Studio 59 seems to be one of a handful of art galleries that only open their door 12 times a year -…read moreonce for each monthly Art Crawl event. This is a tiny gallery, with only enough space for a few paintings and about ten viewers at a time. This month, the artist(s) they were showing had an obvious, uh, theme: two oil paintings of very red, textured T-bones, and a green and russet print of a T-bone that vaguely reminded me of a scientific depiction of a heart. Not very appetizing. On the other side of the gallery, a single, stark black and white photo of birds in flight was on display. It reminded me of the cover of Wilco's "Sky Blue Sky." From what I could tell, Studio 59 seems pretty edgy, but not always what I would call tasteful.

(12/15/18) Came from Austin Tx to visit Nashville TN. My family enjoys checking out museums,…read moregalleries, antique stores, and art shops. Found Stanford Fine Art thru an online search for museums. It's not a museum but a pretty nice shop dealing in fine arts. Large variety of paintings, sculptures, furniture, etc. The owner (Stan) was very friendly and informative. He showed several pieces and told us about the artists. This would be a great store to pick up a couple of "show" pieces. Interior designers and collectors surely flock here for high quality unique items. It was fun for us to look and speak with Stan. There are also two good antique and collectible shops next door. It is worth the visit if you are in the area.

If it's about 'who you know,' and that 'personal connection,' (let's face it - so much of life IS)…read more--- then go to Stanford Fine Art gallery for art, assistance, appraisals, unique finds and more. I needed 'off the cuff,' appraisals for two paintings. What I got additionally were insights into a new neighborhood gem/business of beauty, integrity and gifted people (including Brian Page, and the owner, Stan). Excellent and thoughtful customer service, and best of all - quality fine art and quality assessment. I'll be back soon and often. Thank you, thank you. If you are a life long collector or a newbie like me beginning your art collection, I have just two words for you: start here!!

My daughter's first grade class recently visited for a field trip. I was impressed by the…read moreorganization and what was covered as part of the field trip. The location was easy to find and a quick drive from Franklin. Plenty of parking was available for our group. The lot was gravel which I usually hate, but I didn't mind their lot. The field trip was well organized and had three parts. It was a great mix of being educational and entertaining. The kids started in the barn area and ate lunch (that they brought) at the tables in there. Bathrooms were available in that building. The guide there (a taller gentleman) taught the kids dances and etiquette. He was great with the kids. Next, we moved to the home tour. The guide there obviously did not like kids and was on the dry side. It was still educational and interesting to see the house. Lastly, the kids made cards using feathers and "ink" for writing. It was a nice variety of activities. Travellers Rest is a good spot to check out for people with an interest in history.

I had the pleasure of visiting Traveller's Rest on a sunny October afternoon. There are layers of…read morehistory here, with very knowledgeable guides. Our guide, Hannah, was an personable, engaging storyteller who could answer any questions. I appreciated that the tour gave a full picture of the history--good, bad and ugly. Recommended!

Musicians Corner's 16th season is underway. I was so excited to see Britney Spencer headlining…read moreFriday night. She sounded amazing. I love seeing families, couples, friend groups, and everything in between in attendance. The weather was perfect and I am so grateful for free public access to live music in Centennial Park every May/June and September. Everyone should have the chance to listen to incredible music in Music City. Musicians Corner is a program of Centennial Park Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to preserve, enhance, and share the Parthenon and Centennial Park. Street parking can be found around the park. There are a variety of vendors that range from food, beer, crafts, snacks, and artist merch available to buy. I recommend bringing a thick blanket or lawn chair! The ground was a little uncomfortable and I just need to make sure I come more prepared next time. Events like this make Nashville special! Can't wait to go back this summer.

What's not to love? Musician's Corner is an annual series of free concerts in the back corner of…read moreCentennial Park. This past weekend (5/17/24, 5/18/24) was the opening weekend of the spring 2024 series, the 15th anniversary year of the series. Sponsored by grants and corporate sponsors, attendees don't have to pay a dime for a show and there's almost always plenty of free parking in and around the park to boot. Vendors set up around the circle--food, beer, crafts, snacks, and artist/venue merch. The variety of artists is pretty wide from genre (country, rock, soul, jazz, everything else) to experience (newbies, up-and-comers, seasoned veterans). For example, this past Saturday consisted of a newer soul artist out of D.C. (Kenny Sharp), Vince Gill (celebrating those 15 years with 15 minutes), a young local alt-rock/pop band (Nordista Freeze), and Lissie (a fantastic 20-year indie rock veteran with a great band). Rain rolled in clearing out a lot of the space as Lissie played but she kept on rocking through the rain with a full, excellent set. Bring your own blanket, towel or lawn chair. You can even bring a cooler in so long as you leave the booze at home (they want you to buy theirs if you're thirsty).

