Perhaps no other state in the Union has a musical legacy to rival that of Tennessee.
From Memphis, a city that served as an incubator that helped give rise to the blues, soul and early rock, to Nashville, the capital of country music that has earned its nickname of Music City USA, the Volunteer State has greatly influenced popular music since the 19th century.
On top of all this heritage, the 21st century ushered in a new era, as a patch of farmland in the rural countryside south of Nashville became home to one of the largest music events in the country. Here are three legendary Tennessee music festivals that take place in springtime.
Tin Pan South
March 29-April 2, Nashville
In Nashville there are stables of talented songwriters chomping at the bit to get their songs heard. The artists you hear singing the hit songs on country radio, for the most part, didn't write them. Tin Pan South (www.tinpansouth.com) is put on by by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and celebrates the writers behind the songs. The co-writers of two of country's biggest songs last year, Tom Douglas ("The House That Built Me" recorded by Miranda Lambert) and Josh Lear ("Need You Now" recorded by Lady Antebellum) will be on hand at this year's event. Venues are spread throughout town and include The Bluebird Cafe and The Rutledge. This is a chance for fans to have an intimate concert experience with the authors of the songs they love.
Stay
Hilton Nashville Downtown. Tin Pan South takes place at venues scattered all over town, but this Hilton location is at the heart of all the downtown activity, within easy walking distance to many nightclubs, as well as the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame (two don't-miss attractions). Rates start at $239. The Millennium Maxwell House near downtown is offering special rates of $109 to festival attendees. Mention NSAI at booking to receive the special rate. www.nashvillehilton.com, www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumnashville.
Eat
Jack's Bar-B-Que. As you're hopping from venue to venue you'll probably want some good food, cheap and fast. Jack's serves this purpose perfectly. Located adjacent to the legendary Ryman Auditorium (the stage door in the alley leads directly to the back door of Jack's) there's no telling who you'll run into at this joint. Just take a look at the pictures on the wall of the luminaries who've paid Jack's a visit in the recent past. Plates under $10. 416 Broadway, Nashville. 615-254-5715, www.jacksbarbque.com.
Visitor info
Nashville Visitor Information Center. Fifth Ave. S. & Broadway (at the Bridgestone Arena downtown). 1-800-657-6910, www.visitmusiccity.com.
The Beale Street Music Festival
April 29-May 1, Memphis
The Beale Street Music Festival (www.thebealestreetmusicfestival.com) has become so popular that it has spread into Lee Park on the banks of the Mississippi River at the foot of the legendary street. If you moved New Orleans' Mardi Gras to Memphis it would probably look like this, including the wearing and trading of beaded necklaces. The headlining acts perform on stages in Lee Park, while the clubs along Beale Street are filled with the best local talent. Expect to hear more than blues, as this festival also spotlights the genres that blues inspired, most notably rock and soul.
Stay
Peabody Hotel. Located between two of Memphis' most famous thoroughfares -- Union Avenue and Beale Street -- the Peabody is a landmark in the city. Don't miss the daily march of the Peabody Ducks to the fountain in the lobby, a proud and quirky tradition at the hotel since the 1930s. Rates start at $199. 149 Union Ave., Memphis. 901-529-4000, www.peabodymemphis.com.
Eat
The tourist section of Beale Street is lined with bars and restaurants. One of the more legendary eateries is Dyer's, famous for their deep-fried burgers since 1912. Under $10. 205 Beale St., Memphis. 901-527-3937, www.dyersonbeale.com.
Visitor info
Memphis Visitor Center. 3205 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis. 901-543-5333, www.memphistravel.com.
Bonnaroo
June 9-12, Manchester
In a nod to Louisiana, another state with a rich musical legacy, Bonnaroo (www.bonnaroo.com) gets its name from a New Orleans slang term. The word was popularized by music legend Dr. John on his 1974 "Desitively Bonnaroo" album, a mash-up of the French words bon, for good, and rue, for street, to mean a good time on the street. The founders had this concept in mind when they started Bonnaroo on 700 acres of farmland near tiny Manchester. The festival has grown from its jam-band roots to include a plethora of music genres. Among the headliners at this year's fest are recent Grammy winners Arcade Fire and a reunited Buffalo Springfield that will include Neil Young.
Stay
Hotels in the area are booked months in advance for the festival, so your best bet is to camp next to your vehicle, which is allowed in certain parking areas. This will save you the time and headache of commuting to and from the event each day; traffic can stretch for miles. The camping fee is included with the festival ticket price.
Eat
Once you're on festival grounds you won't have to worry about leaving to get a meal, even if you're a vegan or vegetarian. Many food vendors will be on hand selling a variety of cuisine. You'll be eating off paper plates, but if a sit-down meal at a fancy restaurant is what you're looking for, Bonnaroo is probably not for you.
Visitor info
The Manchester Tourism Commission. 931-728-7635, www.cityofmanchestertn.com; Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. 1-800-462-8366, www.tnvacation.com.
About the Author
