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Songwriter Clubs in Nashville

A Guide to finding the Best Songwriters, Clubs & Venues in Nashville

By , About.com Guide

One of the main differences that sets Nashville apart from most other cities is that, in Nashville, it really is all about the music and that includes not only enjoying the final performance or product but also by exploring intricate makings of the music.
Songwriter Clubs in Nashville provide a vital part of the music and as do our local songwriters.

Billy Block Show

Every week Billy Block plays host to The Billy Block Show; Nashville's longest running, premier concert series for up-and-coming country and roots music artists. While the venue has changed over the years you can bet that Nashville's next big star will no doubt have performed at one of Billy's shows. This show is normally free and usually held on Tuesday nights.
Website

Bluebird Cafe

If you know anything about songwriting, you know this is the place for it. It's tiny, always packed, and if you talk while someone's playing you'll get shooshed, and probably get a few dirty looks too.
Website
Location: 4104 Hillsboro Rd
Phone: 615-383-1461

Broken Spoke Saloon

For more than a decade the Broken Spoke/Songwriter's Cafe, located inside the Ramada Inn, has been a cornerstone of the songwriter scene, despite the fact that it often undergoes ownership and schedule changes. Right now it's open for songwriter rounds on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, but calling ahead is recommended.
Location: 1412 Brick Church Pike
Phone: 615-226-3230

Cafe Coco

Open 24 hours with a variety of foods and beverages, Cafe Coco has singer/songwriters on Monday and Thursdays nights, with an open mic on Thursdays. The club features all types of music with a mostly college-age crowd.
Website
Location: 210 Louise Avenue
Phone: 615-321-2626

Commodore Grille

The Commodore Grille is located in the Holiday Inn (Nashville-Vanderbilt) but don't let the location fool you because the Commodore Grille is a great Nashville music destination when one wants to listen to local songwriters. The Commodore Grille lounge hosts live entertainment each night Tuesday through Sunday.
Debi Champion hosts aspiring songwriter nights on Tuesday through Thursday and the Stewart's Songwriter Showcase is held every Friday and Saturday nights.
Website
Location: 2613 West End Avenue
Phone: 615-327-4707

Crescent Cafe & Oyster Bar

The Crescent doesn't feature rounds as such, but does present original singer/songwriters at least four nights a week. Since it's across the street from Vanderbilt it's popular with the college crowd and features alternative and eclectic performers.
Location: 416 21st Avenue South
Phone: 615-321-2522

Doc's Songwriter's Showcases

Every week Doc hosts several Writer's Nights in the Franklin/Cool Springs Area. Usually you will find these showcases and local songwriters at Dan McGuinness Cool Springs Irish Pub (on Tuesdays) and the Bunganut Pig Franklin (on Wednesdays).
Website

Douglas Corner

This club is a mainstay of Nashville's songwriting community, where the up-and-comers sometimes perform with legendary writers. And like the Bluebird, you will get the evil eye from someone if you talk during a performance.
Website
Location: 2106-A 8th Ave South
Phone: 615-298-1688

Edgehill Studios Cafe

Singer/songwriters from the eclectic to country music industry veterans perform several nights a week. It's a popular place because it's close enough to Music Row that you never know when a big name might drop in for a drink or a song.
Website
Location: 1201 Villa Place
Phone: 615-301-8539

Hall of Fame Lounge

Most any night of the week you can hear original music at the Hall of Fame lounge, a fairly spacious room with a good-sized bar that is located in the Best Western hotel. The music ranges from strictly acoustic singer/songwriters to full-band performances.
Website
Location: 1407 Division Street
Phone: 615-242-1631

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