Nashville, TN MMuch of the Tennessee capital s existence stems from its musical attributes, dating as far back as the 1700s when the first settlers ce

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1 Music City by kristin luna A big city with a small-town feel, a Southern attitude and an incomparable music scene what s not to love about Nashville? In order to understand the creative force that drives the city, one must first know a bit about how the nickname Music City came to be. 222 spirit June 2011 June 2011 spirit 223

2 Nashville, TN MMuch of the Tennessee capital s existence stems from its musical attributes, dating as far back as the 1700s when the first settlers celebrated safely coming on shore with fiddling and dancing down by the Cumberland River. While today s locally based country stars like Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban continue to keep their home in the global spotlight, Nashville has always had its share of celebrities. Its first notable resident was none other than the king of the wild frontier, Davy Crockett, who once was a U.S. congressman from the state and also contributed to the art with his fiddle playing. The 19th century continued to pave the way for a burgeoning music scene, with the act behind the first round-the-world music tour, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, hailing from Nashville. At the turn of the century, The Union Gospel Tabernacle was built as a church and soon after was also used as a music venue. Today that building is called the Ryman Auditorium. With its church-like pews for seating, it remains one of the city s icons, regularly hosting the industry s best talent, such as Darius Rucker who calls it his favorite venue of all time to perform in and who used it as the setting for the video of his single This. And, of course, no tale of Nashville is complete without a nod to the Grand Ole Opry. In 1925, a local insurance company launched a national broadcast with the call letters WSM (for We Shield Millions, the company motto). The broadcast evolved to feature recorded music and a wide variety of live shows spotlighting country, bluegrass and Americana music. It was former radio announcer David Cobb who is credited with first giving Nashville its nickname after improvising an announcement in 1950 that began with coming from Music City, U.S.A. The name stuck. Today, the city remains a popular scene for spectators and performers alike. The Grand Ole Opry is the best place to hear great music whenever in Music City, says Jay DeMarcus of country act Rascal Flatts. The Opry welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to tour the premises or catch a show. New on tap this year is the Opry House Backstage Pass Tour. The tour is hosted via video by member Blake Photos courtesy of Nashville CVB 224 spirit June 2011

3 W W W. F L Y N A S H V I L L E. C O _on_aroo CM_ Fest The only thing missing here is BNA Shelton and guides guests through exclusive areas like the backstage, which was refurbished after last year s major flood; the newly themed dressing rooms, each one designed to honor an Opry icon or monumental moment in the theater s history; and, of course, the stage. Not only is there live music for visitors to enjoy, Nashville is also considered Music City because it is home to the business of music. Just southwest of Downtown and centered upon 16th and 17th Avenues South is the heart of Nashville s entertainment industry, Music Row. Home to many businesses that serve the music industry, you ll find publishing houses, recording studios and numerous record labels. One such label is Big Machine Records. Founded by Scott Borchetta in 2005, Big Machine represents such show-stopping artists as Rascal Flatts, Trisha Yearwood, Justin Moore, Edens Edge and its most decorated singer, with numerous Billboard hits, 226 spirit June 2011 best-selling albums, Grammy and Country Music Association Awards, Nashville s own, Taylor Swift. I moved to Hendersonville, a town right outside Nashville, when I was 14 years old, Swift recalls. Back then, my mom would pick me up from school every afternoon and drive me downtown to Music Row where I d write songs every day. I fell in love with this town immediately... how people smile at you in public, the general friendliness really made life brighter. Now I live in an apartment downtown where I can see the whole city out my windows. I love being in the middle of it all, and I ll always call Nashville home. For a true testament to country music s past and present, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In operation since 1967, the museum transports guests through decades of history via archival film clips, recordings, photographs, costumes, instruments and more. Now through December 31, enjoy the exhibition Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, an intimate look at country music s first family. While there, opt for a guided tour of Historic RCA Studio B, one of the world s most renowned recording studios. Finally, don t miss the vast CD selection and unique gifts at the Museum Store. For another trip down memory lane, drop by Hatch Show Print on Broadway. One of the nation s Photos courtesy of Nashville CVB, and the Grand Ole Opry Bill Monroe at Hatch Show Print, Country Music Hall of Fame, Taylor Swift at the Grand Ole Opry. WHETHER YOU RE HEADED TO LOWER BROADWAY OR MANCHESTER, THE FIRST STAGE YOU LL SEE IS AT BNA. E NJOY LIVE MUSIC YEAR - ROUND ON ONE OF OUR FIVE STAGES THROUGHOUT THE TERMINAL. M

