulous public spaces all contribute to an extraordinary museum experience. The museum’s major new exhibition The Bakersfield Sound: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and California Country opened in March 2012 and will run through December 2013. Narrated by Dwight Yoakam, the exhibit explores the roots, heyday and impact of the Bakersfield Sound, the loud, stripped-down and radio-ready music most closely identified with the careers of Country Music Hall of Fame members Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

Ernest Tubb Record Shop
417 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 255-7503
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
fontanelmansion.com
The 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, over 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 andvideo shoots. Additionally, the Mansion features one-of-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. In addition, guests can experience The Woods at Fontanel, The Trails at Fontanel and dine at the Café Fontanella, a new casual dining experience offering authentic Italian dishes. Nashville’s only country music mansion tour, the Mansion at Fontanel will give visitors a sneak peek into the lives of country music greats by providing a truly interactive experience.

Grand Ole Opry
2802 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 871-OPRY
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.

Grand Ole Opry Museum
2802 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
(800) SEE-OPRY
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 Preloved Music Store
1604 Eighth Avenue South
(615) 254-4801
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 adding an annex into a second location two doors south on 8th Street. It will feature a coffee bar run by a local coffee business, a “full-service Indie bookstore” by the name of Howlin’ Books, and more records. There is a full acre in the back lot for more parking, bigger music events, and local vendors interested in offering regular food-truck food courts. 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
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 256-2033
gruhn.com
Nestled amongst the honky tonks on Broadway Avenue you will find 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
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 256-2805
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
Nashville, TN
(615) 416-2096
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
Nashville, TN 37201
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 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.

General Jackson Showboat
2812 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
(866) 567-5225
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.

Music City Walk of Fame
Demonbreun St. between 4th and 5th Avenues
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 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 and other talented artists.

Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theatre
2620 Music Valley Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 885-4747
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 and greet after every show.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center
One Symphony Place
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 687-6500
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.

The Nashville Palace
2611 McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 884-3199
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
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 458-8700
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 in 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 current-day icon for people everywhere.

Texas Troubadour Theatre
2416 Music Valley Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 889-2474
etrecordshop.com
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
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 891-4393
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, TN. 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
Nashville, TN 37203
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
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 902-8200
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 Wildhorse has hosted concerts for some of the biggest headliners in music from Ringo Starr to Dolly Parton. The 60,000 square feet building is comprised of three levels, a private dining area and a larger-than-life dance floor.

Willie Nelson and Friends Museum and General Store
2613-A McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 885-1515
willienelsongeneralstore.com
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, Patsy Cline and more.


A SAMPLING OF MUSIC CITY'S LIVE MUSIC CLUBS

3rd & Lindsley
818 Third Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 259-9891
3rdandlindsley.com
Multi-genre

The 5 Spot
1006 Forrest Avenue
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 650-9333
the5spot.net
Multi-genre

12th & Porter
114 12th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 254-7250
12thandporterlive.com
Rock

The Basement
1604 8th Avenue South # 330
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 254-8006
thebasementnashville.com
Multi-genre

Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
220 Printers Alley
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 242-5837
bourbonstreetblues.com
Blues

The End
2219 Elliston Place
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 321-4457
endnashville.com
Alternative Rock

Exit/In
2208 Elliston Place
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 321-3340
exitin.com
Rock/Pop

Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom
One Cannery Row
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 251-3020
mercylounge.com
Multi-genre

Robert's Western World
416-B Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 244-9552
robertswesternworld.com
Country

Rocketown
522 5th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 843-4001
rocketown.com
Multi-genre (youth)

The Rutledge
410 4th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 782-6856
therutledgelmv.com
Multi-genre

The Second Fiddle
420 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 251-6812
thesecondfiddle.com
Country

The Stage
412 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 726-0504
thestageonbroadway.com
Country

Station Inn
402 12th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 255-3307
stationinn.com
Bluegrass

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
422 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 726-0463
tootsies.net
Country

The National Underground
105 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 255-5522
thenationalunderground.com


RESTAURANTS WITH LIVE MUSIC

B.B. King's Blues Club & Restaurant
152 Second Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 256-2727
bbkingclubs.com
Jazz/Blues

Bluebird Cafe
4104 Hillsboro Road
Nashville, TN 37215
(615) 383-1461
bluebirdcafe.com
Singer/Songwriter

Douglas Corner Cafe
2106-A Eighth Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 298-1688
douglascorner.com
Singer/Songwriter

F. Scott's Restaurant & Jazz Bar
2210 Crestmoor Road
Nashville, TN 37215
(615) 269-5861
fscotts.com
Jazz

The Family Wash
2038 Greenwood Avenue
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 226-6070
familywash.com
Multi-genre

Tin Roof
1516 Demonbreun St.
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 313-7103
tinroofbars.com
Country/Songwriter