Nashville live music not on Broadway? Yep!! If you want to enjoy the sounds of great music in a much more relaxed atmosphere .. get away from Lower Broadway!!! Head on out to other great areas of Nashville such as Music Row or the Music Valley area where the locals hang out for awesome live music.
Nashville live music not on Broadway is a comment that typically only locals say. Oftentimes out-of-town visitors may want to enjoy the local music talent without the downtown lower Broadway chaos. That is why Nashville is called the Music City, there are great musicians in many venues all over town.
These areas lesser-known by tourists areas have the most relaxing vibe, to be honest. They are much more laid back than Broadway with great music, great food, and great drinks. What else could you ask for? Allow me to tell you about some of the more popular places that you are sure to enjoy.
Please pay attention to their websites as to how to purchase tickets. Some places are online only and do not sell admission at the door. I’d hate for you to arrive to find the show is sold out and you can’t get in. Some of the live music venues in Nashville sell out QUICKLY!!
Scoreboard Bar and Grill
Honestly from the point of view of this article, it is a bad idea to start with Scoreboard. Why? Well, of all the Nashville live music venues that are not on Broadway, this is one of the most popular ones in Nashville, and for good reason. So, once you find out about Scoreboard there is no reason for you to finish reading the rest of this huh?
The times I’ve eaten at Scoreboard Bar and Grill there was great live music and there were even lots of fun games out in the yard like a huge Connect Four board. OK … even the food is darn good as well. I’ve been there a few times. This totally awesome place is located over in the Music Valley area near the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.
Take Briley Parkway get off on McGacock Pike and turn towards the direction you see all the buildings and businesses. Be in the right-hand lane and go through the Music Valley Drive red light. Keep an eye out for Cooters (Dukes of Hazzard) and then The Palace, as soon as you pass The Palace turn on the street to the right side of the convenience store. Look to your right and you will see Scoreboard Bar and Grill directly behind The Palace. The front entrance isn’t very obvious, it’s on the side facing The Palace.
Wanna check out Scoreboard Bar and Grill? Click here to check out the site.
Wanna check out more great things to do in Music Valley? Click here for that article.
The Basement East
The Basement East plays more of the music I like such as hard rock and metal. This is one of the more diverse Nashville live music venues that is not on Broadway. This place has music from MANY different genres. Seriously, they have everything from local country acts to well-known metal bands. You will need to check their calendar to see who is playing to make sure you catch a band or artist you will enjoy.
This little place is located near the Five Points area of East Nashville. The perk to that is once the show is over it is a short walk to Five Points where you will find lots of bars with even more live music. Oh, can’t forget Five Points Pizza which is a late-night locally owned pizza shop … it is GOOD!!
Wanna check out the Basement East schedule? Click here to view the calendar.
Alley Taps
OK .. so I’m kinda splitting hairs here. Alley Taps is located in the world-famous Printers Alley which is just a couple of blocks off Broadway. But, that little alley is so neat with its “Speak-easy” vibe making you feel like you have walked back in time.
The vibe within Alley Taps is kinda like an old speakeasy of the old prohibition days. This little hole in the wall is a huge draw for musical talent. So, if you want to take a short walk to take a break from the chaos of lower Broadway to enjoy some great music with a chill atmosphere, go on over to Alley Taps.
Now Alley Taps isn’t quite on the part where you see all the lights hanging up. If you are facing the lights from all the other bars, restaurants, and other live music venues …. turn around. It is down the lesser lit of the alley. Don’t worry, it is safe. As you walk down the alley keep an eye out on your right for a small door with some prohibition paintings around it. Welcome to Alley Taps! Before you walk in look across the alley at that awesome mural! Also, you may see someone playing music down in the lower third of the alley.
Sounds like a good time? Click here to check out the site.
The Bluebird Cafe
It would be just simply WRONG to leave The Bluebird Cafe off the “Nashville live music not on Broadway” list! This little place features MANY of Nashville’s local talent. It is a small venue with a chill vibe and some great musical talent. So, I gotta be straight with you, it can be rather difficult to get in due to the shows selling out rather quickly.
This little place has been on TV countless times! There have been acts that are just starting to famous names like Johnny Cash, Minnie Pearl, John Bon Jovi, and even Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. So yeah, The Bluebird Cafe is kind of a big deal ya know!!
As I mentioned above, this is one of those places that sells tickets online. So if you are interested in checking out a show? Click here for the calendar. Get tickets ASAP because they always sell out fast!
Exit In
One of Nashville’s older small venues that has a wide variety of awesome acts. I say acts because Exit/In has everything from music to comedy that graces the stage. This little place is located over on Elliston Place which is a short drive from Lower Broadway. You know the question that is sometimes asked: “Where do the locals go?” This is one of those places!
I have seen a few rock shows at Exit In, even a couple of Comedies. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any pictures, that was before I even thought about creating Things In Nashville the website or YouTube channel. The next show I go to I’ll remedy that picture issue. This is a highly recommended place to check out if you want to hang with the locals for some Nashville live music that is not on Broadway.
