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Nashville, Tennessee has so much to offer including great live music, delicious places to eat and plenty to do. Earlier this month, New York Country Swag spent three jam-packed days exploring everything Music City has to offer.
Right off the plane, we headed to see our friend, Gracie Moakler (wife of rising country star, Steve Moakler) at Thread Co. to check out their shop and see where their incredible custom made clothes are created. Keep a lookout for a full interview with Gracie hitting the blog soon.
After a quick bite to eat at Bartaco, we stopped by Broken Bow Records to chat with JoJamie Hahr, the VP of Marketing for the label. BBR is home to some of your favorite country artists including Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Randy Houser and Lindsey Ell. The record label offices are located on Music Row, which is the heart of the music industry in Nashville. Music Row is home to hundreds of businesses, recording studios and writers rooms where your favorite music is written, recorded, produced and marketed.
Next, it was off to the Grand Ole Opry where we were treated to an incredible VIP tour and to some really emotional performances. Check out our full recap of our night at the Opry here.
Our second day in Nashville started off bright and early at the Cumulus Studios to hang with Ty, Kelly & Chuck’s morning show. We also took a tour around the building, checking out Kix Brooks’ recording studio and where Nash Nights Live with Elaina Smith and Shawn Parr is taped. Click here for more from our stop at the studio.
We headed to Hillsboro Village to eat at The Grilled Cheeserie, which offers not only insanely delicious and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches but great desserts and a friendly atmosphere. For a full recap of all of the food and the milkshakes, they treated us too, click here.
To continue our busy day, we headed to a number 1 party for Midland’s debut single “Drinkin’ Problem” at The Sutler which celebrated the writers, the artists, and producers of the song. Read more here.
Next up was a pre-party hang with Russell Dickerson and his entire team next door to the Exit-In. Russell’s sold-out album release show was so much fun and we were so happy to be able to fly in from New York to be there to support him. Check out a full recap of the show here.
Our last full day in Music City started off with a new trend in things to do, Goat Yoga. Yes, you read that right, we traveled to Brentwood, TN about forty minutes outside of Nashville to start our morning off with a yoga class with baby goats. The best part was the goats were all ready for October and Halloween, dressed in costumes. Read more about our Goat Yoga experience here.
Our last stop included eating lunch and learning how to make FGL House’s signature cocktails. The atmosphere is unapologetically, Florida Georiga Line, with memorabilia and artwork of the duo hung on the walls, you feel like you are walking into Tyler Hubbard or Brian Kelley’s house. With great food and even greater views, check out more about FGL House here.
The New York Country Swag team wants to thank everyone who opened their offices, restaurants, and hearts to us during our visit. We had the best time and will certainly be back soon.
We are sure that you have heard the name Grand Ole Opry before but few people understand the sheer magnitude of what it feels like to stand in that building surrounded by the rich Nashville history of country music. The Opry began as a simple radio broadcast back in 1925 and still to this day is broadcast on live radio. Among a few other venues throughout the early years, the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville was the home of the show until 1974 when it moved to its newly built Grand Ole Opry House.
Earlier this month, the New York Country Swag team was treated to an incredible VIP backstage tour of the Opry. Walking through those hallowed halls, you feel the presence of all of the artists who have stepped into the circle, laughed backstage and made their mark on country music. We were taken through the special entrance where all of the artists enter for the evening, past the wall of names of all of the current members and their mailboxes where fans can write letters and have it reach the artist directly.
Each dressing room is unique, with the decor emulating the reason for the room. One room that is particularly special is the “Into the Circle” which is set aside for artists to prepare for their debut Opry performance. The walls are lined with photographs of the Opry’s most memorable moments including Garth Brooks, Little Jimmy Dickens, Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis hugging and much more.
Making your way to the side of the stage you can look out on the packed house each night, listening to their favorite artists who are standing in the same wooden circle that has stood the test of time.
On that particular night, artists Maddie & Tae, Chris Janson, Brooks and Dunn and Keith Urban were among a few of the artists to take the stage. Highlights of the night included Brooks and Dunn performing together at the Opry for the first time in many years to sing “Believe”, “Red Dirt Road” and “My Maria”. Closing out the night, Keith Urban performed with just his guitar, putting a different spin on his hits including “Wasted Time” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color”. Inviting Chris Janson to the stage, to duet on John Michael Montgomery’s 1995 No. 1 hit, “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” the performance was definitely one to remember.