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5 TravelPromotional Promotional Series Travel Series Live music with Jimmy Hall at the Bluebird Café 230 spirit June 2011 oldest letter press poster shops, Hatch has been creating original art since 1879 for vaudeville, circuses, Grand Ole Opry stars, sporting events and concerts of every genre. Across the way from Hatch, you can browse vintage instruments and other musical supplies at the four-story Gruhn Guitars, supplier to everyone from Eric Clapton to Vince Gill. Another revered stop with musical ties is the Nashville War Memorial, which was established in 1925 as a tribute to Tennessee veterans. Located within the state capitol complex, the War Memorial Auditorium, which served as the fourth home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1939 to 1943 continues to host top talent and was recently a concert venue for Robert Plant and the Band of Joy as part of Southwest Airlines Artists Den series. Nearby on Nashville s Music Mile which extends from Schermerhorn Symphony Center to Music Row the Music City Walk of Fame pays homage to the greats, past and present, who have contributed to the music industry. The first inductees were the Fisk Jubilee Singers in the class of 2006; since then, a number of musicians across a wide range of genres have been added to the walk, including Steven Curtis Chapman, Emmylou Harris, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, Kid Rock and Dolly Parton. Country music, after all, is not the only genre of music to populate Nashville. Since the early recording days, it s been home to an eclectic range of music. Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant and Bon Jovi have recorded albums here; at RCA Studio B, everyone from Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley to Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers played a part. Other notable locals in the pop, rock and classical realms include The Black Keys, Sheryl Crow, Kings of Leon, Paramore, Ben Folds and the internationally acclaimed, Nashville Symphony Orchestra. Likewise, a number of major organizations the Country Music Association, Gospel Music Association, Nashville Songwriters Association International, Americana Music Association, International Bluegrass Music Association and Barbershop Harmony Society Photos courtesy of Nashville CVB, and The Country Music Association Gruhn Guitars, Brad Paisley performs during the 2010 CMA Music Festival, and the Bridgestone Arena are headquartered in Nashville. The annual fests, awards shows and summer music series are just as varied as the city s resident artists. One of the biggest is the CMA Music Festival, Nashville s signature music event, which takes place June Celebrating its 40th birthday, CMA Music Festival (originally known as Fan Fair ) brings together more than 200 Country Music artists and more than 260,000 fans for four days of fun in the sun in downtown Nashville. Daytime concerts are held near the Cumberland River on the Chevrolet Riverfront Park Stage, while evening concerts take over LP Field, home of the NFL Tennessee Titans. Additional music stages, autograph signings, unique celebrity events and more transform downtown Nashville into this beloved legendary event that is also taped each year for a three-hour ABC television special that airs in late summer. Independence Day delivers one massive celebration along the bustling Riverfront

6 232 spirit June 2011 The Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau has rolled out an additional tool for visitors to experience music in Nashville. Introduced last month, the Live Music Venue app is a finder that allows users to search venues by name or area of town during three time windows: concerts the day of or those 7 or 14 days out. The app includes a map that defines the area of town so the user can see a geographical overview and find concerts nearby. When a venue is selected, the user will be presented with further information, such as the address and website. There s also a feed of what s playing that very day in town. Added Live Music Venue features include the ability for users to stream a selection of music on their phones and an online store where they can purchase music-related items. The iphone app is available for free on itunes; the Android version will be unveiled later this summer. There are accompanying print