THE RYMAN, ENOUGH SAID

Where else can you watch a live show and have the band themselves in awe of being there? No place but the Ryman.

Seriously, several singers I’ve heard will comment on how playing at the Ryman is a dream come true for them. And it’s no wonder. Deemed “The Mother Church” of music, this once-tabernacle built in part by Nashville riverboat captain Thomas Ryman has been a stage for performers like Johnny Cash, Minnie Pearl, and even Elvis Presley. Some say bluegrass itself was born on that stage. And I’m not one to argue with that.

There are plenty of reasons to visit the Ryman—from the iconic church pew seating to the gorgeous stained glass, but my personal favorite, and the favorite of many performers who grace the stage today, would have to be the acoustics. There’s nothing like it anywhere else in Nashville—and, plenty would agree—in the world. If you think that’s an exaggeration, just check it out for yourself. In the middle of a performance by She and Him, actress and singer Zooey Deschanel pulled her mic away and had no trouble with her voice carrying through the entire auditorium.

You can tour the Ryman and go back in time to experience the venue’s 130-year history, see memorabilia from your favorite stars, and check out famous Hatch Show Prints from various shows through the years. One of the best perks from this tour is getting your photo taken in the backstage wings of the stage, standing where some of the absolute best in entertainment have before coming out on stage.

But really, your Ryman experience isn’t complete without enjoying an actual show there.

If someone, anyone really, is playing during your trip to Nashville, you’ve got to get tickets. Or time your entire Music City trip around being able to catch a favorite artist on this stage.

This December will host live performances by The Mavericks with special guest JD McPherson, Lauren Daigle on her Behold Christmas Tour, Leann Rimes, the legendary Smokey Robinson, For King + Country’s Drummer Boy Christmas, Old Crow Medicine Show, and multiple nights of the famous Christmas at the Ryman with Amy Grant and Vince Gill. For more info or to get tickets, visit their website.

There are so many sides to Nashville, and the Ryman is one of the best representations of the history and talent that come together to give this town the nickname of Music City. Your time here just isn’t complete without some sort of visit to this classic venue.

Hey, if you’ve already been to this spot, what did you think? Send me your thoughts! I’d love to hear.