There's more than enough music in Nashville to fill any vacationer's visit, but in April they really rev it up with a series of festivals, awards shows and concerts.

Plan to get there early, because the 16th annual Songwriters Festival — www.tinpansouth.com — warms things up in the first week of April. They're advertising 70 shows at venues all around the city, featuring scores of songwriters and performers. Check out Performers and Venues at the top of the page, and then browse the schedule of shows to see what might fit your plans.

On April 14, it's the CMT Music Awards — www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards — at Nashville's Curb Event Center. Even if you can't get in to the show, it will be broadcast live and will be simulcast on the CMTG Web site. And some of the performers could turn up at other venues after the show.

Nashville music isn't all country. The Gospel Music Association — www.gospelmusic.org — is holding its Gospel Music Week during April 19-24, highlighted by the GMA Dove Awards on April 23 at the Grand Ole Opry House. Look for the GMA Week star logo and click on it for events.

People even run to a musical theme in Nashville. The Country Music Marathon — www.cmmarathon.com — features something called Bands on the Course. According to the entry under Entertainment, 50 local bands will play on 28 stages along the marathon route. And there's a concert after the running. Imagine if they did this for the New York City and Boston marathons.

There's more. Open up the Events Calendar at Nashville Music City — www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/index — and type "music" into the "event type" box plus the dates of your visit. You'll find every flavor of country music from groups local and otherwise at venues ranging from the Grand Ole Opry to Cafe Coco to Layla's Bluegrass Inn. And if you need a break from down- home sounds and groups such as Biscuits and Gravy, Marvin Hamlisch is appearing with the Nashville Symphony on Thursday and Saturday. You can also go back to the main page and click on Plan and Upcoming Music Events — Etta James is lined up April 9 for the Wildhorse Saloon, and Elvis Costello is due April 23 at the Ryman Auditorium. The next night, Bon Jovi is at the Sommet Center.

Nashville Music City will even give you a musical preview. Look for the two old-fashioned dials at the top of the page. The left one picks tracks of selected songs and clicking on the on-off switch does what you might think. Despite the label, volume seems to be controlled by your computer rather than the right dial. The Web site also has info on places to stay, though the city could be a bit crowded in April. And sliding your cursor over Play will open up a menu of historical spots, recreation and entertainment to try out. Load your music player; there's a collection of podcasts under Listen.

While you're in town, spend some time at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum —

www.countrymusichalloffame.com — to see exhibits on artists and listen to a little more music. Click on Explore the music to see a history of country music, going all the way to its origins with immigrant groups.

Whatever you decide to do, you can't pass up the Grand Ole Opry — www.opry.com — the ultimate shrine of country music. If you're in need of a music fix and the links at Nashville Music City weren't enough, click on Tune In for ways to listen to the Opry broadcasts on TV, Radio and satellite, plus a connection to WSM radio — www.wsmonline.com — where you can listen online.

Try the Nashville Visitors Guide —

www.nashvillevisitorsguide.com — for still more information, including walking, driving and guided tours, plus discount coupons and ideas for more things to see and do.