Everyone knows the Best Music Venues in Nashville host the heart of country music, but with the music pouring out of nearly every building, how do you choose where to spend your time? No two are the same, and you need to know how one venue stacks compared to the rest.
Here’s a list of some of the top venues in town, so if you are staying just a few nights or living there full-time, consider this list your roadmap to the best live experiences money can buy.
1. Best Music Venues in Nashville: The Ryman
It is no surprise that the historic Ryman Auditorium is at the top of our list of best venues. From Elvis to Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash to Wu-Tang Clan, Paul Simon to Tom Petty, B.B. King to Kings of Leon, some of the industry’s most prolific icons have performed at the Ryman. The Ryman was recently featured in Ken Burns’s film on the history of country music. If you haven’t been, you’re in for a treat the next time one of your favorite artists comes through.
2. The Listening Room
You’ll be listening to some of the best established and upcoming songwriters when you take a seat for dinner at the newest location of the Listening Room. Though this venue may have changed locations, the ambiance and talent is still second-to-none.
3. Mercy Lounge
Even though it’s been around since 2003, Mercy Lounge is still one of the best-kept secrets of Nashville’s music scene. While it only has a capacity of 500, this venue packs quite a punch. Named Nashville’s most underrated venue by Rave Reviews, the Mercy Lounge consistently attracts top talent from all over the world.
4. 3rd & Lindsley
Parking may not be amazing, but once you are inside you are in for a treat at the larger-than-expected venue that has hosted a plethora of different musical talent, from up and coming acts to legends. Not only can you catch a great show, but their menu and drinks are top notch as well!
5. Station Inn
Over the last 40 years, Station Inn has hosted icons such as Bill Monroe, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and John Prine. Check it out if you are looking for some authentic Americana and folk music in an intimate environment.
6. The Bluebird Cafe
What this venue lacks in square footage, The Bluebird Cafe makes up for in its array of songwriters that play there. Located in a tiny strip mall in Green Hills, songwriters of all calibers play to sold out crowds nightly.
What are your votes for Best Music Venues in Nashville? Let us know in the comments below!
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