I’ve been thinking a lot about what it actually means to “enjoy” Nashville lately. Not just doing things, but choosing them. Like slowing down enough to notice the good stuff: a morning that feels a little lighter, a plan that actually fills your cup instead of just filling your calendar.

That’s what I love about this week’s Locals List with Jess. It’s less about hitting every spot, more about finding the ones that shift how your day feels. Start off the weekend by paying attention to your energy and ask yourself some questions. You might just get answers that could enhance your (probably already fabulous, but always-leaning-toward-improvement) life!

And speaking of things that just feel good to show up for, Dogs & Dogwoods at Cheekwood on April 18th-19th is one of those easy HELL YEAH’s, with spring blooms, a laid-back vibe, and of course pups everywhere! If you need a reason to get outside and be around some guaranteed joy, this might be it… go ahead and put your name in for this one.*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• True Youngblood headlines podcast/live show mashup in A Storeyline: Backstage at the Fairlane Hotel on April 23rd. Complete with a live interview, audience Q&A and performance, all inside Modern Love’s intimate, creative setting downtown. Meet and greet afterwards, free with RSVP!*

• Meet and Three lands on April 21st at Harken Hall with Jaid Joice, Josh Rennie-Hynes and Laura Wanamaker. Three distinct voices spanning soul, indie folk and Americana in an intimate, story-forward round. Win tickets!*

• Step into the shadows as one of literature’s most iconic detectives is reimagined. On May 1st-3rd, Nashville Ballet presents Sherlock at TPAC. This performance is filled with cinematic drama, vintage radio nostalgia, and bold contemporary choreography. Try winning seats and helping solve the mystery.*

• WMOT’s 895 Fest celebrates 10 years of roots radio on April 11th at Eastside Bowl with two stages, nonstop live music, local vendors and a full-day, indoor lineup supporting the listener-powered station. Win a pair of tickets, and post up all day!*

• Plus other just announced shows from James Austin Johnson, Tyler Ballgame, Ariel Posen and more!

CHOOSING JOY IN NASHVILLE WITH JESS

Once in a while, you meet someone in the world that you know you’re not going to forget. Jess’s first impression on me came as I was frantically trying to learn my new station at a function I’d been hired to bartend and she showed up with this calm, genuinely kind energy that cut right through the chaos. Somehow, she made everything feel easier, like I could reset and actually breathe again. Total game-changer of a human. Thank you, Jess!

If you’d like to know more about Jess’s good energy and where and how she likes to share it, then peep Jess’s favorite ways to choose joy around town.

TODAY

LOCALS ONLY

• Crafty Bastards returns April 11th-12th at oneC1TY with 100+ makers, handmade goods, food trucks, and cocktails. This free, all-ages market is the perfect place to shop small and discover your next favorite local artist. Come for the crafts, leave with something cool.

• Happy Belated 25th Birthday, The Frist! Catch the In Her Place exhibit until April 26th, which spotlights some of Nashville’s most influential women in art and their nearly 100 works across painting, sculpture, and textiles. Soak in the beauty, and find a new favorite local artist. 

WIN STUFF

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