PLEASE NOTE
Club schedules change frequently, so please check the venues to verify  information before attending. More complete listings of Nashville writers nights and open mics can be found in the Friday Tennessean newspaper, the free weeklies Nashville Rage and Nashville Scene, and in the free monthly Nashville Music Guide.

When approaching hosts about booking it is important to remember that the clubs are in the business of selling food and drinks. Be prepared that you may have to play open mics or just visit the writers nights and get to know some people before you get booked to play. Nashville is a city over-loaded with amazing talent and entertainment options and almost no one goes to a show unless they already know the people performing. Traditional promotion such as flyers, ads and press releases have limited effectiveness. Even if performers are so good they sell out other rooms all over the country, they play to empty rooms here unless they are already known in town or are on the bill with locals who have a following.

Bluebird Cafe
See the Bluebird page of this website for detailed information about the club.   
Monday 6 to 9 PM Open Mic - sign up at 5:30
Sundays 8 PM Writers Night - scheduled by audition only
Tues through Sat - Early shows feature some of the best up-and-coming writers.
                            Late shows feature hit writers and established bands.

Ri'chards Cafe
4420 Whites Creek Pike 299-9590

Richard's Cafe' is a Louisiana style restaurant and live music original songwriter / artist venue a few minutes north of Nashville. There is a full PA and three mics and DI inputs for performers. The patrons are a fun upscale family crowd who come to dine, talk, listen and even tip and buy CD's.

Open mic / auditions for showcases are 5:30 - 6:15 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays - and most nights after 8:30. 

There are scheduled Indie Artist / Writer Showcases Tuesdays - Saturday nights and Sunday Brunch -

To book one call 615-299-9590 leave a message or send information including music on the web to richardscafe@comcast.net for showcase concideration.

Commodore Sports Bar at the Holiday Inn, Vanderbilt
2613 West End Ave, 615-327-4707

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,  6:00 PM - hosted by Debi Champion  with rounds and featured writers. If you are new to Nashville and want to start meeting people and learning the ropes, this is one of the best places to do that. Debi has hosted nights for many years in Nashville and does a great job of booking hit writers and gathering a regular following of talented writers who are serious about their careers. Be there by 9:00 PM to play at the late-night open mic, which serves as an audition for future bookings. Check out her website for the complete line-up.

Fridays and Saturdays 6:30 PM - hosted by Lorna Flowers and Rick Stewart with rounds and featured writers. Visit Lorna and Rick at the club on their nights to inquire about booking a night with them.

Douglas Corner
2106 8th Ave, (615) 298-1688

Tuesdays 8 pm to close. To play this long-running Open Mic hosted by Rick Campbell writers must call 292-2530 between 2:00 and 6:00 PM on the day they want to play. They perform in the order in which the messages are received. Writers play two songs each in rounds of four. Those who show up without calling will play late. The show continues until everyone has played.

Wednesday, 8 to 11 PM. 
Hosts Joy Collins and Joe Hrsa are moving the popular writers night they began at Limelight to this well loved venue on the edge of Music Row. 

Dan McGuinness
1538 Demonbreun St, (615) 252-1991

Mondays 7:30 to close - McGuinness Girl's Night hosted by Terri Jo Box

This popular show has been running for years. Terri Jo features 4 song sets by women only. Nashville writers should drop by on a Monday night to inquire about booking. If you're planning a trip to Nashville you can email Terri Jo at tjbox71@hotmail.com about the possibility of playing when you're in town.

James Breedwell Writers Nights

The Hall Of Fame Lounge
Best Western, Music Row, 1407 Division St, (615) 242-1631

The Hall of Fame Lounge features songwriters seven nights a week. Drop by to inquire about playing or call Steve Jones at the club in the evenings.

Cafe Coco Backstage
210 Louise Ave  (615) 321-COCO (2626)

This popular coffee house is open 24 hours and serves beer along with great food and a variety of beverages. They serve breakfast around the clock and have the largest dessert selection in Nashville.

Thursday - 7 - 11 PM Open Mic 
Sign up is at 6 PM and usually fills up quickly. Drums and keyboard are available. All types of  music are welcome - even stand-up comedy. You must be present at 7pm to play.

Sundays 4:30 to 7:30 - Jazz Jam
All instruments and singers welcome - drum kit and piano provided.

To get booked at Cafe Coco start by attending open mic or go to their website for info on how to pitch your press kit.

OTHER MUSIC CLUBS
Here are a few of the other other clubs that feature original music. They do not host regular writers nights but they book a variety of sets by featured artists, bands and songwriter rounds. The clubs listed above also feature other original music on nights they do not have writers night.

When approaching clubs about booking it is important to remember that clubs only stay in business if they sell food and drinks. Be prepared that you may have to play open mics or just visit the writers nights and get to know some people before you get booked to play. Nashville is a city over-loaded with amazing talent and entertainment options and it is extremely hard to draw a crowd. Local music lovers are bombarded with dozens of emails and phone calls every week from friends urging them to attend their gigs. Traditional promotion such as flyers, ads and press releases have limited effectiveness because almost no one goes to a show unless they already know the people performing. Even if performers are so good they sell out other rooms all over the country, they play to empty rooms here unless they are already known in town or are on the bill with locals who have a following. It is not impossible for unknown out-of-town performers to find a booking, but don't take it personally if it's harder than you're used to.

12th and Porter

3rd and Lindsley

Rutledge

Mercy Lounge

The Listening Room