61. Tootsie’S Orchid Lounge
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (615) 726-0463
Address: 422 Broadway
Insider Pick:
Description: You can’t miss Tootsie’s—it’s the pale purple club on Broadway. In the old days this was where legendary songwriters like Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson gathered to drink and write. Much of the lounge’s history is reflected in the photos on the walls. There’s a stage downstairs and another upstairs, where you can walk out into an alley to the side door to the Ryman Auditorium (you can’t get in that way, but many legendary stars have been known to come out that door and into Tootsie’s). Both stages feature live entertainment day and night; there isn’t a cover charge. Tootsie’s is worth a visit for anyone who wants to soak up a little of Music City’s music history.
62. The Wildhorse Saloon
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (615) 902-8200
Address: 120 Second Ave. N.
Insider Pick:
Description: The Wildhorse, one of the top tourist attractions downtown in the District, is owned by Gaylord Entertainment, which also owns the Ryman Auditorium. This state-of-the-art music club, which opened in June 1994, is host to a continuing parade of country events. Concerts in the huge club have included Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, Billy Joe Shaver, Billy Ray Cyrus, Keith Urban, and many more. The Wildhorse presents house bands, booked from all over the United States, every night except during tapings. New country acts Lonestar and Ricochet have filled the house band slot in the past. Regular admission is free until 6 p.m., then $5. Free admission with a room key for guests of the Radisson and Gaylord Hotel. Concert tickets cost about $15.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Nightlife
Address: 4104 Hillsboro Rd.
64. Douglas Corner Cafe
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (615) 292-2530 (recording to s
Description: Douglas Corner’s open mic starts at 8 p.m. Tues. You can reserve your spot in line by calling the listed number between 2 and 6 p.m. the same day you wish to attend. Calling Douglas Corner’s main number won’t do you any good. If you forget to call, just show up, and your name will be added to the end of the list. Depending on how many people are waiting to play, you’ll get to do 2 or 3 songs.
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Nightlife
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Nightlife
67. Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (615) 726-5867
Description: In the mid-1900s, Jefferson Street was nationally known for its jazz, blues, and R&B music. As part of an effort to revitalize the historic street’s culture, the Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership began presenting this annual music festival in 2000. The event is usually held around Juneteenth, the June 19 celebration of the ending of slavery. During the festival, the street is blocked off, while nationally known and local jazz and blues acts perform on the stage throughout the day and late into the evening. Performers have included DeFord Bailey Jr., Tyrone Smith, and Marion James. It’s a family-oriented event, complete with food and merchandise vendors and activities for children. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.