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The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville Tennessee
When visiting Music City USA, there are many interesting attractions and alluring destinations to see. Nashville Tennessee offers an abundance of country music, honky-tonks, and historical venues. One such venue, as featured on the ABC Nashville TV Show, is the Bluebird Cafe. The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville Tennessee is a one stop experience for live country music, food, drinks, and souvenirs.
The beginning of the Bluebird Cafe
Established in 1982, this Music City USA institution provides an outlet and sounding board for songwriters, musicians, and up and coming artists in all genres of music. Recognized as one of the world's best listening rooms, the venue has gained envied attention as a songwriter’s performance space where the creators themselves perform their own songs. After Don Schlitz (The Gambler, On the Other Hand) played the venue’s first writer's night about 30 years ago, it has been instrumental in promoting songwriters.
Since then, artists such as Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and Kix Brooks received attention when they auditioned for a Bluebird performance slot. Located just outside of downtown Nashville, the 90 seat venue is modest in appearance but some of the most influential songwriters, musicians, and artists have performed there. Performers include up-and-coming songwriters alongside veteran chart toppers. Genres performed on this stage include country, as well as pop, rock and contemporary Christian hits.
Hits from the Bluebird
Kathy Mattea was the first major star to be linked to The Bluebird Cafe and is still a regular guest performer. Before Garth Brooks was discovered, he played on both the Open Mic night and the Sunday Songwriter’s Shows. Artists such as LeAnn Rimes, John Prine, Kris Allen, Jojo Herman, and Phil Vassar mix with writers such as American Idol Song Contest winner Regie Hamm (The Time of My Life/David Cook), Billy Kirsch (Holes in the Floor of Heaven/Steve Wariner), Hilary Lindsey (Jesus Take the Wheel/Carrie Underwood), Josh Kear (Before He Cheats/Carrie Underwood), and Chris Tompkins.
A night at the Bluebird Cafe
Most nights include two engaging shows. The early show is slightly more relaxed and usually does not include a cover charge. The later show of the night typically brings the bigger headliners to the stage. A typical nightly performance at either show consists of three or four songwriters seated in the center of the room, taking turns playing their songs, as well as accompanying each other instrumentally and on harmony vocals. It is an unforgettable experience and certainly reflects why Nashville Tennessee is known as Music City USA.
The Bluebird is an intimate music venue with only 20 tables. Reservations are accepted on seats at the tables, but most seats at the bar and the church pews are first come, first serve, so it pays to arrive early. All ages are welcome, but only those over 21 are allowed to sit at the bar. The Bluebird feature a full bar along with a varied menu of appetizers, hot & cold sandwiches and salads available until 10pm.
Amy Kurland, the original founder and owner, sold the legendary venue in 2008 to the Nashville Songwriters Association International. The 40+ year old, not-for-profit organization is devoted to the service of songwriters and the craft of songwriting. Kurland saw NSAI’s mission as a way to continue the Bluebird’s contribution to songwriters and the community.
The Bluebird Cafe made its primetime television debut on the ABC Nashville TV Show in October 2012. The Bluebird is significant to the show’s plotline, covering the music industry, the political climate in Nashville, and the key players in both worlds. As a result, millions of people have discovered The Bluebird, making it the top rated nightlife attraction in Nashville. We hope that you enjoy the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee.
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We were hosted on the Adventures by Disney Nashville Long Weekend trip. This is one post in a series of posts. For further details and more information on specific places we visited, please see:
Adventures by Disney Nashville Long Weekend
The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Dining Scene in Nashville, Tennessee
Oh how cool! I watch Nashville and I love seeing this place on the show. This is so cool. Would love to go there.
My sister lives right outside of Nashville and has told me about this restaurant. I can’t wait to try it out one of these days.
Bluebird Cafe seems like a nice place to go too. I hate crowds so I dig how they only have 20 tables. Hopefully when I go to Tennessee, I’ll have the chance to go to Bluebird Cafe.
What a great place to come and enjoy good music and good company! I have never made it to Nashville, but when I think of Nashville, I can’t help but think of music! Hope to visit soon to check this place out! 🙂
This sounds like a fun cafe to eat at. I love trying new restaurants. I’ll have to remember this one if I am ever in the area.
This looks like a nice place to go. I love trying out new restaurants. I will keep this in mind when I visit Nashville.
I am hoping to be in Nashville next year. I will have to check out the Bluebird Cafe.
I come to Nashville often so I’ll have to check this place out. We love a nice, small and quaint place. Thanks for sharing. – Yolonda
I wold love to head down to Nashville for a visit! This looks like a great cozy cafe to stop in at.
This looks like an amazing place to visit. My husband would just love it.
Now a Disney Adventure is one I’m sure I could get in on! Looks like an absolutely fantastic time!
That looks like a very nice cafe. I’ve never actually been to Nashville before, but I’ve always wanted to go. I love that they have performers at the cafe too.
Wish I had known about this cafe when we visited Nashville a couple of months ago. Next time we’re in Nashville, we’ll check it out.
Since seeing the Bluebird Café on Nashville I have always wanted to visit. It looks like a great place. I bet visiting is so much fun.
I live 2 hours from Nashville and I still have not ever been to the Bluebird! It’s on my to visit list.
I live in Arkansas and a lot of people go to Nashville for short vacations. This seems like something cool to check out.
This is so cool! I love the show Nashville and so without a doubt think it is amazing that you were able to visit the Cafe. Nashville is such an interesting city it seems. I hope I get to visit there soon!
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