Am I a stranger to the rain.
I wonder though-
If…
Those that got their start on Broadway
Haunt it in some form or fashion?
Especially heard on quiet summer nights
Singing for their dreams.
Can't help but wonder if at least a part
Of them remains in Music City?
Imagine ALL the energy spent—
Bringing their dreams to life
Cigarette smoke &
Drunken crowds.
Remembering soul stirring performances
From the night before—fans are born
These are the ones
In full understanding
Of the Universal Law of Sacrifice
Crooning, appealing to our hearts..
Their steps can be traced
And in some way their thoughts too
All the way to the Ryman…
Induction to Southern Royalty
Performance there,
A right of passage.
Honored to be in your crowd, singing along
Watching your dreams blossom!
We're cheering for you!!
The echoes of yesterday still linger in the Alley’s shadows,
where the forest is found within the trees..
I've seen some of my favorite bands in the Alley.
I don't pretend to be the King of the road,
Just one perspective from a heart that LOVES
Nashville
You have it &
You know it.
Don't stop short!
Before your dream is born.
© May 16 2019 | baccusbee
(Words and images are mine. Thanks for reading.)
Pre-pandemic, my husband and I spent a fair amount of time in Nashville. These days, we’re a bit more selective—opting for the soul of the city over the surge of the crowds. But Broadway in the evening? That’s still my favorite time in Music City.
You never know who might be playing or who you may run into on the strip. I recall one time we stood outside a packed bar and listened to Jamey Johnson play a pop up performance a block over from Broadway. It was wonderful, we didn't even care that we couldn't get in! Everyone outside was smiling and enjoying his performance! Getting to hear him play live was fantastic!
One of my friends told me she ran into Keith Urban years ago attending the same gig she was.
In a visit since the pandemic, we went to see a friend play a gig on the strip. The crowd was amazing. She's extremely talented!
Whether it's a seasoned performer that's established in the Opry or an up and coming singing their heart out, the crowd is electric. It's pure energy. Everyone united by music. No one is concerned about labels during a spectacular live performance, no one! That's the power of music, my friend!
Another fond memory pre pandemic, we were out on the strip particularly late. It was almost closing time. We don't drink alcohol anymore, but we did then. We were in a bar on the strip and the band or lead singer (I can't remember which one) was struggling a bit. My husband, musically inclined and full of liquid courage, approached the stage to ask if he could jump in. "Sure!" The band handed him a guitar and together they belted out one of the best covers of "Momma Tried" by Merle Haggard I think I've ever heard. It likely would have made ol' Hag smile. The crowd went wild too! My husband has a lovely voice! Powerful set of lungs!
I am not musically inclined. I was in marching band in high school but didn't maintain playing my instrument and that skill fell away. However, I can keep a beat and tear it up with my tambourine...So if anyone ever has need of a professional tambourinist let me know. (horse laughing!)
I think one of our favorite times was at a performance in the Alley- The Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar. The place was packed but not over crowded, real chill crowd. Sister Ruth and The Swamp Grass Revival was performing. We listened to Sister Ruth belt out her song book all evening. She gave an incredible performance and her band was on point!
Thanks for reading and going down memory lane with me.
Like I said in my Ode to Music City above, when you visit, definitely don't skip out on the Alley.
(Above pic out of focus. By this time of night back then, the beer goggles were on.)
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