After spending a couple hours at Arrington Vineyards on a Sunday afternoon, we determined that our next visit will include a picnic basket and blanket. It’s such a relaxing place, you could spend an entire afternoon just lounging around and enjoying the scenery & special events — along with a great bottle of wine (or two) made right on the premises!
Music And Songwriters
We’ve seen so many live music performances since moving to Nashville in 2001! Here you'll find photos and highlights from our favorite live music venues and in-the-round songwriter shows, plus unusual places to find singers & songwriters in Nashville.
Best Places To See Celebrities In Nashville
Living in Franklin, Tennessee, we see a good deal of celebrities whenever we’re out and about. Here are some of the best places where you are most likely to spot a celebrity in and around Nashville. (We’ve excluded all of the music venues and locations where Nashville celebrities are on hand for a specific function.)
The Non-Country Music Lover’s Guide to Tennessee: Best Places To See Live Music In Nashville, Knoxville, And Memphis
Not into Country music? Here are the best live music venues in Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis that cater to non-Country music fans.
Pancake Pantry Nashville: Add It To Your Bucket List!
The Pancake Pantry in Nashville was on my Bucket List for awhile. Now, I’ve been there several times. See why there’s always a line at the Pancake Pantry Nashville – which is one of the Top 3 Pancake Restaurants in America! By the way, there’s a Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg now too.
We Toured The Fontanel Mansion In Nashville – Here’s What It Was Like
Touring the Fontanel mansion is definitely something for your Nashville Bucket List! Here’s how much it costs + my photos showing what the log home is like.
Review Of CMA Country Christmas Show, A Holiday Special That Tapes In Nashville & Airs On ABC Each Year
Here are 6 things you should know before you go to the CMA Country Christmas show taping in Nashville.
Photos & Videos Of George Jones’ Home For Sale In Franklin, TN
I can’t count the number of times I’ve been to George Jones’ house in Franklin, TN. Each year, I made a point to visit George Jones home to see his one-of-a-kind Christmas light display. George Jones recently put his Williamson County home up for sale — 4025 Nestledown Drive, Franklin, TN 37067. Here are fun facts, photos, and videos.
Shawn Mullins, Chuck Cannon, Tom Bukovac And More At 3rd & Lindsley
Shawn Mullins and Chuck Cannon often do shows together. I’ve seen them both — separately and together — several times. The fact that Tom Bukovac was also on stage this night at 3rd & Lindsley was a huge bonus for me. Not to mention the fact that I got to sit with Chuck’s wife (Lari White) and Tom’s wife (Sarah Buxton) and meet another Nashville singer-songwriter (Jeanne Richardson). Here are photos from this fun night!
Nashville Nightlife & Pub Crawls: The Best Downtown Nashville Bars And Honky Tonks
If you’re going to Nashville for the nightlife and live music, then a pub crawl on Broadway must be on your To Do list! You don’t have to like Country music – there’s plenty of live entertainment to suit everyone’s tastes. Here are some ideas for doing your own Nashville pub crawl.
Chris Blair’s Stories Behind The Songs: A Weekly Show At The Listening Room Cafe In Nashville & Renegade Radio
Here are photos from the very first Stories Behind The Songs show at The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville, TN. Chris Blair is definitely onto something with this type of show. I know we’ll definitely be back to hear more stories behind the songs at The Listening Room Cafe. You never know WHO you’re gonna see there!
CMT Music Awards Show In Nashville: What It Was Like
The CMT Awards show precedes the CMT Music Festival each June. We scored some press passes this year! Here’s how things went at the CMT Music Awards show, and some of the unique things that I saw this year…
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day And Beer At The Annual Franklin Main Street Brew Fest
The Franklin Main Street Brew Fest in downtown Franklin, TN is a chance to experience music, food, and beer — over 40 varieties — in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The event takes you on a tour of Main Street as you go from shop to shop, sampling beers. If beer isn’t your thing, you should go for the music, food, and atmosphere that the celebration creates!
