Known as Music City as well as the Country Music Capital of the World, Nashville didn’t get these nicknames for no reason. This musical city has a long history of not just country music, but also blues, jazz, and bluegrass music as well. Fun fact, the Madame Tussauds wax museum here in Nashville is the only one that features only music artists of all genres of music! With that, it shouldn’t be any surprise as to the extent of how much the city of Nashville is infused with music. With that, you’ll have absolutely no problem finding a music venue... The issue lies in finding the best live music in Nashville!
If there’s one thing to know about Nashville when it comes to live music, you’ll have just as great of a musical experience seeing local talent perform in front of small audiences as you would seeing music greats perform at historic large venues. Therefore, the city is your oyster in terms of live music options. However, whether you’re visiting the city for the first time, or you simply want to check out the music scene, the following venues are where you can find the best live music performances in Nashville.
The Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is a venue that truly needs no introduction, of course, but it’s worthy of one. From the moment you set foot inside, there’s no denying the fact that something magical is felt. It could be the fact that country music greats, past and present, have graced the stage, and you’re literally standing in the midst of greatness.
Everyone from Dolly Parton and Trisha Yearwood to Loretta Lynn and Randy Travis, have all graced the Grand Ole Opry stage, wowing audiences since 1974 (in its current location). Then again, it could be the acoustics—the sound of live music in this venue is like no other. On top of that, there are no bad seats in the house, whether you sit in floor or balcony seats!
Ascend Amphitheater
Located a short walk from the bright lights and honky tonks of Broadway, the Ascend Amphitheater is one of Nashville’s few open-air venues with one of the best views of the Cumberland River. The likes of Garth Brooks, Anderson Paak, and Chris Stapleton have all had amazing live performances on this iconic outdoor stage. If you’re ever in Nashville on a hot summer night, be sure to check out who’s performing at Ascend Amphitheater!
Legends Corner
If you haven’t figured it out yet, Legends Corner is one of the most famous bars in Nashville, and for good reason! Not only have the famous faces of Toby Keith and Kid Rock kept the venue jam packed but you can’t not mention just how the famous bar is adorned with priceless country music memorabilia!
At Legends Corner, the live music experience can be described as intimate, with performances from local talent from the area, and bar-goers are encouraged to hit the dance floor and cut a rug the best way they know how to! It’s also pretty common for country music greats to make surprise visits and perform for lucky audience members! So, when it comes to the best bars on Broadway in Nashville, always remember Legends Corner is your one-stop-shop for live music!
Nashville Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Well-known for being a premium concert hall as well as the Nashville Symphony Orchestra’s home, the Schermerhorn offers audiences unique live music experiences that extend well beyond country music. Not only does this live music venue host classical and jazz concerts all throughout the year but the orchestra is known for performing scores from world-famous movies like Home Alone and Harry Potter, all while the movies actually play on screen. The symphony center even has live performances for children audiences! For the full experience of classical and Broadway performances in the 21st century, the Nashville Schermerhorn Symphony Center is exactly where you need and want to be!
The Ryman Auditorium
The once tabernacle, turned live music concert venue, is one of the biggest attractions in Nashville. For over a century, concert-goers have filled the pews to see country music greats perform on the pulpit. A few shows at the Ryman include Opry at the Ryman, Bluegrass nights, and Christmas at the Ryman. To get your fill of live music and a bit of nostalgia, then the Ryman Auditorium will give you all of that and more!
Come Experience Nashville’s Live Music Scene!
From the big stages where musical greats have sold out shows to smaller venues, there’s no denying the fact that Nashville knows music! There are, of course, tons of venues in the city that have live music, but in order to get the best music experience, you’re going to want to go to the best places for live music in Nashville!
Also Read:
Best Time of Year to Visit Nashville