Bluebird Café

Places like the Bluebird Café are the reason that "Music City, USA" can keep its title and dignity. While the average tourist gravitates towards big name shows at the Ryman, locals and industry vets know that the heart of country music is located in intimate clubs like the Bluebird, which feature little known and amateur singer-songwriters performing seven nights a week. Most recognized is the legendary new songwriters showcase every Sunday. Kathy Mattea and Garth Brooks both played the Bluebird before making it big, but the bar stays true to its down-home musical roots, providing a place to dream for the most heartfelt, honest strummers in a town full of city-slickers with demo tapes.