Photos & Video Of Alan Jackson’s Home For Sale In Franklin, TN
I guess we’ll have to find another Nashville celebrity home to take the lead spot in our informal ‘Tour of the Stars Homes’ that we take visitors on when they visit Nashville for the first time. Sadly, Alan Jackson’s plush 19,000 square-foot home is now for sale. His house has been the highlight of our tour for many years.
FREE Music Events In Nashville Are Great For Networking On A Budget!
What are your favorite places to go out and listen to FREE music in and around Nashville? Here are some of ours.
Darius Rucker Nashville Tennessee Photos – Grand Ole Opry
We saw Darius Rucker for the first time in concert last night. He was having a free show at the Grand Ole Opry — it was part of some promotion with the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. The Darius Rucker concert footage from this particular night airs this Thursday, August 27th on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Here are photos.
Franklin Farmers Market: A First-Timer’s Review
The Franklin Farmer’s Market is held behind the Factory at Franklin — 230 Franklin Road at the corner of Franklin Road and Liberty Pike. It’s open Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each May through October.
Mickey Roos Restaurant Review – Franklin, TN
I had never been to Mickey Roos before, but I love barbeque so I was hoping for good things. I wasn’t disappointed. Here’s a review of the food, the prices, and how to save a few bucks the next time you go to Mickey Roo’s!
Photos Of Chuck Cannon, Lari White And Tom Bukovac At 3rd & Lindsley
We’ve seen Chuck Cannon and Lari White several times before — usually at The Bluebird Cafe. Last night, we were pleasantly surprised to see phenomenal guitarist Tom Bukovac on stage with Chuck. It was a great show with both Chuck and Lari’s bands on stage at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville.
Eric Hutchinson Photos From 3rd & Lindsley In Nashville
Eric Hutchinson played at 3rd & Lindsley, a place that seats less than 300 — which, if you ask me, is the best way to see musicians: up close & personal! Here are my photos and thoughts about Eric Hutchinson’s show in Nashville, Tennessee.
Listening Room Cafe: Photos & Highlights From Nashville’s Live Music Venue In Cummins Station
Here are photos and highlights from the first big show at Nashville’s Listening Room Cafe featuring: Tony Mullins, Bob DiPiero, Chris Wallin, and Aaron Barker ‘in the round’. The Listening Room Cafe recently moved to downtown Nashville, TN after being located in Franklin, Tennessee.
Shawn Mullins, Chuck Cannon & Mac Davis At The Bluebird Cafe… What A Treat!
Last night we got to see Shawn Mullins perform “in the round” at the Bluebird Cafe. What a treat! There’s nothing better than seeing your favorite performers in small settings like such small, intimate places. Along with Shawn Mullins were Chuck Cannon and Mac Davis. I know… what a group! And we had great seats.
Henpeck Market: A Place To Go For Simply Living Life In Franklin, Tennessee
Henpeck Market in Franklin, TN is much more than a grocery store! Don and Jackie Gregory own the place and, there’s a gas station outside and a convenience store inside. There is also a cafe and restaurant, as well as a gift shop featuring ‘Simply Living Life’ logo items and an organic produce section too. And don’t miss the live music… Bluegrass!
The Day Isaac Hayes Came To The Tennessee State Capitol In Nashville
Isaac Hayes died today. Here is my one brush with greatness… the day I met that sharp dressed man named Isaac Hayes.
Actress Sean Young Makes An Appearance On Gone Country 2
Actress Sean Young put on her dancin’ shoes and sang a Country song that she co-wrote with a couple of Nashville songwriters at the season finale of Gone Country 2. The show was taped at the Wildhorse Saloon. Her song was called “Time For The Boy To Grow Up”.
Jermaine Jackson’s Low-Key Performance On Gone Country 2
Jermaine Jackson performed at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville during the final taping for Season 2 of Gone Country. His song was a mellow one. It was called ‘Loving You Is The Natural Thing To Do’. He co-wrote it with Nashville songwriters Billy Lawson and Anthony Smith.