New Yorkers are going to get the opportunity to experience the Grand Ole Opry right here at home with the opening of Opry City Stage in Times Square. The first home away from home, this authentic venue will have four levels of music and southern hospitality allowing fans from all over the world a chance to experience a real country music show. Be sure to follow along to find out more information on the opening and events here and on their social media (Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.)
For more on our ‘New York Country Swag Takes Nashville’ experience, click here.
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Whether you are in New York City, Nashville, Michigan or Florida NASH FM’s morning show with Ty Kelly & Chuck and Nash Nights Live are syndicated throughout the country, blaring through your radio with the best country music and interviews with your favorite artists.
During out ‘New York Country Swag Takes Nashville’ Experience, New York Country Swag took a tour of the studios where the magic happens, where artists are interviewed and where plenty of antics happen. We happened to be sitting in on the live Ty Chuck & Kelly Mornings show which was #WicksWednesday, both Ty Bentli and Kelly Ford were dressed as Chuck Wicks. We got to see the behind the scenes of the show, listen to a #10-minutetune written by guest, Ayla Brown, about the new mystery Oreo competition and hear some of our favorite songs.
The morning also included a tour of additional Cumulus studios including Kix Brooks’ very own studio where he records American Country Countdown. The space is filled with photos and memorabilia throughout the years that Kix has collected from friends, fans, and artists. Elaina Smith and Shawn Parr also work out of the Nash Studios recording their night show, Nash Nights Live.
We loved getting a chance to meet the Nashville crew, introduce them to New YorkCountry Swag and explain the story behind our Hero Collection.
In New York, catch Ty, Chuck & Kelly Mornings weekdays from 5:00 AM- 10:00 AM and Nash Nights Live with Shawn & Elaina weekdays from 7:00 PM-Midnight.
For more from our ‘New York Country Swag Takes Nashville’ Experience, click here.
Friends, family, and members of the industry lined the wall of The Sutler bar and restaurant in Nashville Wednesday, October 11th to join the trio, Midland, co-writers Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne who also produced the song along with Dan Hough to celebrate their debut single hitting the number one spot on the charts. “Drinkin’ Problem” was the first single off of their first full-length album, On The Rocks.
As a part of New York Country Swag Takes Nashville week, we were invited to attend this prestigious event and take part in the festivities. The afternoon was co-sponsored by BMI and ASCAP the performance rights organizations.
Among the speakers at the event, Scott Borchetta, head of Big Machine Records, Midland’s label took the stage to congratulate all involved saying “One of these days, we’re going to look back and say, ‘Do you remember when Midland had their first No. 1?”
The event ended with each member of the band taking the microphone to emotionally thank everyone in the room and each other for this accomplishment. The band heads out for the CMT On Tour with Jon Pardi and Runaway June and then will join The Breakers Tour with Little Big Town and Kacey Musgraves. For the full list of tour dates click here.
Check out more from our ‘New York Country Swag Takes Nashville’ Experience here.
Russell Dickerson has been working towards releasing a debut country album for over seven years. Last Friday his dream came true and Yours, hit shelves and was available digitally everywhere. To celebrate the release of his album, Dickerson played to a sold-out crowd in Nashville during his album release week. The Exit/In in Nashville has been open for 46 years and is a staple venue in the Nashville.
Prior to his set, Dickerson attended an industry party at the bar next to the venue and New York Country Swag was delighted to be invited. He greeted his guests, family members, and team while the line of fans to get into the venue loomed around the block. Dickerson got the room’s attention by standing on a chair to thank his wife Kailey, his family, his team and all of the members of the industry who supported him and got him to this moment. “I do want to say a thank you for, even coming out tonight to celebrate with us, we’ve been going at this for coming up on seven years and now I finally get to release an album to the world full of songs that we wrote together about the people we love,” he says emotionally to the gathering. As a surprise, Norbert Nix from Triple Tigers, Dickerson’s record label, stood next to him to and held up a plaque saying “Russell, your single “Yours” is certified gold!” A record is American RIAA-certified Gold when a single or album that has sold 500,000 units. Proudly, he held up the plaque over his head, pure excitement on his face as the room filled with cheers.
