Stephens Valley is Surrounded by Music!

 

The Valleyist Papers

A COLLECTION OF ESSAYS
WRITTEN IN FAVOUR OF THE IMPROVEMENT OF STEPHENS VALLEY

Author – William Ray

 

Edition 2. Issue 7.

We are Surrounded by Music!

The recent BBQ & Bluegrass event here in SV was a huge success! If you loved the idea of socializing with neighbors as talented musicians played and determined small businesspeople prepared food and drink for sale to the audience, there is great news. Much of this is available right in our area much more often than what the Rochford team can provide for us. SV is part of Music City, we there are many small music venues very close to us, that can give us that same feeling just about every week! Now that you live here, you are required to go out and take in local music!

Places like Cheekwood, Mockingbird Theater, Williamson County Performing Arts Center, City Winery, Franklin Theater, Eddy Arnold Amphitheater (inside Crockett Park in Brentwood), and 3rd & Lindsley Bar and Grill, are just a few of the places that offer convenience, low cost, musical diversity, and the same sort of relaxed atmosphere we just enjoyed in our own Meriwether Park. Here are some of the benefits available to SV residents without entering the carnival (and often offensive) atmosphere of the big venues in downtown Nashville:

Intimate Atmosphere: These small music venues provide an intimate setting where audiences can experience live music up close and personal. These venues typically have a limited capacity, allowing for a more intimate and engaging experience. The proximity to the performers creates a sense of connection and enhances the overall enjoyment of the music.

Locally Owned: Many of these smaller places are owned and operated by local people. When we attend their events, we vote with our dollars. We are voting for these small businesses to survive and flourish. These are very important votes for us to cast as they enhance our lives here in SV and tide us over until the time when we hope to enjoy more of this type of entertainment right here in our Town Square.

Discovering New Talent: Nashville is known as the "Music City" and, as we all should know, is home to a vibrant music scene that we should all sample often. Small music venues play a crucial role in showcasing emerging talent and supporting local musicians. These venues often host open mic nights, showcases, and smaller gigs, providing a platform for up-and-coming artists to gain exposure and build their fan base.

Diverse Music Offerings: Small music venues in Nashville cater to a wide range of musical genres and styles. Whether it's country, rock, folk, jazz, or blues, you can find a venue that specializes in your preferred genre. This diversity ensures that music lovers have access to a variety of performances and helps foster a vibrant and inclusive music community. Modern social media makes it very easy for us to seek out the venues mentioned above, like their Facebook or Instagram accounts, and then keep track of just what talent is appearing there. Living in SV puts us right in the middle of a tasty buffet of music which is served up regularly.

Accessibility and Affordability: Unlike larger venues, small music venues are often more accessible in terms of location and ticket prices. These venues I’ve mentioned are mainly around SV, but some are scattered throughout the city and surrounding areas. Their proximity makes them easier for SV residents to attend, park right at the venue, eat at a local restaurant or food truck at the venue, and enjoy without the hassle that comes with going to a show at Bridgestone Arena or the Ryman Auditorium. Additionally, ticket prices for shows at smaller venues tend to be more affordable, mostly free of ridiculous additional charges over the stated ticket price while allowing music enthusiasts to experience high-quality performances without breaking the bank.

Supportive Community: Small music venues often have a close-knit community of music lovers and enthusiasts. These venues become gathering places where people with a shared passion for music can connect, socialize, and create lasting friendships. The supportive atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging and encourages collaboration among musicians and artists.

Artist Development: For musicians, small music venues offer an opportunity for growth and development. Playing at these venues allows artists to refine their stage presence, interact with audiences, and experiment with their craft. It serves as a stepping-stone for aspiring musicians looking to build a following and progress in their careers.

Unique Experiences: Some small music venues in Nashville have distinct characteristics that make them stand out. For example, Cheekwood, in addition to being a beautiful botanical garden, hosts live music events, combining the beauty of nature with the joy of music. The Mockingbird Theater, Franklin Theater, and 3rd & Lindsley are known for their historical charm and architectural significance, creating a unique ambiance for music performances.

Of course, the most local and charming venues would be the front porches right here in Stephens Valley. We continue to dream that some of our talented neighbors will organize some informal performances on SV front porches so that we can just walk down the street, bring our chairs and our coolers, and drench ourselves in the talent that we are so lucky to have right down the street! Come on neighbors, make this happen!

Beyond the venues and events mentioned above, we are also surrounded by many annual events near our homes. Check out Franklin on the Fourth, Bluegrass Along the Harpeth, Bethlehem UMC Fish Fry, Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival, and the super-cool FirstBank Ampitheater and Graystone Quarry venue for their upcoming shows. We truly live in a music Garden of Eden, and there are many other events and venues not listed here.

In summary, small music venues in and around our corner of the world offer numerous advantages, including an intimate atmosphere, opportunities for discovering new talent, diverse music offerings, accessibility, affordability, a supportive community, artist development, and unique experiences. These venues contribute to the rich musical heritage of Nashville and play a vital role in shaping the city's vibrant music scene. In addition, these places give us multiple opportunities to get together with SV neighbors and go out for some fun!