Singing along in Nashville is not normally discouraged! In fact, for music fans, it's one of the best reasons to visit Music City, and there are any number of music venues for enthusiastic fans to sing along, clap hands, dance or simply enjoy the beat.
While a visitor to Music City can find live music being performed in bars and restaurants, on street corners and parks, and in smaller clubs throughout the city, it's the concert halls and big stages that attract visitors in record numbers to experience the thrill of top-name performers and the latest hits.
Ryman Auditorium
The musical "gold standard" in Nashville is this original home of the Grand Ole Opry. During its 125-year history, it has been remodeled and modernized, but it still almost "oozes" history and the original church pew seating has been retained. For big name entertainment, and the best acoustics in the city, head to the Ryman!
Nashville's Classic Club: 3rd and Lindsley
This is perhaps the "one size fits all" venue in a city of diverse music attractions. Its office park location provides few clues: With a close-to-the-stage open pit where exuberant fans can get (almost) as wild as they please during a performance, this large club is a two-level concert hall. There is impeccable food and drink service for concert fans who prefer their music served in comfortable surroundings. The food is tasty, prices are reasonable, and the sound is great; all good reasons why 3rd and Lindsley has grown from its beginnings as a little bar with a tiny stage.
The Nashville Symphony and Schermerhorm Symphony Center
Offering a full schedule of concerts, along with an active calendar of special events, exhibits and community education programs, the Nashville Symphony is another popular music venue in Nashville. The Nashville Symphony sponsors a series of free chamber music concerts, the noted Accelerando Music Education Program to train young musicians, and an Emmy Award-winning discography series.
Ascend Amphitheater
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, this young venue is already a favorite. Ascend Amphitheater's convenient location in the midst of the shopping and dining district also boasts abundant parking and a superb view of the city skyline. The sound quality and outstanding design are also exemplary. It provided a backup stage for the CMA Music Awards in 2017, to the delight of thousands of fans, and all indications are that it will become a favorite outdoor performance hall.
Marathon Music Works
With a seating capacity of 1,500, this venue stages musicians who perform music from a wide variety of diverse genres, but it remains a favorite for heavy metal acts that have few other places to perform today in Music City USA. For this reason, and because it is a classic performance hall, it has earned a spot in the hearts of local music—both fans and touring performers.
Nashville Opera
A bright new home at the Nora Liff Opera Center, and a schedule that brings opera education and classic performances to students throughout the area are just two of the exciting aspects of this unique venue. It can also be rented and transformed into an event center to showcase other creative endeavors.
No matter what you expect from the music scene in Nashville, you are sure to find it—and there is a whole lot more to discover. All it takes is a pair of open eyes and the ability to listen!