Live Music Venue guides and maps available in the city information centers. To gear up for your trip to Nashville, don t forget to tune into the CVB s show, Music City Connection: Heroes Behind the Hits, which airs three times a month on Sirius XM s The Highway. You can always visit to catch up on what you missed. also boasts massage bars, a nail salon, Graycliff cigar boutique, and a lounge exclusively for military personnel and their families. Nashville and the surrounding area is home to 24,231 hotel rooms. In the heart of downtown is the AAA Four-Diamond, luxurious all-suites Hilton Nashville Downtown hotel and conference center. With its prime location across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Bridgestone Arena and steps to the Nashville Convention Center, Ryman Auditorium and the Honky Tonk Row, the Hilton Nashville Downtown provides guests with all the comforts of home, from on-site workout facilities and an indoor lap pool to valet parking and a full-service concierge. During CMA Music Festival and CMA Awards shows, the hotel hosts Premiere Radio Network. Radio stations from around the world broadcast live from the hotel, complete with interviews and a red carpet-experience. For a more ornate, timeless stay, Union Station Hotel true to its name was once a train depot when it opened in 1900; today it is one of the most opulent lodging options in town. Deep oak, marble floors and gold statuettes accent the National Historic Landmark s interior, and rooms are every bit as fancy as the lobby. The hotel is conveniently located near Music Row, the weekend from September 2 to 4. A traveling convention that s been around since 1934, the festival celebrates traditional music divvied up among six different stages. There s also a folk life demonstration, a handicrafts marketplace, and regional and ethnic cuisine for sale. Admission is free, and Nashville will play host to the event for the next three years. Your musical journey through Music City will begin the second you step off the plane at Nashville International Airport marks the 25th anniversary of Southwest offering service to Nashville. The airport features live music year round from both paid performers and local choirs and school bands at its five stages. We don t just have country we touch all genres. We really see Music City as encompassing all types of music, says Emily Richard, corporate communications and government relations assistant director for Nashville International Airport. We have jazz, we have blues, we have reggae. There are even two branches of Tootsies Orchid Lounge, as well as public service announcements from famous music artists welcoming visitors to Nashville. We realize travelers to Nashville may never leave the airport, Richard says, and we want them to feel like they ve been to Music City. The airport Photos courtesy of Nashville CVB, The Grand Ole Opry and the National Folk Festival The Parthenon, Darius Rucker and the National Folk Festival Park. This year, Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing! features Darius Rucker as the headliner and includes performances by NBC Sing-Off finalists Street Corner Symphony, former American Idol contestant Ayla Brown, the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony Orchestra and more. The festivities kick off on July 2 with a special exhibit of The National 9/11 Flag at the Hilton Nashville Downtown; music acts will take the stage on the night of July 3 and all day July 4. Through the end of July, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts will feature its popular Frist Fridays on the last Friday of each month with live music and top-notch exhibits on display at the famed gallery. Additionally, every Thursday and Friday year-round, the center has free music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Along with singer/ songwriters, classical and jazz music, offerings include ukulele and bluegrass bands, ambient electronic music and a string quartet that plays rock n roll covers. At Centennial Park which houses the Parthenon, a replica of the original Grecian structure Musicians Corner is a massive lawn party with free music that runs every Saturday through July 2. Rounding out this summer s citywide events is the National Folk Festival, taking place over Labor Day Music in the 21st Century NASHVILLE S ONLY STUDIO TOUR Seats are limited. Book your experience now! TOURS DEPART DAILY FROM THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM. Available only in conjunction with Museum Admission. CountryMusicHallofFame.org s s Downtown Nashville, TN Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, Inc., a section 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in Historic RCA Studio B is operated as an educational partnership between the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum and Belmont University. Preservation of Historic RCA Studio B made possible by the Mike Curb Family Foundation.

