Whether your particular “music loving” comes in the form of playing, learning, or enjoying artists doing what they do best, there is much to satisfy your preferences along the I-65 corridor. You can add to your knowledge, enjoy classical or contemporary selections, sit spellbound in the audience for Broadway-style productions, or clap, boogie, and sing along at small or large live music gatherings. There is also a place where you can take free lessons and learn a new instrument. As a music lover myself, here are the ones I found to be noteworthy and intriguing.
INDIANA
Michael Jackson’s Boyhood Home — This is a historic landmark at 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, IN, not a museum and not a place you can go inside. It is, however, very revealing about Jackson’s upbringing.
Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park — It is a popular concert and event venue at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis.
John Mellencamp Mural in Seymour, IN. –This is a great photo op on the side of This Old Guitar Music Store in the town where Mellencamp was born.
Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville, IN. — There is a good chance your visit will coincide with a scheduled performance.
KENTUCKY
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train — You can enjoy this attraction throughout the year in Bardstown, KY, which is a short detour off I-65. You can book lunch or dinner excursions (primarily on weekends), Polar Express rides, and Murder Mystery Dinners.
“The Stephen Foster Story” musical — This musical is presented in the summer months at My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown.
TENNESSEE
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum — Park in one of the nearby paid lots and enjoy the Museum and Hall of Fame seven days a week.
Broadway in Nashville, also known as the Honky Tonk Highway — By merely strolling down this lively street, almost any time of the day or night, you are very likely to hear live performances.
Ryman Auditorium — What was first the Union Gospel Tabernacle was renamed Ryman Auditorium in 1904. The first concert was hosted there in 1892. The list of storied performers who have stood on the stage is long and impressive. Browse the calendar and book tickets for your favorite musicians.
The Grand Ole Opry — Technically speaking, The Grand Ole Opry is a live radio broadcast held two or more nights a week, depending on the time of the year. Both The Opry House and Ryman Auditorium plays host to these broadcasts. The Opry House holds about 2000 more people than the Ryman.
Johnny Cash Museum — This museum is located at 119 3rd Avenue S in Nashville and is open seven days a week. There is no parking dedicated specifically for the museum, but you can book a parking spot in advance by going to the museum’s website. USA Today has declared it to be the #1 Music Museum in the country!
National Museum of African American Music — This museum and the five attractions above are all within walking distance of each other. It is one of the designated Smithsonian museums, and as such, admission is free. The National Museum of African American Music is open seven days a week. Expect to hear the sounds of blues, jazz, hip-hop, gospel, spirituals, and R&B while you peruse the displays.
The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University –– Okay. I’ll admit it. This place is on my radar because I have two grandchildren attending Belmont University, and one of them actually works at The Fisher Center. In spite of that, I encourage you to go to the website and look at all of the amazing performances on the calendar.
ALABAMA
Hank Williams Museum in downtown Montgomery — You’ll come out whistling “Hey, Good Lookin’. Whatcha got cookin’?” when you spend time in this museum, located about a mile off of I-65 and open seven days a week.
Hank Williams, Sr. Boyhood Home & Museum — By traveling a few miles south of Montgomery to the tiny town of Georgiana, you can find the boyhood home of Hank Williams, Sr. and another small museum with more photos and memorabilia.
Stovehouse, Campus 805, and The Camp at MidCity (which is in the process of relocating to a larger place still within MidCity) in Huntsville — All of these venues have schedules of live music waiting for you to enjoy. Most are completely free of charge.
The Orion Amphitheater — The Orion has an 8000-seat capacity, state-of-the-art equipment, and an amazing array of food and drink options while you enjoy a performance. This is a stellar addition to the Huntsville entertainment scene.
The Princess Theatre on 2nd Avenue in Decatur — What was once a livery stable is now a gleaming theater that is a proud community treasure. For plays, movies, live music and more, The Princess is the place. As a plus, it is surrounded by some great dining options within easy walking distance.
BONUS: Cigar Box Guitar Store at Lowe Mill in Huntsville — Take your own cigar box guitar, buy a kit or a ready-made guitar at the store and join in for a class on Saturdays. So much fun!
Details about all of these places plus more than 200 more attractions and restaurants can be found in my book.