Dierks Bentley: Mr. Sad Country Song Songwriter
The folks at Anheuser-Busch have created a new Bud Light Real Men of Genius ad. This one’s called Mr Sad Country Song Songwriter, and they’ve dedicated it to Dierks Bentley — one of Nashville’s top singers and songwriters! Here is the commercial, along with the words & lyrics.
Lorenzo Lamas: This Hollywood Hunk Has Gone Country!
There are a lot of interesting notes about Lorenzo Lamas and his performance at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville — for the taping of Gone Country 2. For starters, his daughter Shayne Lamas was the lucky bachelorette chosen by Matt Grant on this season’s The Bachelor. And Lorenzo’s ex-wife Shauna Sand was at this show with their little girl.
Mikalah Gordon: From American Idol To Gone Country
The moment Mikalah Gordon stepped on stage at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville for the season finale of Gone Country 2, she had the crowd on their feet and cheers from every corner of the place. Not only was she the ‘hottest’ chic in the competition this year, most of the guys in the front row were convinced she was the hottest thing in the building!
Rocker Sebastian Bach Goes Country On Season 2 Of ‘Gone Country’
Sebastian Bach of Skid Row has been called a lot of things, but I doubt he’s ever been called a Country music singer before! He gave the Country music industry a run for its money recently when he participated in CMT’s reality TV series called Gone Country. We were there & snapped these photos…
New Nashville Star Judges: The Show Airs Mondays On NBC Starting June 9th
I’ll be watching Nashville Star 6 this season. But, oddly enough, I think I’m more interested in seeing the judges than some of the performers themselves! I’m diggin’ the fact that Jeffrey Steele is a judge. Finally… more Jeffrey Steele in the limelight! Here’s more about the Nashville Star judges: John Rich, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jewel, and Jeffrey Steele.
NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick Has Gone Country
Chris Kirkpatrick from NSYNC was the first celebrity performer to appear on stage at the Wildhorse after John Rich did his pre-show for Gone Country 2. The song Chris performed was “That Will Get You By”. He wrote it with the help of Nashville songwriters, Trevor Rosen and Shane (sorry, didn’t catch his last name). Good song!
CMT’s Gone Country 2: Celebrities In Nashville Vying For A Country Music Deal
Last night was the season finale for Gone Country 2. Actually, the series hasn’t even started airing yet on CMT, but they were taping the final episode ‘live’ at the Wildhorse Saloon. We were front & center and captured these photographs of the celebrities performing.
Our Photos From The CMT Music Awards Show
We got tickets to the CMT Awards Show, and we snuck a camera in. Here are the photos we took of the performers at the show — and what each performance was like.
Songwriting Q&A: Facts About Songwriter Credits, Getting Paid & Plugging Songs
Below are some questions I have about the business of songwriting… particularly in the County music industry. See which answers I’ve found along the way. But hopefully, we’ll learn a few things from those of you who actually know these answers firsthand and take the time to chime in in the Comments.
The Professional Songwriters Behind CMT’s Celebrity Songwriting Competition Gone Country
Wondering who penned which songs on CMT’s Gone Country music competition? Here are the professional songwriters — all from Nashville, the celebrities who were responsible for singing their songs, and the title of the songs they wrote for the show Gone Country.
Why I Don’t Mind Spending $106.00 For 2 Tickets To The Grand Ole Opry or Ryman Auditorium
I don’t really like Country music. And Bluegrass and Folk music really aren’t my thing either. So why world would I want to go to the Grand Ole Opry so much? And how do I justify spending upwards of $50 a ticket for the experience? Here’s why the Opry rocks!