The incredible night only continued when everyone made their way next door to the venue to watch Hannah Grey Ellis, who co-wrote “Would You Love Me” with Dickerson, which is featured on Yours,. The sold-out venue was lined with fans as “Twentysomething” opened the set. Singing all 11 tracks off the new record including “Billions”, “Low Key” and a fan favorite, “MGNO” the set was high energy and filled with great songs. Dickerson is a true performer, he gives it all during his live shows and his fans and everyone around him can’t help but feed off of his energy.
Check out our First Impression of Yours, and be sure to catch Dickerson at one of his upcoming shows, full list of dates here.
For more on our ‘New York Country Swag Takes Nashville’ Experience click here.
Nashville’s hottest trend is Goat Yoga. Yes, you heard that right, a yoga class that has baby goats running around posing for pictures on your back during downward dog. This new phenomenon taking Nashville by storm was started by a family in Brentwood TN.
“Goat Yoga Nashville was inspired by a family member who has a high-stress job as a fireman and happens to loves Goats & Yoga.” the bio on their website says. “So we decided what a better way to honor him and help others de-stress than to start our very own Goat Yoga class in the Nashville area. Thus Goat Yoga Nashville was born.”
New York Country Swag knew that this innovative trend had to be worked into our 3 days in Nashville so we ventured 30 minutes outside of the city to attend an early morning class. The simple patch of land designated for the class is gated in and for the month of October, all of the goats are dressed in little Halloween costumes. As Michael Jackon’s “Thriller” is played over the speakers, the baby goats come running down the dirt road to enter the make-shift studio and immediately interact with the attendees.
If you aren’t a yogi and have never been to a class before, fear not, the class is very basic and the instructor was extremely helpful in teaching you the primary poses. While it is certainly not the most relaxing class we have been too, it was definitely the most fun.
The goats are friendly and sweet, eating leaves off of branches that they provide and posing for photos. Melody, the owner, and her adorable family walk around coaching the goats to pose on your back and make sure everyone is enjoying themselves.
If you are planning a trip to Nashville definitely make sure to include a class in your itinerary, the experience is one of a kind. Click here for more information.
Check out more of our ‘New York Country Swag Takes Nashville’ Experience here.
There are plenty of bars along the downtown Nashville strip, a ton of places with live music and good drinks or food, however, if you are looking for a unique experience head to FGL House. The four-story venue lives and breathes Florida Georgia Line. The duo opened the restaurant/bar earlier this year and fans from all over the world are walking through the doors to experience this one of a kind venue.
The walls are lined with memorabilia, certified records and even iconic outfits the duo has worn in the past. The rustic woodwork, incredible art and overall vibe of the atmosphere allow patrons to feel like they are hanging out at FGL’s home. Every level has a unique feel, there are even chandeliers made up entirely of wooden guitars.
The appropriately titled “Cruise” rooftop level offers an amazing view of downtown Nashville and is a great place to hear live music. If you are here for the food, the kitchen delivers some incredible appetizers and entrees’, created by the band’s very own tour chef. During our lunch at the venue, we were treated to the Bavarian Jumbo Pretzel with a special mustard aioli and queso blanco and the delicious Dirty Kettle Chips topped with smoked pulled pork, crispy bacon, chives, smoked cheddar queso and drenched in bbq sauce.
With so many options to choose from including Southern Fish Tacos to Shrimp and Grits, ultimately the New York Country Swag team decided on the Nashville Hot Chicken salad, dressed with a delicious cilantro ranch and the “No Joke Mac N’ Cheese” which has thick bacon, beer pulled chicken, smoked white and yellow cheddars, and cavatappi pasta.
If you are only visiting to enjoy some drinks, you must try out the FGL House signature cocktails. Check out our New York Country Swag Make-a-Long below to learn about three cocktails off their menu including “Tip It Back”, “Get Your Shine On” and “Party People”. For more cocktails and their full menu check out FGLHouse.com
New York Country Swag was happy to dine at FGL House as a part of our New York Country Swag Takes Nashville trip earlier this month. We will definitely be back!
There are many things to love about the great city of Nashville and food is absolutely up there on the list. Of course, Nashville has plenty of BBQ joints that will fulfill any out of towners craving for delicious southern food, however, if you are looking for something different and equally as satisfying you MUST head to The Grilled Cheeserie. In the heart of Hillsboro Village, the establishment just opened their very first brick and mortar restaurant back in January. Previously, The Grilled Cheeserie Truck would travel to multiple locations around Nashville, feeding hungry tourists, patrons and artists alike. The famed truck was also featured on Food Network’s popular, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri.
