Bluebird Cafe: Listen to Great Music Nashville

If you are a songwriter/singer hoping to be discovered in Nashville, you want to play at the Bluebird Café. This hole-in-the-wall club in a strip mall in the suburbs; has a history of hosting new, ready-to-be-discovered talent. There are two shows nightly, one beginning at either 6 and 6:30 p.m. and the other at 8 or  8:30 p.m. The venue is small, there are only 20 tables and they go fast.  

The atmosphere here is very intimate. The singers, either three or four (there were four when we last visited) are seated in the center of the room, and the tables, which seat about 100 people, surround them. No one in the room is more than 20 feet from the singers. 

What is different is that they interact with each other and with the audience. They go around the circle introducing the song they are going to perform, alone or in collaboration. They give you little anecdotes and jokes, and laugh with each other. They also musically back each other up, both with music and harmony. Many of the performers are also songwriters.

There are waitresses, of course, who will take your drink or snack order. There is a cover charge (at the late show)which goes to the performers)  and a minimum food order of $7.00 per seat. For the quality of the entertainment, this is a fabulous bargain. 

The décor here is simple: wooden tables and chairs and a large bar on one wall. The walls are covered with posters and pictures of Nashville stars. They are all people who have performed here. Among the well-known alumni are Vince Gill, Faith Hill, and Garth Brooks.

One note: when you arrive, don’t just walk in. You have to be let in by the doorman. He lets you in between sets so that the artists aren’t disturbed. And come in quietly; we were shushed for talking. While the artists are performing, it is as quiet as the grave.

#bluebirdcafe

The four artists that we saw were all great, and they each had their own unique style. It was obvious that they had worked together before because they were so comfortable. At least two of them had CDs that you could purchase at the Bluebird. The Bluebird itself sells t-shirts, which are hanging from the bar, but it was so dim that I couldn’t see the design enough to make a decision.

Although this is a café, you don’t feel any pressure to order alcohol. I had several cups of coffee and my friend had a Diet Coke. Now, if you prefer not to spend $9 for two cups of coffee, then by all means, have a drink and a snack.

If you are a country music wannabe, you can play here at their Open-Mic night or come to one of their auditions. For more information and to secure seats, visit their website.

This is one occasion when I did not have good photos. I visited here in the dark and my photos are not up to snuff. Thank you to Dana at Visit Music City for providing me with great images.