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.
The Songwriters in Nashville provide this vital part of the music and do so in the public forums of the many local Songwriter's Venues and Clubs.
The Songwriters in Nashville provide this vital part of the music and do so in the public forums of the many local Songwriter's Venues and Clubs.
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 Sports Bar
Debi Champion hosts what is probably the city's most popular aspiring songwriter nights on Tuesday through Thursday inside the Holiday Inn Select. The normal crop of hopeful writers hangs out here, and Debi books an occasional ringer with a gold record or two.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
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
French Quarter
Longtime songwriter host Jack Scott conducts songwriter rounds at the French Quarter on Monday and Thursday nights at 6 p.m., and the occasional original full band plays there too. Dimly lit with Cajun food if you want to take a date.Website
Location: 823 Woodland Street
Phone: 615-226-0054
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
If I've overlooked a local Nashville Songwriter Club or if you need me to update, add to, or change it, please feel free to contact me anytime!
Thanks,
Jan Duke
