The Bluebird—for the rest of the country, these two words likely conjure up the image of a literal blue bird. But for the majority of Nashvillians and country music patrons, they bring to mind a small, awning-covered cafe, tucked obscurely into a strip mall in the heart of the high-end shopping district of Green Hills. It may be the smallest of Nashville’s famous music venues (it only seats 90 among its 20 tables of varying sizes, a few old church pews and handful of bar stools), but it seems the limited access and the challenge of securing tickets have actually contributed to its popularity over time.
While most of the stages in Music City spotlight the artists, The Bluebird exists to showcase the writers of the songs themselves. The restaurant opened in 1982 and within a few years’ time was featuring singer-songwriter performances of up-and-coming artists looking for a platform to share their talent. So, apart from those in the know, or those behind the scenes of the music world, most of the performers aren’t household names; but each is incredibly gifted and worthy of a moment to shine and to be recognized for their musical creations. However, there are now several well-known musicians who credit being discovered there; so one never knows who could be heard tonight in the intimate café setting and then a few years later will be playing a sold out arena! And though I imagine that to some degree they all have dreams of performing for large crowds of fans, by and large it has been my experience that true musicians are genuinely content to play for an engaged, appreciative audience, regardless of the size.
I had been with friends to a show a few years back, but recently decided it was time to visit again. Since the TV show Nashville came on the air in 2012 scripting the Bluebird into its storyline over its five seasons, the demand for tickets has made the online reservation process more difficult (see website for details). So, on a weekday afternoon off work, I went and started the “wait and see” line at 4pm for a 6pm show. There were easily 20-25 people that gathered in the following hour, each hopeful for a seat (the website indicates they allow 10-12 in on a first come basis for the earlier shows, but it seemed to me that more lucky souls made it in that particular night). The wait was warm in the afternoon Tennessee sun, but the show that evening was worth every minute of it! I met people from multiple states and an international couple and enjoyed pre-show dinner conversation with everyone seated at our small table. During the show, there is a quiet policy requesting low voices and minimal talking due to the intimate living room style set-up. As the performers take turns “in the round” style, it seems that each balances the vulnerability of sitting with just his/her voice and a stringed instrument, with a gratefulness for the captive listeners willing and wanting to hear the songs they have penned.
Perhaps I’m more inclined than some to have an ear for country and bluegrass music, but I realized again that night that there is something that just comes alive in me when I hear the strum of a skilled guitarist singing an acoustic masterpiece, authentically Nashville-style. 🙂
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