Great news for locals: Share good, local news with your neighbors on Nextdoor and be entered for a chance to win $500cash. Now, through Monday, May 8, share a favorite story using the “Share on Nextdoor” icon online, and you’ll be entered to win. Learn more.
🎥 Lights, camera, action commission
Nashville forms new entertainment commission to attract TV, film opportunities
That poster behind Rayna and Deacon looks familiar. While scenes of the Bluebird Cafe were mostly filmed on a replica set, many local spots made an appearance on “Nashville” during its six-season run. | Gif via Giphy
The next time you watch a new movie or TV show set in Nashville, look very closely — there’s a chance it was actually filmed here.
That’s in part the mission of the city’s new Music, Film, and Entertainment Commission, approved by Metro Council and signed into law by Mayor John Cooper this week. In other words, Music City is ready for its closeup. Here’s what know as the commission gets underway.
The basics
The 15-member commission will be tasked with promoting Nashville’s entertainment industry and attracting more film, music, and TV production opportunities (read: create more local jobs for city’s entertainment workforce).
Within the group, there will be three councils: the Music City Music Council, the Film and Television Advisory Council, and the Diversity and Equity Council.
Next steps
It will be made up of music, film, and entertainment representatives, with some members appointed by the mayor and Metro Council and others nominated by the industry at large.
Council Member Joy Styles, the bill’s sponsor, says it could take ~3 months to form the commission, which will later appoint an executive director for the Office of Music, Film, and Entertainment.
Nashville’s screen time
Is this news bringing back memories of the hit TV show “Nashville” or the 1975 Robert Altman film of the same name? Not only does the Batman Building make a brief appearance in “The Matrix,” but “The Green Mile” and “Walk the Line” feature scenes at the old Tennessee State Penitentiary.
Janet Jackson: Together Again | Thursday, May 4 | 7:45 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway | $35+ | The five-time Grammy Award-winning singer will be joined by special guest Ludacris.
Star Wars Trivia Night | Thursday, May 4 | 6:30 p.m. | Assembly Food Hall, 5055 Broadway | Free | May the force be with you as you compete for one of the three grand prizes.
Friday, May 5
Trevor Noah | Friday, May 5-Sunday, May 7 | Times vary | Ryman Auditorium, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. | $55+ | The comedian brings his “Off The Record” tour to Nashville.
Backyard Sessions | Friday, May 5 | 7 p.m. | Bobby Hotel Rooftop Lounge, 230 4th Ave. N. | Free | Celebrate Bobby Hotel’s 5th birthday with a live rooftop performance by Betty Who and special guest DJ Brandi Cyrus.
Saturday, May 6
Talk Derby to Me | Saturday, May 6 | 12-10 p.m. | Von Elrod’s Beer Hall and Kitchen, 1004 4th Ave. N. | Free+ | Enjoy mint julep specials with your brunch while cheering on your favorites at this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Hip Hop Cinderella | Saturday, May 6-Sunday, May 21 | 2-3 p.m. | Nashville Children’s Theatre, 25 Middleton St. | $20+ | Ring in the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop with a futuristic remake of a classic fairytale, complete with a wicked stepmother, two social media-obsessed stepsisters, a dreamy prince + a rap competition.*
Sunday, May 7
Nashville Jewish Food Festival | Sunday, May 7 | 1-4 p.m. | Gordon Jewish Community Center, 801 Percy Warner Blvd. | Cost of purchase | Some of the participating vendors include Butcher & Bee, Upstate Pierogi Co., and Crieve Hall Bagel Co. — food tickets ($1 each) will be available for purchase.
Nashville Pride Family Bowling Night | Sunday, May 7 | 2-4 p.m. | Donelson Plaza Strike & Spare, 2710 Old Lebanon Rd. | $15+ | Choose between packages that include two or three games + shoe rental.
Monday, May 8
John Mellencamp | Monday, May 8-Wednesday, May 10 | 8 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. | $109+ | The artist is bringing his heartland rock sound with songs like “Jack & Diane” and “Hurts So Good.”
A new Dunkin’ is now open in South Nashville at 191 Burkitt Commons Ave. (off Nolensville Pike). The location serves cold brew on tap and is open daily from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Coming Soon
Sit Still Kids, a children’s-only hair salon franchise, plans to open soon in Green Hills at 4117 Hillsboro Pk. The business offers a variety of services, including baby’s first cut, long and short cuts, and sparkle strands.
A filed permit indicates Haru Sushi will open downtown. The Japanese restaurant will operate on the ground level of the tri-branded Marriott Hotel — 410 Rep. John Lewis Way. (Nashville Post)
History
Metro Nashville unveiled a new historical marker for the original Antioch High School — located behind Antioch Middle School at 5050 Blue Hole Rd. The high school operated at this location from 1933 until it relocated to Hobson Pike in 1997.
Heads up, Swifties. With rain in the forecast this weekend, brush up on Nissan Stadium’s weather policy. As a reminder, umbrellas are not permitted in the stadium, but rainwear is allowed and will be available for purchase. (The Tennessean)
Drink
Hint is the water that actually makes us want to drink water. Shop from their top sellers + online exclusive flavors and get 45% off three cases for just $36. (That’s $1 per bottle plus free shipping.) Just use code 6AMCITY.*
Number
10 days. That’s how long you have until Mother’s Day. The good news? That gives you just enough time to order a gift from Quince — a brand offering high-end and sustainable products at affordable prices. Think: European linen shorts, silk slip dresses, cashmere crewnecks + Italian leather totes. Shop now.
Development
New renderings show future of Second Avenue
Here’s what Nashville’s 2nd Avenue will look like after construction is finished
Yesterday, we shared the news of streetscape improvements coming to Second Avenue.
These renderings show what the street will look like with new trees, streetlights, and pedestrian crossings, as well as wider sidewalks to accommodate outdoor dining.
Work is expected to begin later this month on the north block between Church and Union streets. Other key details to know include:
North block construction to be completed in ~1 year.
Businesses will remain open with pedestrian access.
Lane closures are scheduled to begin later this month.
The project aims to maintain district’s historic charm.
Renderings for the middle block — the most heavily damaged zone — are expected to be released later this year.
Rain, rain go away. Anyone else hoping the rain stays away for this weekend’s Nashville SC match? (And the Taylor Swift concerts, of course.) It’s also a great time to remind y’all that tickets are now on sale for next week’s US Open Cup match (Round of 32) against FC Dallas.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.