Telecaster Guitar Forum - View Single Post

beach bob · September 22nd, 2008, 01:29 PM

I just got back from NashVegas, had a heck of a good time at the Americana Music Association's conference and festival. I was a cheap SOB and didn't pay the $$ for the conference part, but I did go to the Ryman for the awards show (which was incredible, and the Ryman is indeed a really great venue), plus I got a four day wristband for music at four of the better clubs around town. It was great in every way!

Anyways, for stuff to try / do that hasn't been mentioned already, do be sure to check out Monte Good and the Honky-Tonk Heroes... they played at The Wheel, right across the street from Robert's on Broadway; I think 6p - 10p on Fri&Sat is a regular slot for them there. I know they also play Robert's, so check their schedule when you go (look em up on myspace). A fantastic western swing style outfit with all first call guys ... James Mitchell is on the Tele, and is fantastic, as is their steel guy, Mike Sweeney, and the drummer is none other than Willie Cantu of Buck Owens' Buckaroos! Top that! In a long weekend full of fantastic music, these guys were right at the top of the musical highlights of the trip. At the Wheel, there's good dancing going on, the bar staff is nice, and the beer is cold. Highest recommendation, from me

We also went to the Rose Pepper Cantina in East Nashville and had a great lunch. Good, semi foo-foo Mexican food, it's a neat place too. Recommended by both Todd Snider and me

And if you're downtown and you're hungry but you don't want to get gouged tourista prices, about two blocks down the street (towards the river) from the Wheel there's a sports bar that had decent food, and wasn't overpriced; I can't remember the name... it's a good sized place with an open front to it. It has the usual sports bar fare, plus some mexican items, and decent red beans & rice. Happy hour 11a - 7p, a buck off any of 70 draft beers.

A block over/up on Commerce, there's Demo's... serves steak & spaghetti; we talked to several people that visit Music City regularly and they always go there, good value. We didn't make it there ourselves... not enough time ... anyways it has a neon sign advertising steak & spaghetti; easy to find.

Head south on 8th Ave to Grimey's for cheap used CDs. Mike runs a live music venue there as well, The Basement, which books offbeat bands that may or may not be to your taste. Definitely worth a look though.

Lastly, check the country music hall of fame's website... they do in-store performances / CD signings with worthy artists. You can visit the store for the performance without having to pay admittance to the hall of fame.... we saw/ heard Carlene Carter AND Jerry Douglas there this past weekend

. The HOF is indeed worth checking out as well, the Hank / Hank Jr / Hank III exhibit going on right now is really well done. There's serious guitar porn too. And Gram Parson's mind-altering-substance Nudie suit is on display

I was quite suprised they don't whitewash over the substance / family / tragic aspects of some of the legends of country... Hank Sr.'s last days are recounted in detail, and with little equivocating on his lifestyle. That just added to the experience for me.

September 22nd, 2008, 01:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
beach bob Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,094	I just got back from NashVegas, had a heck of a good time at the Americana Music Association's conference and festival. I was a cheap SOB and didn't pay the $$ for the conference part, but I did go to the Ryman for the awards show (which was incredible, and the Ryman is indeed a really great venue), plus I got a four day wristband for music at four of the better clubs around town. It was great in every way! Anyways, for stuff to try / do that hasn't been mentioned already, do be sure to check out Monte Good and the Honky-Tonk Heroes... they played at The Wheel, right across the street from Robert's on Broadway; I think 6p - 10p on Fri&Sat is a regular slot for them there. I know they also play Robert's, so check their schedule when you go (look em up on myspace). A fantastic western swing style outfit with all first call guys ... James Mitchell is on the Tele, and is fantastic, as is their steel guy, Mike Sweeney, and the drummer is none other than Willie Cantu of Buck Owens' Buckaroos! Top that! In a long weekend full of fantastic music, these guys were right at the top of the musical highlights of the trip. At the Wheel, there's good dancing going on, the bar staff is nice, and the beer is cold. Highest recommendation, from me We also went to the Rose Pepper Cantina in East Nashville and had a great lunch. Good, semi foo-foo Mexican food, it's a neat place too. Recommended by both Todd Snider and me And if you're downtown and you're hungry but you don't want to get gouged tourista prices, about two blocks down the street (towards the river) from the Wheel there's a sports bar that had decent food, and wasn't overpriced; I can't remember the name... it's a good sized place with an open front to it. It has the usual sports bar fare, plus some mexican items, and decent red beans & rice. Happy hour 11a - 7p, a buck off any of 70 draft beers. A block over/up on Commerce, there's Demo's... serves steak & spaghetti; we talked to several people that visit Music City regularly and they always go there, good value. We didn't make it there ourselves... not enough time ... anyways it has a neon sign advertising steak & spaghetti; easy to find. Head south on 8th Ave to Grimey's for cheap used CDs. Mike runs a live music venue there as well, The Basement, which books offbeat bands that may or may not be to your taste. Definitely worth a look though. Lastly, check the country music hall of fame's website... they do in-store performances / CD signings with worthy artists. You can visit the store for the performance without having to pay admittance to the hall of fame.... we saw/ heard Carlene Carter AND Jerry Douglas there this past weekend . The HOF is indeed worth checking out as well, the Hank / Hank Jr / Hank III exhibit going on right now is really well done. There's serious guitar porn too. And Gram Parson's mind-altering-substance Nudie suit is on display I was quite suprised they don't whitewash over the substance / family / tragic aspects of some of the legends of country... Hank Sr.'s last days are recounted in detail, and with little equivocating on his lifestyle. That just added to the experience for me. Last edited by beach bob; September 22nd, 2008 at 04:48 PM.