I asked Nashville visitors about the best live shows they've seen in the city, and the responses show just how much incredible music happens here on any given night.
The Ryman Gets The Most Love
The Ryman Auditorium came up again and again. People saw Vince Gill there (and he apparently played for four hours straight). Others mentioned Sawyer Brown celebrating their 6000th show, Sierra Ferrell, Lyle Lovett, Cat Stevens, and The Mavericks.
One visitor caught Jason Isbell there recently. Another saw Dolly Parton perform. The Ryman clearly delivers.
Grand Ole Opry Moments
The Grand Ole Opry got plenty of mentions too. Garth Brooks made an appearance earlier this month that people loved. The Opry 100 celebration shows came up multiple times — one visitor saw Blake Shelton perform with all the Opry members in attendance, while another caught Lainey Wilson and Cooper Alan at different 100th anniversary shows.
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For the big arena concerts, Bridgestone Arena is where it happens. Keith Urban's Ripcord tour got mentioned by multiple people — one show was actually a free lunchtime album release performance outside the arena in 2016.
Kenny Chesney had an opening night birthday show there in 2015 that went until 12:15 AM, with 38 songs and surprise guests including Joe Walsh, Taylor Swift, Uncle Kracker, and Grace Potter.
Other Bridgestone highlights included Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Jelly Roll, The Eagles, and a Toby Keith tribute show last summer.
Monday Night Magic
The Time Jumpers at 3rd and Lindsley got multiple recommendations. They play every Monday night, and based on these comments, it's something you should add to your list.
Smaller Venues Pack A Punch
Brooklyn Bowl hosted Blue October shows that clearly made an impression on people. The Cannery Ballroom got mentions too.
Layla's came up several times for David Graham and the Eskimo Brothers shows. Robert's Western World also got a shout-out for the Eskimo Brothers. One visitor specifically called out Buck McCoy at Legends Corner as incredibly funny and entertaining.
AJ's Good Time Bar had a show that someone called “the greatest show” — and HARDY did a three-song set at Whiskey Jam back in 2019 before he blew up. Free show, apparently awesome.
The Bluebird and Listening Room
For the songwriter-in-the-round experience, the Bluebird Cafe and Listening Room both came up. Backstage Nashville Hit Songwriters got mentioned as well.
Throwback Shows
Some people shared memories from way back. Waylon Jennings at Opryland Theme Park. Lorrie Morgan there in 1992. The Rolling Stones at Dudley Field. BR5-49 at Robert's back in the day. The Blue Heelers at The Stage on Broadway and Fiddle and Steel in Printer's Alley.
The Bigger Picture
Nissan Stadium hosted Morgan Wallen shows that people raved about. U2 at Vanderbilt Stadium got a mention. And one visitor saw Guns N' Roses at Bridgestone Arena (they called it Predator Arena) in 2017.
328 Performance Hall came up for a 311 and Korn show. Springwater Supper Club and Lounge, Exit Inn, City Winery Nashville, and Marathon Music Works all got nods too.
What stands out here? Nashville has music happening at every level — from free Monday night shows to arena spectacles. The Ryman and Grand Ole Opry deliver those special Nashville moments. But the smaller venues and honky-tonks are where you might catch tomorrow's star playing for 50 people tonight.