If you're looking for a nice, yet expensive piece of furniture that's a bit different than the…read morelatest trend from Ethan Allen or Haverty's, Elmore's might have it. Their furniture tends to be of the classic type that would belong in Franklin's big old Victorian houses, but it's not necessarily all stuffy and they have a selection of big comfy chairs. I've always liked browsing in this store, but it's the kind of place in which you'd better be ready to throw down some serious money for one classic piece.

I should preface that Yelp Nashville was a sponsor of Next Big Nashville's newly monikered music…read morefestival Soundland but that my review is just based off of my consumer experience. Cool? From the shows hosted at Mercy Lounge and Neurhoff that supported Nashville artists such as Madi Diaz, Chancellor Warhol, Black Belles, and Apache Relay to the new hip-hop dedicated evening with an outdoor stage, Soundland has grown and taken on a more focused direction. With diverse headliners such as Foster the People, M Ward, Justin Townes Earle, and Yelawolf... there was a little something for everybody. Th "Fieldtrips" included panel discussions hosted at Gibson and The Belcourt offered up a range of topics that appealed to those in the "industry" and also for those who are just intrigued by topics such as a Case Study on chart-topping band The Civil Wars or The State of A&R Discussion. I thoroughly enjoyed the intimate setting of the American Songwriter Sessions with both Justin Townes Earle and Low Anthem that were a nice little treat in the afternoon. The VIP parties were a nice range of free bites and libations throughout the week that were hosted at various venues that include opening night at TPAC, brunch at Imogene + Willie, happy hour hour at Virago, lunch and brew at Jackalope and a mixer at the Gibson Showroom. Was I intoxicated most of the week? You betcha. My only disappointment, was although there was a massive slide shaped like a dinosaur, fantastic bands bookedm and a ton of overall potential at the Neuhoff Factory Party Stage, I felt a bit underwhelmed by this location's layout and setup. Besides that, I am pumped to see what NBN-Soundland has in store for us all next year!

Next Big Nashville is one of my favorite local events. It has been growing every year. Music…read moreVenues and other local businesses all over the city host local and regional bands Thursday through Sunday. Each showcase generally has five bands of similar style. You can take the free shuttle to hop from venue to venue between sets. Next Big Nashville is a great way to check out local bands you may have heard of, but don't want to commit to paying for their individual shows. You can buy one wristband that gives you access to the whole event, pay at the door for individual shows, or buy a VIP pass to add on special lunches and pre-parties. Wristbands and VIP passes also get you discounts to local businesses like Grimey's. By the end of the weekend the backs of your hands will be littered with door stamps and you'll be so sick of live music and dance after parties you'll want to vomit (perhaps you already will have vomited). Then, of course, there's the next weekend, and you'll be ready again.

If you love art like I do, go to Richland Fine Art and walk around. Promise you will like what you…read moresee. This beautiful gallery has a conglomerate of original art work. I loved the oil paintings and dreamed of where in my house I could hang each piece. Then I looked at the prices! However, I don't think they are outrageous for well know regional artists' original pieces. Remember good art is an investment! Richland hosts great events such as open houses, showings, and meet the artists parties from time to time. Check out the web site for details. This was a fascinating way to spend a hot summer afternoon. Also makes me realize how little artistic talent I have! But makes you appreciate those who have it all the more.

Richland Fine Art is a large gallery located on the upstairs level of Grace's Plaza, just past the…read moreMall at Green Hills. Although most of the paintings here a very conventional (children playing on the beach, still lives, agricultural landscapes, European streets, luxurious portraits, etc.), I did see a few more innovative pieces too, including a drippy-looking abstract painting in bold primary colors, a very realistic portrait of two old-timers playing folk music in a community center, and some neat impressionist wilderness scenes by Gavin Brooks. Most of the artwork at Richland is large-scale and very pricey. But they weren't kiddiing when they called it "Fine Art" - all of the paintings here are vibrant and professional-looking, clearly created by highly trained artists. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and don't seem to mind if you wander in without necessarily intending to make a purchase.

Jon Boyce and his music tree entertainment is superb. I highly recommend participating in any…read moreevents held by this business. From karaoke, to trivia, to wedding events, it will definitely be worthwhile!