2/13/15 – 2/14/15
Stopped by a Toyota dealer for my 10k-miles maintenance. I love how maintenance is free and I can do it at any Toyota dealership nationwide. Driving to Nashville was super exciting for me. One month ago, I got hooked on the TV show that shares the same name as the city. If you haven’t seen it, GO DO IT! It’s available on Hulu Plus. Just subscribe for a month. It is worth every penny of the $8.99 that you will be spending. The songs are great, the writing is amazing, the acting is out of this world, and icing on the cake, Deacon. I couldn’t wait to see all the places that were featured in the show. After picking up Ann from the airport, I drove her straight to the Bluebird Cafe, not knowing what to expect. It was in a very nondescript location. When we got there, there were some people just standing outside. We joined the line and started chatting with the couple behind us in line. Apparently, there was a show that night and tickets to the show were sold out within 15 minutes. The walk-in line that we were in had a slim chance of getting in. After waiting 15 minutes in the freezing weather, we learnt that the show was at 9:30pm. There was a guy that came in and out with no substantial information on availability except the door price. I counted the people ahead of us and there were 12. Finally 9:30pm came along and group by group, people in the line were let in slowly. We were next. The guy appeared outside the door again and said he only had 2 seats left but they were not together. Ann and I didn’t care. Unbelievable luck. We made it without knowing anything. I felt so sorry for the couple behind us. Anyway, the wait was well worth it. It was Don Schlitz that was performing. He has (as I was later informed by Wikipedia) won 2 Grammys for 2 of the songs he wrote. Amazing how down-to-earth this amazingly talented guy is. Just standing on that small stage in that small venue with his guitar. What a treat.
The following day was devoted to exploring the cool parts of Nashville, beginning with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. Amazing place. It’s incredible to see the roots of country music from folk music of the early settlers. And of course a whole lot of Johnny Cash bio. There was also a short clip of Cash and Dylan performing together. Out of this world.
After getting our crash course on country music, we head over to the Opry area for some good Southern/Valentine’s Day dinner. Our waiter was super funny and cute. Only thing that topped that was the food. Man, I’m in love with Southern men and Southern food. After the food was devoured and bathroom selfies taken, Ani made the executive decision to walk over to the Grand Ole Opry for our show given the terrible traffic situation. I must say, our Arizona/California asses were not prepared for the piercing cold we experienced in that 15 minutes walk. When we finally saw the entrance to the Opry, we ran. Cold was the motivation for Ani and Ann, excitement was it for me. I’m finally at the Opry. If only Rayna Jaymes, Juliette Barnes and Deacon Claybourne were there too. The whole show was also broadcasted live on a radio station (WSM 650), so there were weird breaks, talking and commercials throughout the show. It was a full lineup with each artiste performing about 3 songs each. The range was incredible too, from a “debutante” to older legends. Nonetheless, it was great music. In the last segment, the host asked if we have seen the TV show ‘Nashville’. And suddenly, like a dream, Charles Esten (aka Deacon Claybourne) appeared!!! I cannot be luckier. My first Opry show and Deacon was there. He performed many songs. What a night, what a lucky night.
After the amazing Opry experience, we head over to the famous Broadway street with live bands in almost every bar. We did the usual bar hopping. In the first bar, it was a country music band. Guys in cowboy hats were stamping their feet to the music. Real fun. If only I knew the songs too. Next bar was more like a dance club with hip hop and pop music. Almost got into trouble with the bartender there for smoking in it. Next and final stop was the Honky Tonk Central. Most memorable because it was real happening with a rock band doing covers. I could sing to most of them. Great fun.
Verdict: Nashville was a smashing success. Wouldn’t have been as great if it weren’t for extreme good luck, and of course, ma gals. Ahhhhh Nashville.
chewingvampire 
No one watches Nashville.