On The Sound Nashville Music Tour, you'll see the sights and hear the sounds of Nashville – and write a song while you do it!
There is so much to see and do in Nashville, and one of the best ways to get an introduction to it all is to take a bus tour around town. However, I've been on enough tour buses to know that sometimes the "tour talk" can be a little dry. That's why I was so excited when I stumbled onto The Sound Nashville Music Tour, one of the many Nashville music-centered bus tour companies.
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Mr B and I chose The Sound Nashville Music Tour because it uniquely embraces and utilizes the soul of Music City – its singer-songwriter community. On this family-friendly 90-minute tour, the guides are real Nashville songwriters who sing and entertain the group while presenting an engaging overview of the city and its history. And here’s the best part: as the bus putters through the city, the tour guides help the whole group write a song! Then, at the end of the tour, everyone piles off the bus and gets a chance to see it performed live on stage! And don't worry if you aren’t a songwriter (or can’t even carry a tune): as long as you can clap and smile, you’ll be fine.
Our tour departed promptly from our gathering place in front of the George Jones Museum. When we all had settle ourselves into our seats on the bus, our tour guides, singer-songwriters Glenn Michael and Maddy Rodriguez, introduced themselves and handed out rhythm instruments to everyone.
Glenn and Maddy were engaging and full of fun stories about Nashville, both past and present, and they made sure to include everyone on the tour in the song writing efforts.
At just 23, Maddy has already won a number of awards for her music, including the Grand Prize in the country category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest [2014, Session II] for her song Fascinated. (Listen on her website.)
Glenn gave us a lot by way of Nashville history, and gave us a feel for what songwriters and musicians go through to make their mark in the city. He was full of suggestions about the best places to listen to music or grab a bite to eat, and gave everyone coupons for fried pickles (yes, that is a thing) if we could answer his music trivia questions.
The tour passes by most of the famous music venues in town, including Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Legend's Corner, and The Listening Room Cafe; as well as a number of city landmarks like the famous Musica statue, The Gulch, and The Parthenon.
(Did you know that Nashville has a FULL SIZE replica of The Parthenon?!? Me neither!)
The Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens. It was built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition.
I should probably also mention that this tour is BYOB, and tourists are encouraged to bring whatever beverage tickles their fancy. There are a couple of places just steps away from the tour meeting point where you can grab growler or a pitcher of mimosas for the road. (For the record, Mr B and I brought water, because we are boring that way sometimes.)
!["Sacrifice Something for what means the most" [tattoo] Sound Nashville Music Tour 2017 | The Good Hearted Woman](https://thegoodheartedwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/SNM-3-GHW-.jpg)
"Sacrifice Something for what means the most."
I was intrigued with Glenn's tattoo: there's a lot in those seven little words, especially for creatives. Glenn started playing music when he was 12, and has played some prestigious clubs across the country. Raised in Connecticut, he now calls Nashville home. Glenn has recorded three records (available on iTunes), and is currently writing songs for his fourth.
Over the course of the tour, between stretches of Glenn’s informative “tour guide” monologue, he and Maddy suggested lyrics and solicited relevant rhyming words to fill out the “Sound of Nashville” song-frame that they use. For example, someone on our tour suggested “Cheryl Crowe” and “garden hoe.” If you watch the video at the beginning of this post, you’ll hear that line toward the end in the “alternate chorus.”
Wait. What? Back up… They don’t make up a brand new song every time they pull the bus away from the curb?!?
Nope. Sorry if I’m bursting your bubble or giving away trade secrets, but seriously; think about it. Mr B and I write the occasional song ourselves, so I can tell you from experience that there is no way Glenn and Maddy, or any other songwriter I've ever known – no matter how talented they are (yes, even Dan Fogelberg) – could create a catchy, original song twice a day at the drop of a hat, especially with a bus full of tourists. I mean, can you imagine how stressful that would be - for everyone? Nope - using a prefab song with flexible lyrics is the only way to go.
The only problem with the song they use - - ♫♪ Oh I hear the sound of Nashville | everywhere I go...♪♫ - - is that it's so catchy that it gets into your head and won't leave. (Like the theme from Gilligan's Island.) You'll be listening to it on constant loop for days on end while you replay all those images from your tour in your head. Which, come to think of it, might not be such a bad thing after all.
TRAVEL TIP
If you take the 11 am tour, we highly recommend stopping in at Another Broken Egg Cafe for brunch. Located just half a block from the George Jones Museum where The Sound tour departs, you'll find the place bustling, the food and drinks delicious, and the staff friendly and welcoming. (Kudos to our server, Becca, for her bubbly personality, easy conversation, and ability to mix a mimosa in eight seconds flat!)
![Another Broken Egg Cafe [Mimosa] before Sound Nashville Music Tour 2017 | The Good Hearted Woman](https://thegoodheartedwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/SNM-6-GHW.jpg)
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robin rue says
I had no idea there was a full size replica of the Parthenon there! WOW. You learn something new every day. This sounds like a super fun tour!!
