The Station Inn—its humble, unassuming appearance in the midst of Nashville’s newer, more modern surrounding structures that make up The Gulch, has often reminded me of one of my favorite stories as a child, The Little House. The award winning children’s book tells of a cozy little home that is almost lost as a city is built up around it; but in spite of the grandeur of the expanding skyline, it is the unpretentious little building that remains the central character and star of the show.
While many venues in Nashville host a variety of music genres, The Station Inn is known by all as the heart and home of Bluegrass. Many a banjo and mandolin have been expertly played on that small stage since 1978 (although it originally opened in 1974, it moved to its current location four years later). The interior could be labeled lackluster by some, but to me, the windowless, knotty pine walls covered up almost entirely by concert posters, the soft glow of the white lights hung on the ceiling, and the down home feel of a dive bar provide a welcoming “y’all come” as soon as you walk in. The performers always seem to be perfectly in their element—in their happy place. Their love for sharing their gift is evident in their laid back interaction with the audience throughout the evening and in their exquisite skill of strumming a Bluegrass rhythm.
It’s best to arrive early to the show—the coziness of the room also means limited seating options. Be prepared with cash for the entrance fee (other than a free Bluegrass jam on Sunday nights, tickets typically range between $12-$20; credit cards are accepted at the bar for beer, drinks or food). The small, ballpark-type menu of nachos, pizza and hotdogs won’t be what draws you back there, but after experiencing the overall joy of this Nashville gem, I’d be highly surprised if you didn’t find yourself eager to go back.
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