If you are a local Nashville resident, I know you have seen the popular “WJ” hats everyone wears the day after Whiskey Jam. Are you even cool if you didn’t get a “WJ” hat at the show last night as a souvenir? For those of you who don’t know, let’s dive into the vibrant world of Whiskey Jam…
What is Whiskey Jam?
Whiskey Jam is a prominent live music showcase right here in Nashville, held every Monday and Thursday night. While it was once hosted at Losers bar and grill in Midtown, it recently found a new home at Dierks Bentley’s bar, Whiskey Row, in the heart of downtown Nashville on Broadway. This relocation has brought an authentic and invigorating element back to the legendary Broadway strip. In a Instagram post on September 1, Whiskey Jam expressed their eagerness to infuse a distinctive and original musical vibe into the downtown scene. They have cemented their reputation as the foremost platform for artists to showcase their original music, making them a cornerstone of Nashville’s vibrant music culture.
Broadway Has Changed
Broadway, often referred to as the epicenter of music, excitement, and nightlife, is undeniably the heartbeat of Nashville. This iconic neon strip has deep musical roots, and has become renowned for its live music heritage. However, in recent times, the musical roots of Broadway has somewhat dimmed in the midst of the city’s exploding nightlife and party scene. Each day, hordes of visitors flock to Nashville, drawn by the neon-lit attractions that line the strip. It seems that, unfortunately, the rich musical history of Broadway has taken a backseat to the city’s reputation as a hot spot for drinking, dining, and partying. Nashville’s identity, in the eyes of many, has shifted towards bachelorette parties and entertainment activities rather than its profound musical heritage and historical significance.
People visit Nashville to go to famous bars they see on social media, and if it wasn’t enough to get drunk in bars, now they have party buses and pedal taverns so you can get drunk on wheels! Tourist attractions have taken the spotlight, overshadowing the true essence of Broadway. I can guarantee that more people travel to Nashville for these activities than to visit the Ryman Auditorium, one of the city’s most historic concert halls. People have fallen out of touch with music, and it shows. Broadway is full of live music yes, but you have to seek out writer’s rounds not largely advertised to the public to see real writer’s showcasing their original songs.
A New Beginning
It is refreshing to learn that Whiskey Jam is revitalizing the magic and roots of Broadway. Whiskey Jam holds a deep appreciation for music and recognizes the historical roots that have shaped both Nashville and its musical identity. it is incredible to see the community that they have grown over the years. When I had first moved here, I had never heard of Whiskey Jam. It was when I established relationships in the local music community that I figured out it was such a big event. It was held in Midtown for many years and Midtown is not widely as known to tourists. There are usually more locals at Midtown bars than tourists and more tourists on Broadway than locals. Moving Whiskey Jam to Broadway will let more tourists learn about the strong music community embedded in Nashville. It will bring about an authentic energy that has been missing from Broadway for quite some time.
Whiskey Jam is a representation of the strong friendships and relationships the Nashville music community holds. There is so much more to it than a couple guys playing a few cover songs in a bar where most people are too drunk to recognize how good the singer is or how skilled the guitar player is. Whiskey Jam is a showcase of talent and while yes of course there will be booze and a good time, but the crowd consists of people who value music and value that community, which I think Broadway needs to be reminded of.
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