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In the summer, check out the Fontanel’s Back Porch Concert Series: an outdoor live show every Thursday evening from May to September. Head to the Café Fontanella to hear local artists and dine on delicious Southern and Italian cuisine. 615/724-1600), from strolling the trails to touring the mansion, but the live music is the real charmer. There’s plenty to do at The Fontanel (4125 Whites Creek Pike, Whites Creek, TN. Sitting just outside Nashville proper in Whites Creek, this 136-acre former estate of country music icon Barbara Mandrell has been drawing locals and tourists alike since 2010. From May to September, the Fontanel hosts the Back Porch Concert Series. Check out TMR’s website for upcoming shows. You can listen for yourself at the label’s Blue Room-the only live venue in the world where artists can record their performances direct-to-acetate. From country and blues to old-fashioned rock n’ roll, TMR’s artists include Margo Price, Wolf Eyes, Wanda Jackson, White’s own The Dead Weather, and of course, White himself.
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Intentionally built in a less-than-prosperous neighborhood, the label made full Nashville assimilation its raison d’être. Third Man Records (623 7th Avenue South, 615/891-4393) is an independent record label founded by Jack White (one half of the Detroit rock duo The White Stripes) that has become as synonymous with Nashville as hot chicken (okay, nearly).
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Whether you catch a household name, a local punk band, or an up-and-coming rapper, the infectious fun at The End will keep you dancing long after the end of the show. If the raucous energy is still calling your name, head across the street from Exit/In to The End (2219 Elliston Pl., 615/321-4457): a long-running dive that has hosted the likes of Fugazi, The Kills, The Flaming Lips, REM, and more. In short, you’re guaranteed a good time here. Drinks are fairly priced, bookings vary to suit just about every taste, and the crowd is welcoming. With past performers that have included The Ramones, Death Cab for Cutie, Talking Heads, Etta James, and oh-so-many more, Exit/In (2208 Elliston Pl., 615/321-3340) has built a name for itself as one of the most historic rock venues in town. While not technically an indie venue by most standards, this spot on Elliston Place (colloquially know as “Rock Block”) is the stuff of Nashville legend. Photo © Nolan Knight, courtesy of Mercy Lounge. The structure has housed multiple venues-in a past life, you might have caught an Iggy Pop or Greg Allman show here! Nashville’s Mercy Lounge. You’ll also get a little taste of old Nashville here: the venue is located in the city’s historic Cannery building, built in 1883. Performers have included Alabama Shakes, HAIM, The Black Keys, and Snoop Dogg-just to name a few. It’s far enough away from the bustling downtown scene to feel like a well-kept secret, but busy enough that you know you’re onto something good. Locally popular club Mercy Lounge (One Cannery Row., 615/251-3020) has been showcasing up-and-coming Nashville bands and nationally known artists since 2003. Added bonus: they serve food! Mercy Lounge
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They host ticketed events, but there are also plenty of free shows with seats on a first come, first serve basis. But that’s what makes the venue so wonderfully intimate, and draws music aficionados to its performances showcasing local singer-songwriters, rockers, and more.
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The name of The Basement (917 Woodland Ave., 615/645-9174) alone should tip patrons off to the vibe here: dark, divey, and a little rough around the edges. The Basement provides a divey-but-intimate live music experience. They may be missing from some of the tourist listicles, but the spirit of Music City is alive and well in these lesser-known venues.
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Once you’ve checked off must-visits like the Grand Ole Opry and Bluebird Café, check out some of these indie alternatives. Sure, there are plenty of country shows-this is the home of country music, after all-but dig a little deeper, and you’ll see that Nashville has even more to offer than its quintessential twang. From live venues to indie studios, rowdy honky-tonks to intimate folk shows, this is where America goes to make music. They call it “Music City” for a reason: Nashville’s music scene is legendary. Recommendations from the African Diaspora.Workman Publishing Arrow Icon Arrow icon.Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Arrow Icon Arrow icon.Little, Brown and Company Arrow Icon Arrow icon.Hachette Nashville Arrow Icon Arrow icon.Grand Central Publishing Arrow Icon Arrow icon.
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