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Where to Find Free Music in Nashville (Beyond Broadway)
Experience live music and explore some memorable neighbourhoods beyond Broadway at these local venues that offer free admission.
April 29, 2019 - by Waheeda Harris
Musicians Corner is a free concert series in May and June
Nashville is true to its Music City moniker—music is everywhere. From the traditional sounds found on the historic stage at the Grand Ole Opry, to the neon-lit honky-tonk bars on Lower Broadway, there is always a place to hear a foot-stomping tune.
For music lovers who want to experience as much live performances as possible, and explore some of Nashville’s neighbourhoods beyond Broadway, here’s a list of venues that offer free admission.
1. Blair School of Music
Hear student showcases and professional performers at Vanderbilt University. The Blair School of Music schedules classical, jazz and rock concerts throughout the academic school year. Master classes are limited to Blair music students for participation, but the curious are welcome to attend and listen.
2. The Bluebird Cafe
One of the best-known listening rooms in Nashville hosts an open mic night at 6:00 p.m. every Monday. Arrive early to secure a seat to hear emerging singer/songwriters from the city and afar who are hoping to kickstart their journey to fame.
3. Grimey’s New & Preloved Music
A beloved record store, Grimey’s frequently hosts all-ages shows that showcase singer/songwriters or bands releasing their newest audio creation. The collection at Grimey’s is so big that it recently moved to a new, larger location in East Nashville that has a small stage and a basement bookstore with lots of musical titles.
4.Live on the Green
This free festival is a reason to plan a summer long-weekend in Nashville. It takes place on Thursday, August 15, Thursday, August 22, and over Labor Day weekend (Thursday, August 29 to Sunday, September 1) at Public Square Park in downtown Nashville. The 2019 lineup will be announced June 20 but the 2018 festival featured headliners X Ambassadors, The Wood Brothers and Jimmy Eat World. Be sure to come early. The Thursday night shows draw 16,000 to 20,000 people each week.
5. Musicians Corner
Inspired by London’s Speakers’ Corner, this public stage at Centennial Park hosts a free concert series on Fridays and Saturdays in May and June. This year’s lineup includes Parker Millsap and Emily Earle, a Season 3 contestant on NBC’s The Voice. You can purchase beer and craft cocktails at The MC Pub and there are also food trucks set up during performances, making for a delightful impromptu picnic.
6. Nashville International Airport
Live music has been at the airport since 1988. The Arts at the Airport program now offers more than 700 performances each year featuring local jazz, country, bluegrass, pop, soul and rock artists. With six locations to catch a show (including the famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge), plan some extra time at the airport to indulge in a few songs before leaving Music City.
7. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
This Tennessee chain has evolved from a 1950s grocery store to a Southern food restaurant and live music venue. At the Nashville location, diners can indulge in slow-cooked barbecue with a side of country and bluegrass. Up-and-coming artists such as the Cassidy Daniels, Justen Harden, and Callie Hopper make for a memorable dinner and a show.
8. The Station Inn
A fixture on the live music scene since 1974, this no-frills bar focuses on bluegrass, country and roots music. It’s hosted well-known singers such as Ricky Skaggs, Gillian Welch and Alison Krauss. Every Sunday night at 8 p.m., the Bluegrass Jam feature is perfect for those who love the folksy sounds of guitar, mandolin, fiddle and bass and a cappella songs.
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