7 Gulch entertainment district, bluegrass hot spot the Station Inn, Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena and the vibrant downtown music scene. For a taste of true Western wear and what to expect to see on your favorite singers when they take the stage plan a side trip to Manuel, the creator of cowboy couture who has fashioned apparel for all the country greats of old, or to the more contemporary Imogene + Willie, where up-andcoming stars like Tom Gossin of Gloriana and Frankie Ballard shop. [They ve got] great vintage stuff and killer jeans, Ballard says. Lower Broadway, in downtown Nashville, is home to Honky Tonk Row, offering music lovers a wide variety of genres to listen to and musicians, performers and songwriters a chance to be discovered, no matter what time the rich history of country music, and there s nothing like standing and singing on the same stage that Johnny Cash sang on. One of our goals is to perform at the Ryman Auditorium! CMA Music Fest is a great place for checking out tons of county artists, from newbies like us to superstars like Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift. The Station Inn is a must-see for incredible bluegrass and acoustic music. Hannah Blaylock: The Station Inn is great for live bluegrass. The best concert hall in the world, in my opinion, is the Ryman Auditorium. The Opry is a great way to get a taste of the heritage of country music and get to see new and classic acts. The Bluebird [Cafe] is the best place in town to see the best songwriters in Nashville. Edens Edge Justin Moore If you were to catch a show in Nashville, where would you go? A smaller, lesser-known venue is 3rd and Lindsley it has a really cool vibe and great talent. I played there a lot growing up. There are a lot of names from albums coming out in Nashville or artists who are working on signing record deals. Are you from Nashville originally? I m from central Arkansas but moved to Nashville in I ve been fortunate, the people in the music industry have really embraced me. I was one of these kids who never wanted to move away from home. I love Arkansas and always will. But Nashville s been really good to me and it s a great place to be. It s a unique place with all the art not only music but you can find any kind of art there. It s my home away from home. Do you collect old LPs? If so, where would you go to stock up on classic albums? I m starting my collection of old albums. The best place in Nashville is Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway. I m a fan of old, old music. At Ernest, it s less of the newer stuff and more of the old-school country, so it s pretty unique. And it s been there forever. Andy Warhol. Self-Portrait (detail), Acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen, 108 x 108 in. The Andy Warhol Musuem, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc., The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York How long have you all called Nashville home? Cherrill Green: We moved to Nashville in 2007 and fell in love with it. It s like a big small town. Dean Berner: There s nowhere else in the world that we could be doing what we re doing. Nashville is full of world-class talent, from artists and songwriters to producers, engineers and record industry folks. It s really an inspiring place to live! Hannah Blaylock: It felt like home the moment I got here. What s your favorite music venue in town? Dean Berner: The Grand Ole Opry is my favorite place to perform. The Opry embodies Where do you go to buy your music gear? Dean Berner: I love gawking at the vintage guitars and dobros at Gruhn Guitars, and I get a lot of my music gear at Corner Music and Rock Block [Guitars] and Craigslist! The music section of Nashville Craigslist is second to none.

8 music city Directory Melding its reputation as the city s premier art institution with Nashville s musical presence, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts will unveil Warhol Live: Music and Dance in Andy Warhol s Work this summer, beginning June 24 and running through Sept. 11. For us, music is a way to introduce people to the Frist Center. It s a wonderful calling card, especially in Nashville. There s a strong confluence of art and music in this city, explains Ellen Pryor, director of communications for the Frist Center. The multi-sensory Warholian experience, organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in partnership with the Andy Warhol Museum, will be driven by how music, dance and art played a part throughout the artist s lifetime. Portions of the exhibition, which brings together more than 220 pieces, will transport viewers back to Studio 54, while other parts will highlight Warhol s work with the Rolling Stones. It invites a level of participation that s going to be tremendously fun for people, Pryor says. At the forefront of the city s evolving art scene, the Frist Center inhabits a stately, historic post office and fills its 24,000 square feet of gallery space with unique offerings like Warhol Live. For more information on the museum and its exhibits, visit the official website at Visitors 18 and under are always admitted for free. Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau Machine Label Group Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co. & Republic Nashville which was named Country Label of the Year by Country Aircheck Magazine/Powered by USA Today. Signature artist Taylor Swift s, Speak Now, debuted with over 1 million units sold its first week. BMLG artists have won 6 CMA Awards, 7 American Music Awards, 4 Grammy Awards, 7 ACM Awards, 4 CMT Music Awards, 3 Teen Choice Awards, 1 MTV Video Music Award, 1 People s Choice Award and 1 Brit Award. The roster includes Taylor Swift, Reba, Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride, Jewel, The Band Perry, Justin Moore, Jack Ingram, Eli Young Band, Steel Magnolia, Sunny Sweeney, Edens Edge and Brantley Gilbert. Whether it s listening to live music, soaking in the art scene, exploring history or just relaxing, we know you ll find many ways to enjoy Music City and learn for yourself why music calls us home. Nashville International Airport Nashville International Airport is the heartbeat of the Mid-South by providing services and facilities that keep Music City flying high The Bluebird Café of day. Listen and swing to traditional country at Robert s Western World, or check out the best in Honky Tonk and rhinestone-studded country-western wear on display by patrons and employees alike at Tootsies Orchid Lounge. Just keep your eyes peeled for real stars: With its proximity to Bridgestone Arena and the Ryman Auditorium, Tootsies attracts genuine A-list talent in need of a post-show libation or those like Nashville based singer and songwriter Randy Houser, who goes there for a few drinks and some good country music. Like so many musicians and music fans who visit Tootsies, Houser admits that [he feels] a sense of connection with Willie, Waylon, Patsy and other country greats when I m in there it s like their presence sitting at that bar in the early days still hasn t left. Around the corner, Second Avenue is home to a number of other bustling spots, such as Wildhorse Saloon, a restaurant, bar and TV studio that is famous internationally for its line dancing. If you want a more low-key evening, consider checking out the up-and-coming singer/ songwriter talent at the Bluebird Café. It s where such names as Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift played regularly before they were discovered. (Reservations are required.) For more information on Music City festivals, music venues, local offerings and events, stop by the Nashville Visitor Information Center, located inside the glass tower of the Bridgestone Arena at the corner of Fifth Avenue South and Broadway, or visit the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau website, Hilton Nashville Downtown Country Music Hall of Fame Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum preserves the evolving history and tradition of country and related vernacular music rooted in southern culture. The Hilton Nashville Downtown is perfectly located in the heart of Music City, steps away from the downtown attractions and businesses. Nashville s only all-suites luxury hotel with AAA Four-Diamond award status Frist Center for the Visual Arts The Frist Center is a non-collecting art institution featuring ever-changing exhibitions from around the world, the award-winning Martin ArtQuest gallery, a full-service café and gift shop. Downtown Nashville s Union Station Hotel, A Wyndham Grand Hotel The Union Station Hotel, a majestic 1900 train station, has returned to its original elegance and grandeur with an 11 million dollar renovation. Let this historic landmark hotel transport you to a world of first-class service and luxury spirit June Photos courtesy of Nashville CVB Art and Music Big Machine Records Scott Borchetta is President/CEO of the Big Enter to Win a Music City Prize Package courtesy of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau: Sweeps Package for Two Includes: Two night stay at the Hilton Nashville Downtown Music City Gift Bag and one Music City Backstage Pass (providing complimentary admission for 2 people to over 30 of Nashville s hottest attractions.) (Compliment s of the Nashville Convention and Visitor s Bureau) Country Music Hall of Fame Prize Pack (two tickets to the museum & Historic RCA Studio B) Grand Ole Opry The Grand Ole Opry is the show that made country music famous. Shows are held every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Opry House Backstage Tours share the Opry s incredible story and are available seven days a week. 800.SEE.OPRY Four tickets to a Grand Ole Opry performance & four Backstage Pass Tours Big Machine Records CD Bundle Two tickets to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts Two tickets on Southwest Airlines Courtesy of Southwest Airlines Spirit magazine. Go to spiritmag.com to register by June 30, (Only one entry per person.) OFFICIAL RULES: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE AN ENTRANT S CHANCE OF WINNING. To enter, go to spiritmag.com, and click on the Sweepstakes. Entries must be received no later than midnight, June 30, Entrants must be at least 21 years of age. Employees of Pace Communications, Inc., Southwest Airlines, participating travel partners, all contest sponsors and their immediate families are not eligible. The winner will be selected in a random drawing at Pace Communications, 1301 Carolina Street, Greensboro, NC 27401, on or about August 15, Only one entry per person is allowed. Odds of winning are dependent upon number of entries received. For a list of winners, send self-addressed, stamped #10 envelope to NASHVILLE/ SOUTHWEST AIRL INES SPIRIT SWEEPS/ June, Pace Communications, 1301 Carolina Street, Greensboro, NC The winner will be notified (by or telephone and/or U.S. mail). A detailed prize winner letter will be mailed within 21 days of notification. The winner is requested to sign off that the winner agrees with the rules of the contest. If the winner does not agree with the rules of the contest, or does not meet the requirements of eligibility to enter this contest, he/she will be excluded as a possible prize winner. Federal, state and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. The Approximate Retail Value of the prize package is $3,095. The winner will receive a 1099 IRS tax form. Void where prohibited by law, and all federal, state and local laws apply. Prizes are non-refundable, non-transferable, are not redeemable for cash, and may not be substituted. *Round-trip airfare for two included. Selected blackout dates may apply.