No matter if you’re new to Nashville or you’ve been around for years, there is always a venue you haven’t gotten a chance to check out. There are so many great places to go for live music in Nashville it becomes hard to go to them all. You usually will find your favorites and stick to them. Here is a list and description of the top live music venues in Nashville.
Bluebird Café
4104 Hillsboro Road, Nashville, TN, Tel. 615.383.1461
Places like the Bluebird Café are the reason that “Music City, USA” can keep its title and dignity. While the normal tourist will go towards big name shows at the Ryman, locals and industry veterans know that the heart of country music is located in clubs like the Bluebird, which feature little known and amateur singer-songwriters performing seven nights a week. Most recognized is the legendary new songwriters showcase every Sunday
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
220 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN, Tel. 615.24.BLUES
Besides featuring the best blues artists to come through Nashville, the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar features a seven-piece award winning blues band playing a mixture of Chicago and Delta blues.
Douglas Corner Café
2106-A 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN, Tel. 615.298.1688
What makes Douglas Corner Cafe a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Well, the established acts, top writers and a wide array of musical styles helps. On many nights, you can drop by after work for an early showcase with an up and coming artist. Many of the early shows have no cover charge.
Exit/In
2208 Elliston Place, Nashville, TN, 615.320.3754
Since Exit/In was founded in 1971, the club has developed its unique reputation through the wonderful bands that have played the stage. Musicians like The Police, R.E.M., Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffet, GWAR, Kings of Leon, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers are only a few of the famous names that have performed here. The Exit/In is simply one loud piece of Nashville rock stuck right in the middle of the Music City.
Layla’s Bluegrass Inn
418 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 615-726-2799
Here you can discover what visitors and locals alike have come to know for years-that Layla’s Bluegrass Inn is the place in Nashville for the best in live entertainment, your favorite libation, great eats and plenty of down-home Southern hospitality!
Robert’s Western World
416 Broadway, Nashville, TN, Tel. 615-244-9552
As the “Home of Traditional Country Music” you will not find another like this venue. Merle Haggard, Tom Petty, Tracy Byrd, Kid Rock, Allison Kraus and Rascal Flatts all have come to the bar at Robert’s Western World, ordered a beer and a burger and listened to the best traditional country music Nashville has to offer.
Station Inn
402 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 615.255.3307
The Station Inn is Nashville’s most popular bluegrass club. Doors open at 7 p.m. each night with live music starting at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. You must be age 21 and older or be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter. Admission to all shows at The Station Inn is on a first come - first served basis. For high profile performances, plan on arriving early!
3rd & Lindsley Bar and Grill
818 3rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 615.259.9891
The 3rd & Lindsley Bar and Grill features more styles of music than almost any other club in Nashville: Progressive, AAA, Blues, R&B, Rock & Roll, Alternative, Americana and Soul.
12th & Porter
114 12th Avenue North, Nashville, TN, 615.734.1981
Anyone who has seen a show at 12th & Porter will probably tell you it is one of the best sounding rooms in Nashville. What they will also tell you, if they have been in Nashville for more than 24 hours, is that the club is not only Nashville’s, but also one of the country’s premiere and legendary clubs. 12th and Porter proudly continues its leading role in Nashville’s musical skyline and was recently recently voted by readers of the Nashville Scene as 2nd only to the historic Ryman Auditorium as Nashville’s best place to hear live music.