The Hitmen Of Music Row: Jeffrey Steele, Bob DiPiero, Tony Mullins, And Craig Wiseman
We knew these guys before they were The Hitmen of Music Row. And thanks to GAC, you probably have a better appreciation for these guys and their music, too. Not to mention their amazing sense of humor! Here’s everything you want to know about The Hitmen of Music Row…
Nashville Star Open Auditions & Casting Call Info
Nashville Tennessee is one of 4 national casting calls for the Nashville Star competition. Which means the Open Call takes place on the first day and Callbacks occur on the second day. For Nashville, the dates are March 21 and 22. Here are all the Nashville Star audition dates, times & places…
What Is Jazz Music?…
Musicians, critics and fans have been fighting over the definition of jazz since its inception in New Orleans back in the 1920s. Here’s a little about the history of jazz music…
Pandora Listeners Get To Know Founder, Tim Westergren, On A Whole ‘Nother Level
I was so eager to go to the Town Hall Meeting in Nashville that was hosted by Pandora’s founder, Tim Westergren. I really enjoy listening to fellow young entrepreneurs tell their stories describing how they managed to make a living out of doing something that they truly love. Here’s what Tim told us about Pandora… the number one streaming radio in the U.S.
Visiting Nashville? Some Nightlife Things To Do + Hotel Recommendations For A Fun Weekend Downtown
Some business friends of ours were contemplating a visit to Nashville in the near future. They wanted to stay somewhere close to downtown and take in all the sights & sounds that Music City has to offer — over the course of 2 or 3 days. They asked for some advice. Here’s what we recommended…
John Rich Chooses The Big Winner On CMT’s ‘Gone Country’ Celebrity Reality TV Music Show
It’s really difficult to say from this one instance alone which of the 7 celebrities should be awarded the Country Music record deal. But inquiring minds want to know, so here are my thoughts…
Has Sisqo Gone Country? These Photos Say YES
Yep, even with the ever-popular Thong Song under his belt, it appears that Sisqo is trying to make his break into Country music these days. Here are photos & highlights from Sisqo’s performance at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, where he was one of 7 celebrities competing for a Country music gig.
Maureen McCormick Sings On CMT’s ‘Gone Country’
Who knew that Maureen McCormick could sing?! I mean, other than watching her, as Marsha Brady, perform with her Brady Bunch siblings as The Silver Platters… Remember that episode? Here, Maureen McCormick competes with 6 other celebrities on CMT’s ‘Gone Country’ to see which ONE will be awarded a country music contract.
Kellie Pickler At The Wildhorse Saloon Nashville
Kellie was seated upstairs in the left balcony. I was standing on the far right side of the stage, up front. Nevertheless, I managed to snap a couple of photos of Kellie at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee.
Julio Iglesias, Jr. Steals A Lot Of Girls’ Hearts In Nashville
Julio Iglesias, Jr. has ‘Gone Country’. Now, he’s striving to be the one — of 7 celebs competing for the chance — who is awarded a Country Music deal. Tonight he sang one of the songs that he co-wrote with Nashville songwriters.
Carnie Wilson Sings Sweet Lullabies At The Wildhorse Saloon In Nashville
Carnie Wilson’s baby girl, Lola Sofia, was the subject of the song that Carnie chose to sing onstage at the Wildhose Saloon in Nashville. It’s a song that she co-wrote with Leslie Satcher for the CMT reality TV show called ‘Gone Country’. Here are photos…
Jessica Simpson Moving To Nashville
Get ready for another pop superstar to make their way to Nashville. This time, it’s Jessica Simpson who is packing up and moving to Music City USA. Here’s the scoop…
Dee Snider, Lead Singer Of Twisted Sister, Rocks The Country Music Industry
Is the Country music industry ready for Dee Snider? Is Dee Snider ready for Country music? Those are the questions everyone is asking after the taping of CMT’s newest reality TV show called ‘Gone Country’.
Pictures Of American Idol’s Diana DeGarmo Performing At The Wildhorse Saloon In Nashville
It was obvious that John Rich sees a lot of promise in Diana DeGarmo as a Country music artist. He talked her up big time — not that she needed it — and the big-wigs in the balcony seemed to be overwhelmingly receptive of her as a performer. She had a lot of fan support too.
