grand ole opry (Memphis, Jackson, Lookout Mountain: hotel, to buy, theater)

[MARCIO]

I will stay for some days in Nashville and would like to go to Opry on a Tuesday night.
I will arrive in early september and I have heard that shows in Opry are quickly sold out.
Should I buy a ticket in 6 month advance or wait til one or two months before arriving ?
Is there any other live country music enterteinment in the city ?
Local people like these performances or they are for tourists?
Those Jackson boat musical shows are worthiness?
Thanks

[rossc]

We don't go often, we've never had trouble getting Opry tickets at the last minute. If I had to choose one or the other, I'd choose the boat over the Opry. It's a good show and unless you hit the Opry on a night with one or two mainstream headliners, it can be a bit lame. We do dinner or lunch on the boat a couple times a year and it's always a good time.

For other entertainment, just hit 2nd and Broadway. There is always good entertainment. remarkably good in some cases. Better than some of the stars.

[DFNicely]

You should have to buy tickets 6 months in advance. I would get them about a month ahead of time or at least a couple of weeks ahead of time. The Ryman Auditorium usually has a show about every night. Also the Nashville Nightlife Theater and the General Jackson Showboat also have regular shows. Both of these serve dinner with the show. I have to agree with the comments of the last person, you can always find good entertainment on 2nd ave and Broadway.

[GWoodle]

Gaylord has many tour package options that include hotel + bus to the Opry or other Gaylord properties. (General Jackson). You may find the price of the package deal very attractive. The seating chart is somewhat helpful if you want a front row seat close to the stage. Frankly, there is not a bad seat in the house. The smaller size of the Ryman brings you even closer to the stage. Bring a camera & enjoy the show! Flash is permitted (but useless over a distance).

The Tuesday Nite Opry is a little different in that each artist spends about 15 minutes on stage. This gives them the opportunity to do more than just a tune or 2. There is still a mix of new & older artists. You may end up reserving your tickets in advance but won't know the lineup until your trip. At he 2-1 month time you may have a better idea of who to expect.

The General Jackson boat tours are fun.

[nashvols]

I want to add that MARCIO has expressed interest in seeing more of what the locals see, too. I think the Gen Jackson/Opry/and Ryman are wonderful ideas, not just for tourists, but for anyone interested in music and entertainment.

However, I think we should make up a list of "off the tourist map" places to visit for nightlife, so we can promote more than the "touristy" image of Nashville.

Of course, it's hard to tell what exactly will be going on in September, but it's never too early to come up with suggestions!

[DonCorleone]

Agreed...I have been to the Opry probably 4 times in my life and all but once was with a tourist. It's just not something we do too often here. But it is worth checking out, for sure. As far as getting tickets in advance, I seriously doubt you'll have problems especially on the Tuesday night performance. I think the most popular shows are the early evening shows on Saturday nights. That's generally when you get the "big name" stars in.

As far as more off-the-beaten path places to check out for live music...I'll post again when I have some more time but I think that's a good idea.

[MARCIO]

Thank you folks, you are already making my Nashville visit wonderful.
With your precious help I am sure to see the best of Nasville.

4 days and 4 nights are, of course, not enough to visit and see everything . I will stay three entire days visiting Nashville attractions and will choose one day roundtrip to go to Lookout Mountain and Jack Daniel's distillery or Memphis, it 's a very hard choice.

Thanks again

[buddyjo143]

If you can buy your Grand Ole Opry tickets in advance, I would. As the time gets closer, if a name star has been added to the show it may be impossible to get tickets.

I would say if you know the date, then buy the ticket.

Broadway is a great place to visit since you can hear live music all day long.