Music City’ is a bold nickname, but it couldn’t be more deserved for Nashville. Its musical heritage is such that the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Dolly Parton and Jack White have all called it home. But it’s not just established artists that love the city, it’s also an ideal place to catch up-and-coming talent – which is great if you’re someone who likes being one of the first to discover hot new artists.
If the thought of enjoying live music in Nashville sounds like music to your ears, then read on to find out our top five places to visit – what’s more, we’ll show you how your everyday spending, including that latest LP, can help you collect Avios to fly you to Music City, where you can enjoy discovering all that Nashville has to offer.
But before you go, to help whet your musical taste buds, why not take in some of London’s quirkiest music venues.
With just 90 seats, this acoustic-favouring venue has been showcasing up-and-comers for more than three decades. Garth Brooks used to play open-mic nights here before hitting superstardom – and you still might find yourself standing next to him at a show.
Photo: Deone Jahnke
Since opening in 1987 to provide a platform for new singers and songwriters, Douglas Corner has hosted buzzy new artists, impromptu jam sessions and the odd performance from stadium-fillers such as Jon Bon Jovi, Trisha Yearwood
and Cheap Trick.
There’s a focus on local talent here, and not just traditional Nashville sounds. You’ll hear indie, folk, funk and blues at this venue, through a top-notch soundsystem that has also channelled the likes of Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones and Gary Clark Jr.
Cannery Ballroom and The Mercy Lounge may be renowned for drawing-in names like Snoop Dogg, Adele and Emmylou Harris to their stages, but if you love finding up-and-coming artists then be sure to check out the building’s smaller space, The High Watt. The 250-capacity venue was set up to focus on emerging acts, and there are definitely plenty to choose from.
Photo: Nolan Knight
Set underneath Grimey’s, one of the city’s most prominent record stores, The Basement is a popular, intimate spot to catch new bands, and is also the place to head if you like your Nashville sounds a little rawer and rockier.
Photo: Jen M Silver
If watching great bands live on stage in Nashville sounds like just the ticket, the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card could help get you there sooner. Whether you’re paying for a new LP or drinks at a Friday night gig, you can collect Avios on your everyday spend and use them on reward flights to hundreds of destinations. What’s more, the 2-for‑1 Companion Voucher can get you and a friend there for the same number of Avios as one flight.² You simply pay the taxes, fees and carrier charges. Did you know:
You collect Avios every time you spend.
• Collect 1.5 Avios for every £1 you spend with the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card, or 3 Avios for every £1 you spend direct with BA.¹
You can share the experience with your favourite travel buddy.
• When you spend £10,000 or more each year, you’ll receive a 2-for-1 Companion Voucher.²
You get a 25,000 Avios Welcome Bonus.
• When you spend £3,000 or more in the first three months.³
For more information and to apply for the card, click here.
REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE
Representative 76.0% APR variable.
Annual fee: based on £195. Credit limit: assumed credit limit of £1,200. Purchase rate: 22.9% variable for purchases.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Applicants must be 18 years or older. Approval subject to status. Terms and exclusions apply to earning and redeeming Avios (1), Companion Voucher (2) and welcome bonus (3). Flights subject to availability. Taxes, fees and carrier charges apply. Visit ba.com/amex to find out more.
Promoter: American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority