independent venues Archives

May 6, 2026 Jason Shrum

Music City Madness, Dee’s Lounge & Everything Local | Vendors, musicians & community came together to create a space filled with harmony

This month’s event was hosted by Dee’s Lounge in Madison, Tennessee. Owner, Amy Dee says of her place, “I couldn’t find a classic country venue around Nashville when I moved here, so I opened one”. Since 2016 it has grown to so much more than just a hub for country music, as the venue host all types of genres with just three simple rules: Pay Your Tab, Don’t Be an Asshole and You Must be 21 to Enter. It remains a classic “dive-bar” with lovely locals and a fantastic staff that want to make your experience a great one. The decor is straight out of the 1970’s (think Urban Cowboy) and you feel like you’vefound a second home when you walk through the doors. Not only is there a space to play music inside with nice sound quality, but there is a space out back with a large stage and plenty of seating and room for dancing on those sunny days. This was one of those days.

FEATURED LIVE REVIEWS

February 18, 2026 Jason Shrum

Meels Headlines The Station Inn

Meels comes to us via Los Angeles but you would never think it when hearing her sing. She has a sound that mirrors the legends that laid the groundwork before her. Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt and even Dolly herself would certainly lift a smile to know that this young lady is carrying on in a much-needed tradition of Americana and Folk. Tonight, she was supported by another Los Angeles resident named Phoebe Sanders.

B Sides FEATURED LIVE REVIEWS MUSIC NEWS

February 9, 2026 Jason Shrum

Eastside Bowl, DRKMTTR and 615 Indie Live

February 7th, 2026 marked the second installation of 615 Indie Live in Nashville, Tennessee. There were nearly 70 collective musical acts performing at 15 venues across the city. The purpose is to promote within. The nonprofit organization of Music Venue Alliance Nashville (MVAN) works hard to make sure that independent venues and artists of the area are represented and able to perform during a typically slow time for live music. This is a celebration of new artists, singers, songwriters and original music that you may not get your ear to through any other channel. The whole experience was just $20 to get into every spot and see every band possible.

FEATURED MUSIC NEWS

February 2, 2026 Jason Shrum

Nashville Heats Back Up with 615 Indie Live

615 Indie Live is a celebration of Nashville’s Independent Venues and Artists, and it is produced in partnership by the Music Venue Alliance Nashville (MVAN) and Visit Music City. The event was created last year to support Nashville’s independent music venues and to showcase the city’s local diverse music ecosystem by driving business, both new and loyal, to Nashville’s Independent Music Venues during a historically slow time of year, while raising awareness of their importance. It also supports Nashville’s local artists, by investing more than 50% of the event budget towards paying participating artists, performers, and musicians. Finally, it acts as a fundraiser for MVAN, with proceeds from ticket sales contributing to the organization’s Emergency Relief Fund and operating budget.