Gabe Dixon
Singer, Writer and Pianist; Nashville
Nashville is renowned for country music, but what are three music venues outside the country music genre that you would recommend for groups?
- The Basement: As the name suggests, this is literally a basement. It hunkers beneath Nashville’s most relevant record store, Grimey’s New & Preloved Music. It’s small, but it’s my favorite venue to see really good up-and-coming bands, both local and national. You might also find a more established artist playing under a pseudonym or in someone else’s band for fun. The vibe is cool and laid-back, and there is a pretty wide selection of beers, which for me, is always a plus.
- Exit/In: This classic Nashville venue, on the eclectic Ellis Place strip, is still going strong after about 35 years. This 400-capacity venue includes a “wall of fame,” and you can see that everyone from Steve Martin to McCoy Tyner to Tom Petty has performed here. It’s the right size for both successful local artists and tour bus-wielding national acts. Last year, I managed to get in to a
secret Ben Folds show here that was announced at the last minute. He and his band were on fire.
- Mercy Lounge: This club just off 8th Avenue is a great place to see local music, particularly on Monday nights, when they host their “8 off 8th” series. This is when a number of local bands (usually eight) come out to perform and network with other local bands and music business folks. Some nights are amazing, some aren’t. But you are almost guaranteed to see someone good who you’ve never heard of before. Mercy has a nice backstage area and plenty of places to escape the music if you so desire. They also have a spacious deck that offers a nice view of the Nashville skyline.