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Post by wiz on Feb 21, 2015 18:41:02 GMT -6
I am thinking about coming across the pond, and coming to Nashville in October (seems a good balance of price and weather).
I am thinking we might stay about 3 weeks (me and the missus) and travel from Memphis to New Orleans.
I would like to see things like Sun Studios, Studio B, etc etc etc and of course meet as many of you as possible.
When I went to the USA in 94 we got a car and a fistful of hotel vouchers from a motel chain, and just rang ahead an booked a day or two out.. it seems that sort of thing doesn't exist.
So , whats the best approach?
what should i budget for accom (doesn't have to be 5 star, but I don't want to share a bathroom) and car hire...
Anyone got anything they want to rent?
cheers
Wiz
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Post by wiz on Feb 21, 2015 18:46:24 GMT -6
I will also populate this thread with stupid tourist naive questions... (STNQ)
STNQ1
whats the chance of playing an open mic night? Bluebird?
STNQ2
can i record at Sun? or Blackbird? or somewhere iconic.. just me and acoustic ....
STNQ2
I am vegetarian,.. cater for that stuff?
told you I was naive 8)
cheers
Wiz
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Post by swurveman on Feb 21, 2015 19:07:59 GMT -6
From a tourist perspective, you have to eat breakfast at the Pancake Pantry in Nashville. Great food, vibe, nice people.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Feb 21, 2015 19:08:09 GMT -6
Forget Bluebird. They have an audition night you must play at before you can play another night. Go to Bluebird's site and have a read, they specifically say they don't offer any special attention to performers from out of town. For recording, I bet you can, just book something way in advance.
You have two STNQ2's. I've only been there once, but did see there's a small community of healthy living types, and some health food stores, so I think you'll find what you need. Perhaps some of the residents there can be of more help.
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Post by stratboy on Feb 21, 2015 19:13:12 GMT -6
Hi, Wiz,
i don't live in either city but have spent a fair amount of time in Nashville and have visited Memphis. I highly recommend them both!
i will let the locals tell you about Nashville and instead give you some impressions and tips for Memphis. First, it is an awesome music town. Beale Street area is full of clubs and good restaurants, when we were there in the summertime, lots of good street music and even free concerts nightly with name talent.
Make sure you visit Sun Studios. But also, do not miss the Stax museum. Stand where Al Jackson, Duck Dunn and Steve Cropper recorded; it is sacred ground. Go to Graceland. I thought it was going to be hokey, but found it to be very moving. He was a bit before my time, but at Graceland, I truly understood why the King is the King.
One net more thing: go eat lunch or dinner at Gus's Restaurant. The best fried chicken IN THE WORLD. I kid you not. It's a little hole in the wall, and the taste is unbelievable. Another non-musical attraction must see is the Civil Rights Museum. For anyone who lived through that era of US history and for world citizens who want to understand the incredible propagation of African-American culture that followed it, just watching the film they made that introduces the tour is worth the admission.
Can you guess that I loved Memphis? Nashville is wonderful, too. Plan to spend several days in both. They are great towns!
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Post by Randge on Feb 21, 2015 19:43:20 GMT -6
From what I have heard, the Bluebird has been sold. Might be a Cheeseburger In Paradise soon. Better news for you, there are lots of places to eat that accommodate your dietary needs, Wiz, and lastly, you'll never catch me standing in that insane line for mediocre pancakes. I can take you to Woodlands, which has some of the best Indian food in town and they are strictly vegetarian there. The hotels near the airport are some of the best deals in town and you will be 15-20 minutes from the heart of all things Nashville.
R
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Post by Bob Olhsson on Feb 21, 2015 20:26:11 GMT -6
When the group gets together, I'll tell the back story of the Bluebird I was told shortly after we moved here by somebody who was there.
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Post by ericn on Feb 21, 2015 20:55:02 GMT -6
OK Join every inexpensive hotel chains loyalty program, what and where you can get a cheap room depends on what's going on a given night, If you do some home work and avoid something like a Shriners Convention. Hotwire and hotels.con have gotten me some great short notice deals.
Let us know your plans , it sounds like a great reason for us all to hear Bobs story!
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Post by stratboy on Feb 21, 2015 21:52:05 GMT -6
Sorry, I missed the vegan part of your post, so forget about Gus's. And the BBQ. But oh, the musical history meal is superb.
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Feb 22, 2015 9:10:37 GMT -6
I'm a vegan too Wiz. I never have a problem finding something to chow on. If all else fails, chug a few V-8's (rocket fuel) to get you through until you can get to a Kroger Market.
Everybody seems to want to play the Bluebird because it's a well known name but there are hundreds of writer rounds in Nashville every night. Not hard to find a place to thump on a guitar. The Commodore is usually a sure thing. The key to getting up in a round is to be humble and kind to the hosts (and I've never met one in that town who wasn't humble and kind in return). Most are extremely welcoming to out of towers. Be sure and thank the host and the venue on stage before you sing your last song (local etiquette).
Nashville is the capital of the planet in my mind. With all it's recent flaws, there is still no other place like it for musicians. You'll fit right in.
