Question for Nashville and Country Bassists

mchildree · #1 05-20-2002, 07:51 PM

For all you guys that live in Nashville: how common is it to get a gig at the Ryman Auditorium?

This past weekend, my bluegrass band played a gig at the Opry Mills Mall, on the "entertainment court" stage. Afterward, a guy came up and asked if we'd like to play at the Ryman...we just kind of blew him off, none of us ever figured we'd get to play there in this lifetime. Today, I came home, and there's a message from the guy on my machine. I return the call, and he booked us for a Vince Gill show on the 20th of June. We're not openers, but are playing in the "parlor" (lobby) before the show. But...it's the Ryman...for a bluegrass band, that's like Yankee Stadium. At an expected sell-out Vince Gill bluegrass show besides....

I had to wonder how many local Nashville bands would like to have that gig and why they chose us. We ain't exactly cheap, and we're 400 miles away. Is there a down side to this that I'm not aware of? Is this one of those gigs that the local bands won't take for some reason?

Munjibunga · #2 05-20-2002, 08:36 PM

Hmmmm ... lemme know if you guys can't make it. We'll drive from California.

mchildree · #3 05-21-2002, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AcousticBass
I'm in Nashville and I can tell you this: I have no clue.

Take advantage of it play your @$$ off. You could have the headline spot soon!

Where is your band from?

We're from the cultural hell-hole of Phenix City, AL

I guess we'll enjoy it. We generally have a really good time when we gig anyway. I just can't help but feel a little guilty, though...I've got friends in Nashvegas that have been slogging through crappy day-jobs, trying to break into the scene up there for years. Here I am in a band that has no desire for a record deal or full-time touring and we're getting choice gigs.