Lately, I've been thinking about how easy it is to confuse "going out" with actually feeling connected. You can bounce between bars, concerts, and restaurants all week and somehow still feel like you never really crossed paths with anyone.

That's why I loved this week's Local's List from Drew. Instead of another roundup of places to eat or drink, he shared the East Nashville spots that actually build community, the coffee shops, volunteer opportunities, neighborhood hangs, and recurring events where people become familiar faces. If you've been looking to get a little more rooted in this city, it's a pretty great place to start.

And if your 4th of July plans are still up in the air, Pinewood Social is offering one of the best seats in town. Their America’s 250th celebration comes with barbecue, live music, bowling, lawn games, and a front-row view of Nashville's fireworks, all without fighting your way through downtown crowds. We're sending one lucky winner with a pair of tickets, so throw your name in the mix!*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Koe Wetzel doesn't really do subtle. The Night Champion World Tour rolls into Bridgestone Arena on August 8th with Shane Smith & The Saints, Bayker Blankenship, and Logan Jahnke for a night of country-rock anthems, cold beers, and songs that sound best with the windows down. Win tickets!*

• Fresh off completing the wildly ambitious feat of playing 50 shows in all 50 states in 30 days, Nashville's own Nordista Freeze is bringing that momentum home. Catch The Cool Off on August 8th at Third Man's Blue Room for a psychedelic, '60s-inspired party that's anything but ordinary.

• TEDxNashville is asking the big weird question at Studio 615 on July 17th: what do we actually know about aliens? Science of Woo brings scientists, researchers, filmmakers, skeptics, believers, and the deeply curious together for one night to explore UAPs, extraordinary experiences, and the mystery that refuses to stay on the fringe. Beam us UP!

• BONUS LISTENING: Check out this podcast featuring local director/artist, Will Holland, entitled UAP, Disclosure, & The Phenomenon: Part 1 & Part 2.

• The U.S. Men’s Team is in the Round of 32, and GEODIS Park is throwing the (free) watch party! Head to Publix Plaza for a free Soccer Celebration with food, drinks, music, fan activations, and a big-screen showing of the match. Show up early and wear your lucky jersey for our squad.

• Plus other just announced shows from Mannequin Pussy, Shrek Rave, Phillip Phillips, and more!

LOCAL’S LIST: WHERE TO FIND COMMUNITY IN EAST NASHVILLE W/ DREW

East Nashville isn't just a neighborhood. It's a collection of people who keep finding new ways to bring each other together. We asked community builder, Drew Morrow, to share a few of his favorite spots to meet people, support local creatives, and feel a little more connected. If you're looking to get unstuck from your screens and plug back into real life and meet some real gems, start here.

And speaking of gems, you couldn’t ask for a kinder, cooler dude than Drew to guide us on this. He’s been putting his heart into this city, in one way or another, for many years now, and we are lucky to get a peek at what he feels strengthens our community.

Pro Tip: If you're at the Gay Farmers Market and spot Drew, ask to see pics of his amazing pup, June. Thank us later!

TODAY

LOCALS ONLY

• And HOT off-the-press new (even since I started typing up this newsletter), The Cowpokes will be joining for America’s 250th festivities at Pinewood Social on July 4th, so get those dancin’ boots slicked up and show out!

• If you've been saying Nashville needs better ways to meet people, here's one. Third Man's Secret Message Party swaps awkward small talk for anonymous notes, good conversation, and a little bit of mystery. Give it a whirl, cause why not?!*

WIN STUFF

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