Nashville Songwriting Music Scene

For those intrepid musical admirers intent upon discovering an original Nashville experience far from the crowds of tourists, stop at any local convenience store and pick up a current copy of either The Nashville Scene or The Rage. Both are weekly publications listing local venues and their daily show schedules. Music Listings are broken down by date and genre. Some of the best music is simply listed as "Open Mic" or under "Singer-Songwriter". Of course, like everything else, the risks coincide with the reward, so if you visit a venue that doesn't ring your bell, so to speak, don't hesitate to bounce over to another club. It's a common local practice, even among the songwriters.

Regardless of your taste in music, rest assured, Nashville will have a venue to satisfy your cravings for live music. The Music City is no longer limited to country music entertainment. For some sure bets to enjoy Americana and Country & Western music, Nashville songwriting institutions such as The Bluebird Cafe, The Commodore Lounge, Third & Lindsley, Twelfth & Porter, the Station Inn, the Exit/In, and the Blue Bar, offer solid Nashville songwriters' entertainment. If your musical taste is a little more eclectic, East Nashville offers some great venues, including the Lipstick Lounge and the Family Wash. South Nashville's The Basement and Douglas Corner are longtime favorites for a broad range of extremely talented local musicians, as well. Jazz fans are always welcome at F. Scott's in Green Hills. Depending on the night of the week and the booked talent, cover charges are low to non-existent. Open Mic Nights are always free. Venue addresses are included in the Music Listings guide.

As a final suggestion to all music lovers visiting Nashville, if you are lucky enough to buy last-minute tickets to catch a show at the downtown Ryman Auditorium at 5th Avenue & Broadway, rest assured you will be entertained. The Mother Church of Country Music management does not book marginal talent. For sure, country music enthusiasts should not miss an opportunity to visit the stomping grounds of the original Grand Ole Opry performers. Visiting the Ryman Auditorium is a unique Nashville experience that will last a lifetime.

So next time you visit Nashville, leave your fancy duds at the hotel one night, put on some jeans and comfy shoes before striking out on your own musical expedition. Leave the crowds on Lower Broadway and melt into the Nashville songwriters' circuit. You will experience the real Nashville music songwriting community that attracts tens of thousands of aspiring songwriters and performers to the Music City every year.