I will carry you with me, Nashville
Yes, I did just borrow some lyrics from Carrie Underwood’s See You Again. They seemed fitting regarding leaving Nashville yesterday. As much as a I love visiting that city, I have to say it’s very counter productive to be there in CMA Fest. Is that surprising? Yes, I do get all my material for the Nashville Diaries, but I also get so very little time to write. I always feel everything that I write while I’m in the Music City is done in a rush and with very little time to review.
But if you think I am complaining, you’re way off… let me explain.
There’s something to be said about being a road warrior type writer and blogging from the city where Country Music lives. It is hectic, it’s out of control and sounds like being at the computer is the last thing that you have time for but I’ve always felt that for some people who live far away it might be the only way to have a glimpse to that place that every Country Music fan wants to visit.
That’s Country Music group Gloriana performing during their Fan Club Party. It’s one of the reasons you should try and make it during a music festival… and if you’re not sure which one, the CMA Fest is the mother load. Be aware it’s also when hotels fill up and become expensive though.
Strictly speaking, Nashville downtown is not that big. For the most part, you will find the honky tonks (Country Music bars) on Broadway. During CMA Fest the whole place becomes alive with stages popping up everywhere and then it becomes overwhelming. The events will happen all over the place.
During the CMA Music Festival there’s one specific venue, brand new for this year, that you will probably visit. For the Fan Fair, where you get to meet artists and buy merchandise. it’s now happening at the Music City Center, a giant convention center located behind the Bridgestone Arena.
However it also pays to explore places outside of downtown. If you want music and specially if you love vinyl, you should definitely visit Grimey’s.
A little disclaimer for you, you will end up buying music at Grimey’s. I was kicking myself because I’ve never gotten back into LP’s since I was younger (sorry Old Man Swift talking here) but at least I did find some CD’s of a couple of artists’ early music that I would never find online.
Grimey’s was also the setting for the celebration of The Civil Wars album Barton Hollow when it went gold. The party was held right on their back parking lot. There’s also Grimey’s Too for more music.
And then, there’s the restaurants. You will find some places in Broadway, but it really pays to explore outside of downtown too.
There’s the Pancake Pantry for breakfast lovers. Fido for some tasty lunch. Cafe Coco for late night cravings. Frothy Monkey for coffee and food. Burger Up for… use your imagination. I also will recommend places outside of town like Cracker Barrel and the Loveless Cafe.
It’s better to arrive early before the festival hits and go to the places further away, since during the festival you’ll probably use the ones downtown. I remember going to the Panera in Commerce and 5th a couple of times.
The RED Tour is coming to Canada! The Princess in Red plays the Rogers Center in Toronto, Ontario on June 14.
Coming up on the Calendar!
- June 14 & 15: The Red Tour at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. On sale now. More information on Ticketmaster.ca.
- June 16: The Enchantress is nominated for the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards. She is nominated for Your Fave International Artist or Group.
- June 21: Mallary Hope‘s Birthday.
- June 22: The Red Tour at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba. On sale now. More information on Ticketmaster.ca.
- June 25 & 26: The Red Tour at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta. Presale on February 19. More information on Ticketmaster.ca.
(Sources: TheSwiftAgency.com)
The Swift Agency 