There’s a lot of music in Nashville to fill any vacationer’s visit, but in April the city really revs it up with a whole series of festivals, awards shows and concerts.
www.tinpansouth.com
Plan to get there early because the 16th annual Songwriter’s Festival warms things up in the first week of April. The festival’s advertising 70 shows at venues all around the city, featuring scores of songwriters and performers. Check out “Performers” and “Venues” at the top of the page, and then browse the schedule of shows to see what might fit your plans.
www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards
On April 14, it’s the CMT Music Awards at Nashville’s Curb Event Center. Even if you can’t get in to see the show, it will be broadcast live and will be simulcast on the CMTG Web site. And some of the performers could turn up at other venues after the show.
www.gospelmusic.org
Nashville music isn’t all country. The Gospel Music Association is holding its Gospel Music Week during April 19-24, highlighted by the GMA Dove Awards April 23 at the Grand Ole Opry House. Look for the GMA Week star logo and click on it for events.
www.cmmarathon.com
People even run to a musical theme in Nashville. The Country Music Marathon features something called Bands on the Course. According to the entry under “Entertainment,” 50 local bands will play on 28 stages along the marathon route. And there’s a concert after the running. Imagine if they did this for the New York and Boston marathons.
www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/index
There’s more. Open up the “Events Calendar” at Nashville Music City and type “music” into the “Event Type” box plus the dates of your visit. You’ll find every flavor of country music from groups local and otherwise at venues ranging from the Grand Ole Opry to Cafe Coco to Layla’s Bluegrass Inn. You can also go back to the main page and click on “Plan” and “Upcoming Music Events.”
Nashville Music City will even give you a musical preview. Look for the two old-fashioned dials at the top of the page. The left one selects tracks of selected songs and clicking on the on-off switch does what you might think. The Web site also has info on places to stay. Sliding your cursor over “Play” will open up a menu of historical spots, recreation and entertainment to try out. Load up your music player; there’s a collection of podcasts under “Listen.”
www.countrymusichalloffame.com
While you’re in town, spend some time at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to see exhibits on artists and listen to a little more music. Click on “Explore the Music” to see a history of country music, going all the way to its origins with immigrant groups.
www.opry.com
www.wsmonline.com
Whatever you decide to do, you can’t pass up the Grand Ole Opry, the ultimate shrine of country music. Click on “Tune In” for ways to listen to the Opry broadcasts on TV, radio and satellite, plus a connection to WSM radio where you can listen online.
www.nashvillevisitorsguide.com
Try the Nashville Visitors Guide for still more information, including walking, driving and guided tours, plus discount coupons and ideas for more things to see and do.
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