Jason Isbell brings the 400 Unit to the Ryman on Friday night, and the old hall’s wooden pews sit a few blocks from Teddy Swims at Bridgestone Arena, a soul singer working a much bigger room. Across the same evening the Nashville Symphony opens Mozart & Marsalis at Schermerhorn, so the weekend’s songwriting and orchestral traditions are sharing a single night.
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- Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at the Ryman
- Teddy Swims at Bridgestone Arena
- Nashville Symphony: Mozart & Marsalis
- Tedeschi Trucks Band at The Truth
- Pat McLaughlin Band at 3rd & Lindsley
- The Sound of Music at Andrew Jackson Hall
- J. Killen at The Basement
- After at The Basement East
- Rittz at Exit In
- Andre Ward at City Winery
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at the Ryman
Fri, Oct 16, 8:00 PM · Ryman Auditorium · from $115
Isbell is one of the most respected songwriters working in Americana, and the Ryman’s acoustics suit his detailed storytelling well. Expect a full-band set that leans on his sharpest lyrics.
Teddy Swims at Bridgestone Arena
Fri, Oct 16, 7:00 PM · Bridgestone Arena · from $37
Teddy Swims has built a large following on soulful, emotive vocals that move from quiet ballads to full-throated gospel-tinged climaxes. The arena setting gives the big voice room to fill the space.
Nashville Symphony: Mozart & Marsalis
Fri, Oct 16, 7:30 PM · Schermerhorn Symphony Center · from $53
A classical evening at Schermerhorn pairing Mozart with the jazz-influenced writing of Wynton Marsalis. It is a good pick for anyone who wants orchestral sound with a contrast in style.
Tedeschi Trucks Band at The Truth
Fri, Oct 16, 7:30 PM · The Truth · from $87
The blues-rock ensemble led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks is known for tight, extended jams and horn-driven arrangements. The Truth’s intimate room suits a band this musically dense.
Pat McLaughlin Band at 3rd & Lindsley
Fri, Oct 16, 6:00 PM · 3rd & Lindsley · from $57
McLaughlin is a Nashville songwriter with a rootsy, rock-tinged sound. Lindsley’s small room makes this a good choice for a close look at a working Music City band.
The Sound of Music at Andrew Jackson Hall
Fri, Oct 16, 7:30 PM · Tennessee Performing Arts Center – Andrew Jackson Hall · from $98
The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is a classic of the stage, with songs most audiences will already know. It is a dependable evening for a family or a theatre night.
J. Killen at The Basement
Sun, Oct 18, 9:00 PM · The Basement – Nashville · from $52
Killen brings a country and folk set to the Basement, a room known for handing the stage to songwriters on the rise. It is a low-key night in one of the city’s most lively small venues.
After at The Basement East
Sun, Oct 18, 8:00 PM · The Basement East – Nashville · from $40
A pop-rock band playing the Basement East, a larger room with a lot of local energy. It is a good Saturday pick for a loud night out.
Rittz at Exit In
Sun, Oct 18, 8:00 PM · Exit In · from $48
Rittz is a rapper with a strong following and a sharp, observational style. Exit In is a classic Nashville club, and the show offers hip-hop on a Sunday night.
Andre Ward at City Winery
Sun, Oct 18, 12:00 PM · City Winery – Nashville · from $50
A Sunday-afternoon jazz and blues set at City Winery, a room built for listening. It makes a relaxed end to the weekend for anyone who wants live music at a steady pace.
Several of these shows are at intimate rooms with limited seating, so check dates and book early. Prices vary widely by seat, so review the listings before you buy.