Wanna know who the act is while you are visiting? Click here for the calendar.
The 5 Spot
East Nashville baby!! I’ve spent a lot of time in the 5 Points area of East Nashville. That is where this small but nationally known dive bar is located. The TV show “Nashville” has filmed a few scenes here at The 5 Spot. One time Lady Gaga even made this one of her stops while she was on tour and even did a little gig while she was there. Even she wanted some Nashville live music away from Broadway.
The 5 Points area of East Nashville is a few miles away from Broadway. Just so you aren’t caught by surprise, 5 Points is hopping!!! It isn’t as busy and chaotic as Lower Broadway downtown, so let’s just call this the happy medium of calm and chaos.
Lots of locals hang out here as well as great local music acts. Click here to check out the events calendar.
The Listening Room
Located not too far away from Lower Broadway over in the SoBro area is one of the larger venues on this list. The main room seats about 325 people with room for much more if you need to hold a private or corporate event here. This isn’t one of the little dive bar locations, but it still has an easy-going vibe so that you can relax while you enjoy your drinks and music.
As for music, many popular local acts perform here. Admission prices vary based on who is playing and/or how many acts are scheduled for that night. So, take a short walk away from the tourist crowds and enjoy some Nashville live music over in SoBro .. not on Broadway.
Sounds like a place you may wanna check out? Here is the events calendar.
Tennessee Brew Works
Founded in 2013 as an independent craft brewery utilizing natural grains from local sources whenever possible. Once they have gotten as much of the awesome beer as possible out of the grains the remains are used to feed Wagyu cattle. So by coming to Tennessee Brew Works, you are also supporting many other local businesses as well.
But, this is about Nashville live music not on Broadway! Well, they have a stage to provide that for you. Checking the calendar there is an open mic night with a mix of Bluegrass thrown in. I’ve had their beer a time or two and it is pretty good! I still need to drop in and check out the music.
Y’all curious who is playing while you are in? Click here to check out the calendar.
Marathon Music Works
I love MMW!! I’ve got a thing for exposed beams, rustic beat-up concrete exposed brick walls, and open architecture, Marathon Music Works delivers that with its archaic industrial vibe. Located right next door to Marathon Motorworks on Clinton Street, this whole street has lots of history! This is probably one of my favorite Nashville live music not on Broadway venues!! I am very drawn to the venues on this street!
Originally built in the 1900s, this restored 14,000 square feet venue hosts many different genres of music and other great acts. Not only can this venue host music acts, but it can also be reserved for special events, banquets, corporate gatherings, and much more.
Just next door is Marathon Motor Works, which is a museum of an old car manufacturer. There are a couple of places inside that have live music as well along with free moonshine taste testing.
Marathon Music Works is a great place!! Click here to check out the event calendar.
City Winery
OK, time to move up the fancy scale a bit of the Nashville live music not on Broadway list. The City Winery is over in the SoBro area of Nashville. It is a short walk to lower Broadway but it is nowhere as busy and chaotic. This place has had honorable mentions from high-end publications such as Elle, The Symphony Morning Herald, and more. Oooo fancy!
This venue has many different genres of music gracing the stage such as Country, Blues, Soul, Bluegrass, Jazz, and much more. There are even comedy acts on occasion.
But the music isn’t all. The City Winery has some of the best food and wine anyone could ask for. This is a perfect place for that first date if you aim to impress.
Sounds like a great time doesn’t it? Click here to check out the calendar of events.
3rd and Lindsley
Another Nashville icon that has been around for a long time! Much like several other places on this list, there is a mix of genres here as well. There can be local musicians or even big-name acts that wanna play in a small venue.
Wanna snack while you enjoy the music? They offer a good selection of simple foods and great drinks. This is one of the OG places to enjoy Nashville live music not on Broadway. Oh, by the way. There are occasionally free shows and/or special backstage events. I highly recommend checking out 3rd and Lindsley.
Tickets are sold online. Here is the website to see the calendar and purchase tickets.
The Station Inn
Located in The Gulch which qualifies it to be one of the many Nashville live music not on Broadway places. But being one of the more popular ones is what makes it to this list. This is what you call a listening room. Meaning, the musician play, you just kick back in a chair with the other folks and listen. Simple enough huh?
The genre played at The Station Inn is mostly Bluegrass. So, if you are looking for a banjo picking good time. This could be your place. They serve simple foods such as pizza, hot dogs, nachos, and more. As for drinks, there are tea, soft drinks, and beer.
Wanna see who is playing? Click here to check out the site.
Nashville Live Music That’s Not on Broadway Summary
Most tourists want to be in the heart of lower Broadway to experience the “pulse” of what they think Nashville is. I’m a local .. I can tell you firsthand that getting away from the chaos of “The District” you find the true pulse of what Nashville is. It is all about being laid back and friendly, hanging with friends and strangers alike taking in all the wonderful music that gave Nashville its pulse to begin with. So, try getting away from The District area and get you some of that Nashville live music not on Broadway.
