A Guide to the Top Music Spots in Nashville

Whether it was in the form of 18th-century frontiersman Davy Crockett playing fiddle for family and friends or the emancipated slave group Fisk Jubilee Singers performing for Queen Victoria, music has always been at the heart of this city. Today, Nashville boasts a sizzling music scene with everything from rock and pop to hip-hop, country, jazz, and gospel.

Ryman Auditorium

Bill DeMain — a singer/songwriter, Grammy-nominated music journalist, and owner of Walkin' Nashville Music City Legends Tour — knows where to go for the best music in town. Even when he's not performing with his own bands, Swan Dive and Crackerboots, DeMain is immersed in Nashville's music scene. A "must-see" stop on his legends tour includes the world-famous Ryman Auditorium. "The Ryman is kind of the heart of downtown Nashville," DeMain says. "It's been there since the 1890s and was the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It is a magical place where you can feel the spirit of the people who have played there."

The Ryman has been described as a "hallowed" place, a term that fits, considering the building once served as a church. One story says that steamboat captain and Nashville businessman Thomas G. Ryman was so moved by an 1885 tent revival that he dedicated his life and riches to building the Union Gospel Tabernacle on the site.

When Ryman died, show promoter Lula C. Naff leased the building, re-christened it Ryman Auditorium, and turned it into an entertainment venue. Today, acts like The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and Darius Rucker play Ryman, keeping the spirit of Nashville country music alive.

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

One of DeMain's favorite stops for honky-tonk music is Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, where owner Tootsie Bess once helped newcomers like Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson gain traction in the music business. Tootsie's has operated across the alley from the Ryman Theater since 1960. Legend has it that it was a painter's accidental use of orchid purple paint on the exterior of the building that led to the establishment's name.

Douglas Corner Cafe

Heather Middleton, vice president of public relations for Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, says that when she is asked for live venue suggestions, Douglas Corner Cafe is near the top of her list. The cafe was established in 1987 when recording engineer Mervin Louque partnered with businessman Rick Martin with one goal in mind: to create a venue that would showcase new Nashville singers and songwriters.

Artists like Garth Brooks and Blake Shelton tried out new material, perfected their craft, and ultimately left their mark on the music business at Douglas Corner Cafe. Today's up and coming artists continue the tradition of playing new material as they get their start in the music world.

Exit/In

Located on Elliston Place near Centennial Park and Vanderbilt University, Exit/In opened in 1971. What put Exit/In on the map was the fact that it became the place to go for music lovers who wanted an alternative to country. Jimmy Buffett got his start here, and big names like The Ramones and Avril Lavigne have played the venue. It remains a go-to for anyone looking for an alternative to country music.

Bluebird Cafe

Another DeMain favorite is the Bluebird Cafe. He describes the cafe as "a showcase for talent, a place where people might get heard," and he has personally played the venue hundreds of times and appreciates the respect it shows for songwriters.

"They have what's called 'in the round' where four songwriters face each other, go around the circle, and take turns singing." Although the process can be nerve wracking for performers, he insists it's also a thrill. Because of the cafe's quiet policy while artists are playing, the room is absolutely silent, allowing for the music being played to take center stage.

Station Inn

DeMain describes Station Inn as "funky in a way that newer Nashville is not. It's in a cinderblock building, but there is a vibe in there, a level of musicianship so high you could walk in there any night, and your jaw would be hitting the ground."

Like most of Nashville, Station Inn is built on history. Opened in 1974 and owned by J.T. Gray since 1981, it started to attract bluegrass musicians somewhere along the way, and big names would sometimes drop in unannounced, ready to play after a gig at the Grand Ole Opry. The venue remains one of the premier listening rooms for bluegrass and roots music.

Any Time Is a Good Time

"One of the great things about Nashville is that it is a year-round destination," Middleton says. "Unlike a beach, you don't need good weather to enjoy the music, food, and neighborhoods of Nashville."

If you have your own favorite Nashville music spot, let us know all about it. We'd love to hear from you on Twitter.