Nashville, Tennessee is known as the Music City for a reason. It is home to some of the most iconic and influential music venues in the United States. From country music to rock and everything in between, Nashville has a diverse and vibrant music scene that attracts both locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the popular music venues in Nashville, TN that host events in Nashville, TN throughout the year.
The Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium is a historic landmark in Nashville and is often referred to as the "Mother Church of Country Music".It was originally built in 1892 as a place of worship but was later converted into a music venue in 1943. The Ryman has hosted some of the biggest names in country music including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Hank Williams. It has also welcomed other genres such as rock, pop, and blues over the years. The Ryman Auditorium has a capacity of 2,362 seats and offers an intimate setting for concerts. The venue also offers daily tours for visitors to learn about its rich history and see behind-the-scenes areas such as dressing rooms and the stage. The Ryman is a must-visit for any music lover visiting Nashville.
The Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is another iconic music venue in Nashville that has been showcasing country music since 1925. It started as a radio show and eventually moved to its current location at the Grand Ole Opry House in 1974. The venue has a capacity of 4,400 seats and hosts weekly shows featuring both established and up-and-coming country artists. Aside from the weekly shows, the Grand Ole Opry also hosts special events throughout the year such as the Opry Country Classics and Opry at the Ryman.Visitors can also take a backstage tour to learn about the history of the venue and see memorabilia from past performances.
The Bluebird Cafe
The Bluebird Cafe may be small in size, but it has played a big role in Nashville's music scene. This intimate venue has a capacity of only 90 seats and is known for its "in-the-round" performances where songwriters sit in a circle and take turns performing their original songs. The Bluebird Cafe has been a launching pad for many successful songwriters and artists such as Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and Faith Hill. Due to its small size, tickets for shows at The Bluebird Cafe are highly coveted and often sell out quickly. However, visitors can also enjoy a meal at the cafe while listening to live music during their Sunday brunch or Monday night open mic nights.The Bridgestone Arena
The Bridgestone Arena is not only a popular music venue in Nashville but also a major sports arena.It has a capacity of 20,000 seats and hosts some of the biggest concerts and events in the city. The arena has welcomed artists such as Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Paul McCartney, as well as major events like the CMA Awards and NCAA basketball tournaments. In addition to concerts and sporting events, the Bridgestone Arena also offers guided tours for visitors to see areas such as the locker rooms, press box, and backstage areas.
The Ascend Amphitheater
The Ascend Amphitheater is an outdoor music venue located along the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville. It has a capacity of 6,800 seats and offers a picturesque setting for concerts with the Nashville skyline as the backdrop. The venue hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and movie nights. The Ascend Amphitheater also has a unique feature called the "Green Roof" which is a grass-covered area where visitors can sit and enjoy the show.This venue is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its scenic views and laid-back atmosphere.