Renée ♥ says
The tour itself was so much fun, but I have to say that seeing a Parthenon in Tennessee came as a big surprise!
Cindy says
Sounds like you had a lot of fun. I'm planning to visit a friend in Nashville at the end of the summer and have been keeping my eye out for things to do. And the Parthenon replica! Who knew!?
Renée ♥ says
Hope you have a wonderful time. (Be sure to enter the tour ticket giveaway!)
Lindsay Ingalls says
I have yet to visit Nashville but my parents visit often and it looks like such a fun place!
Anvita says
Lived in Nashville before, and I love this city, for it's music, it's vibe and culture. I would love to participate in this giveaway. Your post brought back good old memories.
Pech says
Wow that's so cool how music is not just part of the facts and history of the tour but incorporated as an activity performance wise by the tour guides and even the attendees of the tours for a full music experience!
Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama says
What a unique spin on a bus tour that the group writes an original song! That would be SO fun!
Cassie says
This looks like so much fun and I absolutely love your pictures! I've been dying to visit Nashville myself so when I do this music tour is on my list
Angela Tolsma says
I have only down one toury thing around a city before and it was one of the best experiences ever. I would love to do something like this! Maybe one day!
Terri Steffes says
I've been to the Nashville Parthenon! I added Greece to my bucket list when I saw it. Your time in Nashville was amazing!
Theresa says
Once, living in Nashville, I dined at a restaurant in Hillsboro Village, and Jack White was the only other person eating there, with his band! Nashville really has so many big musicians around all the time.
Renée ♥ says
That's an awesome memory!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
I've always wanted to visit Nashville. We've only driven through, but there are so many wonderful things to check out there. I love this tour!
Megan says
This sounds like a lot of fun! I'm obsessed with country music. It's what I grew up listening too and my source of comfort and happiness.
Jenni says
This is so cool! What a fun experience. I haven't been to Nashville yet, but its on the list!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Your descriptions of the tours and travel tips are so helpful!
Sam Jennings says
I have never been to Nashville, but you have inspired me to make a trip in the future. The music tour looks a great way to see the city and really experience the music scene. Great post
Rhian Westbury says
This sounds like such an awesome tour and definitely something I'd do. I really want to go to Nashville as it sounds like such an interesting place x
Amanda Love says
It would be so nice to experience this tour. It's perfect for people who love music and we all know that music is life! I think it's awesome that you can bring your own beverage as well. It makes it all the more fun!
priti says
Bus tour sounds fun , perfect for people who enjoy wine and music
Kristina says
I've always wanted to go to Nashville. This looks like a great time and I'm not a song writer but I definitely agree it would be hard to create two new songs a day.
Jalisa Harris says
I've always wanted to visit Nashville. This sounds like a great music tour and that food sounds amazing.
Rachel says
I have seen and read so many posts on Nashville. The music tour sounds great, and would love to go!!
Cindy Ingalls says
Such an amazing idea for a bus tour. You are so right, sometimes those tours can get so boring. It would be great to learn about Music City while also enjoying some entertainment.
Di Hickman says
Wow looks like you had a fabulous time! My folks have been to nashville but I've yet to go. One day!
Krystal // The Krystal Diaries says
Looks like such a fun time! I need to visit Nashville, it looks so nice there.
Jeanine says
Oh how fun! i haven't ever seen the movie, but I am not one for long movies like this so seeing a music tour is more up my alley. Great music and live, yes please!
Renée ♥ says
Not quite sure where the "movie" comment is coming from, but you'd definitely enjoy the tour! (There is a 3-minute video at the beginning the the post, but I don't think that qualifies 😉 )
Julia Barnes says
I would die if I saw Taylor Swift in Nashville.
Yasmin Ali says
Music tours are so much fun! The pictures and everything makes me want to visit Nashville again!
Julie Fain says
OMG how do I choose just one?? Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Brett Eldridge, Lady Antebellum... Those are my favorites, and that would be unbelieveably amazing to run into one of them on the streets of Nashville (LOL seems as likely as bumping into Santa Claus down on Panama City Beach).
Louise says
This sounds like such a great tour! I'm a big fan of this sort of music so I'm sure I would love it 🙂
Louise x
Aarone Mawdsley says
dolly parton
vicky boackle says
keith urban
Amber Nelson says
Oh Nashville is on my bucket list. I will make it there one day! Love music!
Heather says
This is on my bucket list for sure. Love your pics as well!
S Riches says
I would like to see Willie Nelson walking down the street in Nashville.
Leah Shumack says
Garth Brooks! My favorite country artist since I grew up listening to him! I've always been a country girl and I'm so excited to take my first trip to Nashville in August! I wanna see it all!
Tracie Cooper says
I would love to meet Blake Shelton!
Brandon says
It would be so cool if I met Garth Brooks.
Kelsey Vinson says
It would be Awesome to see kid rock. He was down there a couple weekends ago making a music video.
Virginia H says
I would love to run into Darius Rucker while in Nashville.