Essential Nashville Stops for Music Lovers

Nashville isn't called Music City for nothin'! From country and rock to jazz and pop, groups are sure to find it here. Next time your group takes a visit down South, keep these must-see music destinations on your radar.

The Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium
The essential Nashville music scene experience! The Grand Ole Opry merges country music stars past and present, all on one stage. Many of today's biggest country stars once saw their idols play on that very stage. Groups can catch a show or even take a backstage tour! Formerly home of the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium now shines as a performance hall for musicians spanning various genres.

Third Man Records
Though originally hailing from the Motor City—Detroit—Jack White has a special place in his heart for Nashville. His record label's Nashville location houses a record store, a novelties lounge featuring the Third Man Record Booth, label offices and distribution center, photo studio, and the world's only live venue with direct-to-acetate recording capabilities. Groups can even record their own two-minute song in the label's 1947 Voice-o-Graph Recording Booth.

Wanna B's
If anyone ever wanted a chance to feel like a music superstar, now is their chance. Wanna B's is truly a karaoke lover's paradise! Get up on stage and sing to your hearts content—and be cheered on by the large crowds frequently found living out their fantasies of singing under the big lights.

The Basement
Located below Grimey's New & Preloved Music is The Basement, an intimate live-music venue that shines a particular light on up-and-coming Nashville singers, songwriters and bands. Groups can stop by on Tuesday nights to take in "New Faces Nite," which showcases unsigned or newly signed artists hailing from all over the country. Who knows? Groups may just discover the next big name in music here!

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The 350,000-square-foot building is full of thousands of artifacts, two performance theaters and countless rotating special exhibitions groups won't want to miss. While visiting, choose from a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences, among them Nashville's most legendary recording studio or time spent with Music City's finest performers and songwriters.

The Bluebird Cafe
If groups like a little story to go along with their songs, this cozy café is just the ticket. You can count on hearing a different singer/songwriter almost every night! Some famous acts got their start at The Bluebird, including Kathy Mattea and Garth Brooks, and it's not uncommon to rub shoulders with the writers of some classic tunes while you're there.

Johnny Cash Museum
Groups who are a fan of the Man in Black can take a journey through his legacy at this museum dedicated to Johnny Cash's life. The museum spans from his humble beginnings in his home state of Arkansas all the way to his unforgettable Folsom Prison performance, and of course, details his love story with June Carter.

Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer for Groups Today.

Photo courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.