The key industries

• Over 900 health care companies are located in the Middle Tennessee region. The industry contributes $67 billion and 328,598 direct and indirect jobs to the local economy annually. More than half of the privately-owned hospital beds in the US are operated by Nashville-based companies.

• It likely comes as no surprise that Nashville is home to the highest concentration of musicians and music businesses in the US. Over 5,000 working musicians and ~200 recording studios call this city home.

• Nashville connects 20 states by the CSX rail system, air cargo at BNA is supported by 10 major carriers, and the city offers competitive freight transport rates — all factors that make the region a prime destination for manufacturing careers. Top local employers include Nissan North America, General Motors, and Bridgestone Americas Inc.

• Did you know? In June, Nashville recorded its best month for hotel room sales, and there are over 50 new hotel properties in development. Plus, area colleges like Lipscomb University, Nashville State Community College, and Middle Tennessee State University offer hospitality programs designed to meet workforce needs in this growing industry.

• Lera Lynn | Thurs., Oct. 20 | 8 p.m. | The Basement East, 917 Woodland St. | $20 | The singer-songwriter and musician released her latest album, “Something More Than Love,” earlier this year. 🎵

• Reba McEntire | Fri., Oct. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $44.20+ | Here’s your one chance to see Reba’s first solo headlining show at Bridgestone Arena with special guest Terri Clark.
• The Shop | Save | Support card fundraiser | Fri., Oct. 21-Wed., Nov. 2 | Times vary | Nashville | $35 | Shop for a good cause — 100% of the proceeds made from this fundraiser go back to Nashville nonprofits that the Junior League of Nashville partners with year-round.*

• Musicians Corner Fall Market | Sat., Oct. 22-Sun., Oct. 23 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Centennial Park | Cost of purchase | This two-day event features artisan and food vendors, beverages from the MC Pub, and performances by local artists. 🍂
• Brunch & Bloodys | Sat., Oct. 22 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Hotel Fraye, 1810 Broadway | $35+ | Tickets include brunch samples and two bloody mary cocktails.
• Tennessee State Tigers vs. Eastern Illinois Panthers Football | Sat., Oct. 22 | 2 p.m. | Nissan Stadium | $15+ | Cheer on the Tigers — the first 1,000 fans 12 and under will receive a foam finger and pencil pouch.

• Fall Into Science Festival | Sun., Oct. 23 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Adventure Science Center | Free | This outdoor event will include games, performances, science demonstrations, and hands-on STEAM activities. 🥽

• Catacombs and Comedians | Mon., Oct. 24 | 6 p.m. | Zanies, 2025 8th Ave. S. | $10 | This show mixes stand-up comedy with Dungeons and Dragons.

• 64º | Mostly sunny | 0% chance of rain

• Ferrari dealership Prancing Horse of Nashville is now open near the airport — 2320 Knights of Columbus Blvd. The Italian company’s Nashville location features a two-level showroom and a service department. 🚗 (WKRN)
• A new juice bar has arrived in Midtown. Good Juju, located at 2041 Broadway, serves seasonal, cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Some of the current offerings include Sweet Potato Pie (sweet potato, carrot, and cinnamon) + Berries Galore (strawberry, blueberry, and dragonfruit).

• Barista Parlor is building its headquarters in Wedgewood-Houston — 525 Merritt Ave. The space will span ~7,000 sqft and house a cafe, bakery, and roasting facility. Stay tuned for updates. ☕ (Nashville Business Journal)

• Smoking will soon be prohibited at Nashville bars. Metro Council voted to ban smoking in most remaining businesses that allow it, but the new law will not apply to cigar, hookah, and vapor bars. The smoking ban goes into effect in March. (The Tennessean)

• Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform in Nashville alongside the Nashville Symphony. The concert is scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 9 at Bridgestone Arena. Tickets go on sale Mon., Oct. 31. 🎤

• Taylor Swift teased lyrics from her upcoming album, “Midnights,” on a Midtown billboard — 1720 West End Ave. — joining other cities like New York City and London. Nashville’s billboard reads: “Did you ever have someone kiss you in a crowded room.” The album comes out Friday. (The Tennessean)

• This news calls for a nap. Startup company Napaway — branded as a “premium sleeper coach service” — offers a route between Nashville and Washington, DC. The bus features 18 suites + the seats transform into a bed with a privacy screen. The journey costs $125 each way. (The Washington Post)

• Rapper Yung Gravy is performing at Marathon Music Works on Fri., Nov. 4 and will host an after party with a special appearance at Almost Friday Sporting Club (415 4th Ave. S.) until closing time. Tickets are available here.

• Mars Petcare’s 14th annual Adoption Weekend kicks off Fri., Oct. 21 at the Nashville Humane Association, Metro Animal Care and Control, and Williamson County Animal Shelter. Throughout the weekend, Mars Petcare will sponsor up to $110,000 in adoption fees across eight US shelters.

• Chicken Guy! is offering 20% off catering orders with code: Have Guy Fieri Cater Your Event! through Sat., Dec. 31. Only valid for first time orders. 🐔 *

• Nothing screams fall like a cinnamon and clove scented candle. Or maybe you’re more of a pumpkin lover? Either way, this midwest-based Etsy seller’s hand poured candles are sure to impress. Bonus: They’re paraffin-free, phthalate-free, and made with coconut wax for a cleaner + longer burn.*

• Did you know? Babbel offers multiple ways to learn a new language (think: lessons, podcasts, videos, and live online classes). NASHtoday readers can choose from 14 languages with lessons that focus on practical, everyday phrases — plus useful tips and cultural knowledge to better understand the words they’re learning. Me encanta. 🗺️ *

• We’ve been looking forward to this event all year long, so we got a bit ahead of ourselves. Cheekwood’s El Día de los Muertos event will take place Sat., Oct. 29-Sun., Oct. 30.