One of the most underrated things about Nashville is the ability to walk into almost any venue and hear some of the world’s greatest musicians that you’ve never heard of before. Not just the headliners, but the players behind them, the instrumentalists who can carry a whole room without saying a word. That’s exactly what I loved about this week’s Locals List from Ben Ford. It’s a peek into where to catch those A-list players doing their thing if you know where to look (and Nashville definitely rewards people who do).

And if your weekend plans are still taking shape, there’s also something a little more hands-on (and messy, in a good way) with King of the Craw, which offers crawfish, music, and a full-on spring hang that feels like it might get a little rowdy before it’s over. They’re sending someone in for free, so… might as well throw your name in and see if you end up with a bib and a cold drink in hand.

And as a BONUS GIVEAWAY from our Family Edition Newsletter, 5 Porch Farm in Spring Hill brings Spring Farm Dinner on May 2nd. It’s a five-course, farm-to-table evening with local chefs, cocktails, live music, and a setting built around food and connection. Win your way to this special long-table dinner.*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Strawberry Fest is back on May 9th at the downtown Nashville Farmers’ Market, which means you’re about to smell like funnel cake, sunscreen, and civic pride. Pull up, grab your place in line, and earn your berry stains.*

• The Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs is offering a Stay & Play Prize Package, bundling tickets, a hotel stay, and more into one ready-made night at the venue that is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Nashville. Win the whole shebang!*

• Dining Out For Life takes over Nashville on April 30th as restaurants citywide donate a portion of sales to Nashville CARES, turning breakfast, lunch, or dinner into direct support for HIV services. Pick a place that gives back.*

• Blue June Music Fest lands on June 20th at The Basement East with a stacked indie-leaning lineup including Phosphorescent, Ethan Regan, mxmtoon, and Adia Victoria for a full evening of live sets. Round up your friends for this barn burner! 

• Plus other just-announced shows from All Them Witches, Jim Gaffigan, Little Feat, and more!

LOCAL’S LIST W/ BEN FORD OF THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s public programs manager Ben Ford has BEEN doing this Nashville thing for many years and has a wonderful take on where to catch A-list session players and instrumentalists when they’re not recording in some of Nashville’s most notable studios.

For anyone wondering just how the Music City magic happens, it’s about what happens outside of the studio: grinding and connecting regularly, sharpening your skills, and shaking the right hands. Here are the places that Ben likes to go to enjoy the finest musicians Nashville has to offer in a more intimate environment.

TODAY

LOCALS ONLY

• Hooky Entertainment officially opens on April 29th at Nashville Yards, bringing dine-in movies, bowling, arcade games, and more to a massive new downtown venue. Be among the first to check it out!

• Treat Mom (and/or yourself) to a reset: this Mother’s Day Yoga + Sound Bath experience brought to you by local gem, Horn Wellness, blends a restorative yoga flow paired with immersive sound healing designed to ease stress and recharge your energy in a calming downtown open-air setting. Unwind, reconnect, and feel the love.

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