Concert Highlights in Music City
The past week has been one for the books when it comes to Nashville’s diverse and vibrant music scene. From intimate, crowd-pleasing shows at Exit/In to performances and Marathon Music Works to open-air performances at Ascend Ampitheatre to grand spectacles at the Ryman Auditorium, concert season is in full swing here in music city.
At the Ryman alone, indie group Sylvan Esso, pop powerhouses Harry Styles and Kesha, and soulful singer-songwriter Father John Misty made the rounds. I was lucky enough to attend Father John Misty’s show, my first at the Ryman, and was astonished with both the performance and the venue. What the Ryman lacks in intimacy, it makes up for with sheer beauty and acoustic capacity. With its vast array of performers, including not only magicians but speakers such as Trever Noah, who visited Nashville on Saturday, the Ryman is definitely a stop to be made by any Vanderbilt student throughout their time here, regardless of their preferred style of entertainment.
Another concert which I had the privilege to attend last week was that of the Head and the Heart, with openers Dr. Dog and the Shelters on Friday night. Hosted by Ascend Amphitheatre, the show was poignant and invigorating, and provided a perfect event for celebrating the transition from summer to fall with friends. Shows such as these can be found in abundance in Nashville, and provide wonderful opportunities for bonding with friends and taking in all that the city has to offer.
While concerts are a wonderful way to spend time, they can also amount to large expenses that are not always realistic for a college student’s budget. However, there are a number of ways to engage with musicians that won’t break the bank. WRVU, Vanderbilt’s alternative radio station, often provides opportunities to attend shows and even interview musicians to students. Live on the Green, Nashville’s free concert series, brings acts such as Portugal, the Man and Sheryl Crow to downtown Nashville in August and September. On-campus events such as Commodore Quake and Rites of Spring provide additional opportunities to see artists for a lesser cost than one might at another venue.
So, venture forth. Enjoy what Nashville has to offer, and learn why it warrants the name Music City. From big-time performers to up-and-coming acts, there are a wealth of shows to be seen. Next time you get bored, consider gathering a group of friends and seeking out the music here. If one week can be so full of performances, imagine what the course of your career at Vanderbilt could hold