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Post by Bob Olhsson on Feb 22, 2015 10:53:31 GMT -6
By far the best songwriter rounds I've heard in Nashville have been in people's homes. I only wish ours was big enough.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Feb 22, 2015 13:12:57 GMT -6
I'll sing in your closet Biob.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Feb 22, 2015 13:15:28 GMT -6
I'll sing in your closet Biob. On my phone, can't edit my post. Obviously meant Bob. |
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Post by Bob Olhsson on Feb 22, 2015 13:52:16 GMT -6
This bungalow is so old we don't really have closets!
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Post by Ward on Feb 22, 2015 16:36:26 GMT -6
What's a vegetablarian?
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Post by wiz on Feb 22, 2015 18:08:38 GMT -6
vegetablarian... LOL...
I can derail my own thread I suppose... I am a vegetarian... I eat things like cheese and have milk in my coffee... a vegan wouldn't have animal products of any kind.
I don't eat meat. I don't really eat bread, or flour based products.. most of what I eat is raw... mainly fruits and salad vegetables.. When its cold I really like things like baked vegetables and mashed potato etc.
I don't drink alcohol.... I am pretty boring LOL 8)
cheers
Wiz
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Post by wiz on Feb 22, 2015 18:11:32 GMT -6
I'm a vegan too Wiz. I never have a problem finding something to chow on. If all else fails, chug a few V-8's (rocket fuel) to get you through until you can get to a Kroger Market. Everybody seems to want to play the Bluebird because it's a well known name but there are hundreds of writer rounds in Nashville every night. Not hard to find a place to thump on a guitar. The Commodore is usually a sure thing. The key to getting up in a round is to be humble and kind to the hosts (and I've never met one in that town who wasn't humble and kind in return). Most are extremely welcoming to out of towers. Be sure and thank the host and the venue on stage before you sing your last song (local etiquette). Nashville is the capital of the planet in my mind. With all it's recent flaws, there is still no other place like it for musicians. You'll fit right in. Thanks for this Cowboy. That sounds like a lot of fun, songwriter rounds... very cool... I have played a couple of things here, called songwriter circles, I assume same thing... listening type room, no cell phones.. etc and the artist talks briefly about the song and then plays it then the next artist and so on round the circle... great stuff... You are right about the Bluebird, I only know of its existence because of the TV show "Nashville" . I thought it was fictional, then I heard it was real and they had open mic nights.... but to play anywhere to anyone would be cool. thanks for the info guys.. will get back to you all with a buttload more questions... 8) cheers Wiz |
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Post by Ward on Feb 22, 2015 18:53:02 GMT -6
vegetablarian... LOL... I don't eat meat. I don't really eat bread, I don't drink alcohol.... No cornbread, chili, fried chicken, biscuits, chicken fried steak, burgers, beer, bourbon? I'm sorry, you're not allowed in. HERETIC! |
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Post by wiz on Feb 22, 2015 20:18:09 GMT -6
vegetablarian... LOL... I don't eat meat. I don't really eat bread, I don't drink alcohol.... No cornbread, chili, fried chicken, biscuits, chicken fried steak, burgers, beer, bourbon? I'm sorry, you're not allowed in. HERETIC! LOL look, fried chicken could almost bring me back to the fold 8) I will eat corn bread, I probably would chug a beer with you guys on a hot day...MMMMMMmmmm biscuits... you know what i want most? coconut cream pie!!! I haven't had that since I was last in the states in 94... man it was good... I could sense MaryAnn in every mouthful... 8) ( I was a MaryAnn guy.. not a ginger guy.. though as I get older, Mrs Howell is weirdly attractive... 8) ) cheers Wiz |
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Post by stratboy on Feb 22, 2015 20:22:49 GMT -6
Lol. Best laugh I have had all day. Thanks, Wiz!
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Post by Bob Olhsson on Feb 23, 2015 10:27:42 GMT -6
One of the biggest revelations I ever had was eating fried chicken at a tiny roadside restaurant in Alabama. I learned that I've never had the real deal anywhere else.
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Post by svart on Feb 23, 2015 10:35:58 GMT -6
I'll definitely drive up to Nashvegas again when you come over Wiz.
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Feb 23, 2015 11:34:05 GMT -6
Yeah I'm always looking for a reason to drive down.
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Post by wiz on Feb 23, 2015 17:05:49 GMT -6
Looking at these dates...
Sep 22 - October 13.
Probably have two nights in LA to split the journey...so get to Nashville around 25/26 Sep
This time frame is based on holidays my wife has here.. ...
Anything wrong with coming at that time...?
I have been looking at accommodation options, and it seems there are quite a few "home stays" where people are renting out rooms with private facilities in their homes... thought could be kinda cool.. or absolutely terrifying....
Looking at renting a car for the entire time..
Could really use some help on where the best location would be to stay.. in that should I stay in a particular suburb or area..
I might just book two nights jn Nash before we get there then take it from there...
cheers
Wiz
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Post by Johnkenn on Feb 23, 2015 17:27:31 GMT -6
Yep, I'll be here! We will make a little party out of it...
BTW - the whole Bluebird being sold was an internet falsehood that won't seem to go away. Not true.
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