With their ever-changing specialty melt menu, featuring the above fall favorite, Harvest Melt, which has double cream brie, roasted free-range turkey, maple roasted squash, pumpkin seed pesto on multigrain bread, patrons can expect to try a something new each time they visit. One of our favorites to try was the Pimento Mac & Cheese that has housemade pimento cheese, local cheddar, macaroni, tomato and bacon bits on country white sourdough bread. They also offer the most delicious tomato soup, the perfect pairing for any grilled cheese sandwich.
Make sure to leave room for dessert. Our favorite was the Campfire S’more, toasted smoked sugar marshmallow, Nutella, salty honey graham crumble on brioche. The marshmallow is gooey and mixed with the Nutella, it is the perfect fall favorite sweet treat.
Don’t forget to stop by their milkshake bar on the way out, featuring delicious concoctions including the Caramel Apple Float, Frozen Mexican Hot Chocolate and the Milkshake of the Moment -“Count Chocula Black & White”.
The food is delectable, the restaurant itself is clean, the staff is super friendly. New York Country Swag was happy to dine at The Grilled Cheeserie as a part of our New York Country Swag Takes Nashville trip earlier this month.
Part of Sirius XM The Highway’s charm is their ability to seek out and spin tracks from brand new country artists. Their feature, Highway Finds, takes on a new life during the tour they have dedicated to these rising stars. Featuring three new artists to hit the scene, The tour lineup includes Adam Doleac, Ashley McBryde, and High Valley. Each of the acts made their way to the big apple to play New York City’s Gramercy Theatre.
Straight from our Pop-Up at Refinery Rooftop, Adam Doleac was first to take the stage Saturday night. Opening his set with “Some Girls”, which Doleac says “I tell everyone this is my mating call to the world, where is my future wife at?…I’ve gotta find her at some point.” He filled his opening set with songs off his latest self-titled EP including “Bigger Than Us” and “Refill”.
His voice is gritty, yet smooth and the Mississippi native injects a bluesy vibe into his country twang. He sang a cover of “Let Her Cry”, Doleac credits Darius Rucker as an influence in his career and was thrilled to sing a song that the country artist just released that he wrote. ” I grew up singing this guy’s songs and now he’s singing one of mine,” he says before singing “Don’t” which can be found on Rucker’s latest album When Was the Last Time. Currently sitting in the #3 spot on the Highway’s Top 30 Countdown, Doleac’s debut single, “Whiskey’s Fine” had the entire crowd singing along.
Next up to take the stage was Ashley McBryde, who is one of our 5 Rising Country Stars You Should Be Listening To. Three of her singles have made their way to Sirius XM The Highway including “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” and ” Tired of Being Happy”. McBryde’s powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and overall badass attitude captivated the crowd. “I was four or five years old when I told my parents this is what I wanted to do for a living, so now we are doing it and I am in New York City for the first time.”
The crowd joined McBryde for her single “Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega”, her performance honest and raw, proves she is definitely a rising star in this industry. She closed her set with a cover of The Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight” stating, we only do covers if it means something to us and this cover, it matters to us.”
Headlining the second Highway Finds Tour is brothers from Alberta, Canada, High Valley. Brad and Curtis took the stage singing the title track to their latest album “Dear Life”. “This is obviously our first time playing in New York City and I don’t know how often y’all see banjos but we’re about to break one out right now.” they laughed. Their high energy set was filled with songs from the album as well as covers including John Michael Montgomery’s “Be My Baby Tonight” to which they organized a full-on dance contest between members in the crowd. “Let’s crank it up to 11, who’s ready to party tonight? they asked the loyal crowd.
A highlight of the night is when the duo slowed things down to thank their father for believing in them and for helping them get to where they are right now. Singing “The Only Way He Knew How” from their 2010 debut album, the crowd hushed to listen to the incredible lyrics. Closing out the night with a giant sing-a-long the duo performed their latest single “She’s With Me” from the middle of the crowd only and then took the stage to perform the upbeat “Make You Mine”.
Check out our Instagram for more photos and videos of the great night of country music in New York City.
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