The building at 1 Cannery Row — formerly home to Mercy Lounge, Cannery Ballroom, and the High-Watt — is set to reopen next year.
The trio of music venues closed this spring after nearly two decades, but a new owner plans to revitalize the space while honoring its legacy as Cannery Hall.
The venue
The layout of the newly-designed complex will look familiar with three stages + an event space on the top floor. Here’s the breakdown:
- The Mainstage, formerly Cannery Ballroom, will be a 1,200-capacity concert hall.
- The Mil will hold up to 625 guests in the former Mercy Lounge space.
- The smallest stage, Row 1 Stage, will hold up to 325 concert-goers.
- Amaranth, on the top floor, will accommodate 380 guests.
Other renovations include new food and beverage options, an updated backstage area, new lighting and sound systems, and improved sightlines + venue flow.
The music
Cannery Hall plans to showcase a variety of genres — from alternative rock, pop, and country to disco, grunge, and soul.
When the venue opens in 2023, it will be the largest independent music complex in Nashville and a member of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), according to new owner Zach Liff.
“Our intent is to carry forward the musical legacy of the Cannery and Music City with shows and experiences that build on those legacies and by helping to launch the next generation of musicians whose creativity thrives in independent music venues like the Cannery,” Liff said.
The history
Before Cannery Row was known for live music, it was home to a variety of industries.
- The building was originally built as a flour mill in 1883.
- In the 1930s, the building was home to the Fletcher Coffee Company.
- In the 1950-1970s, Dale Foods Company processed jams, jellies, and peanut butter
- In 1981, The Cannery began its life as a music venue when the building was converted into a country-style restaurant with a stage and hosted acts like Reba McEntire and George Strait
