East Side Hootnanny

All photos in this post courtesy of my brilliant wife, Sarah Scott. For more photos like this, check out her awesome blog at frothandaperture.blogspot.com

Possibly the greatest thing that we've discovered about Nashville is the plethora of free, music-themed events that happen seemingly every weekend, and occasionally on those typically slow midweek nights. And, luckily for anyone with less and less disposable money lying around (like us), some of those events are free. Probably the one that we have enjoyed the most, though, is the East Side Hootnanny. With free music, food trucks, a photo booth, several local vendor tents, and the best scenery in the area, this just seems to epitomize Nashville.

When we moved to Nashville a few weeks ago, we knew that we were moving the Music City, where bands and solo artists come to show their work and hope that it sticks to a big enough audience to catapult them into some level of stardom. However, we came unaware that our arrival directly coincided with what is probably the biggest local artist exposure opportunity in the entire region. We just so happen to land in town in the middle of the East Nashville East Side Hootnanny, and we quickly realized that we had something to do every Saturday night for the rest of the month of June.

So far, we've been to two 'Nannys, and they were equally as enjoyable. The first was within a few days of our move, so the relaxation was the most appreciated element. Attendees are encouraged to walk around some of the vendor tents and see what kind of crafts the area has to offer, but most just claim a spot in the large, grassy courtyard facing the stage and settle in for a night of conversation and eclectic music. Having spent two days furiously and hurriedly packing and unpacking everything we own, we appreciated the latter opportunity the most. Sitting under the slanted shade of a row of trees as the sun makes its final glow across the sky, feeling the temperature drop a couple degrees to a comfortable 79 or 80, letting the cold condensation from the beer can or plastic cup drop lazily onto the grass at your feet. It's the best way that I can think to spend a tired Saturday afternoon. 

Our second trip was basically like the first; unfortunately, it started to rain after we had been there for only about an hour, so we had to leave at the top of the second-to-last act's set. But, we still got another taste of that Nashville vapor, a calming, exciting combination of talent, good food, and community appreciation. There's still one more 'Nanny to be had (on the 28th, this Saturday), so expect to see us there again, relaxing and talking about whatever festival or event is undoubtedly on its way after this one.

All photos in this post courtesy of my brilliant wife, Sarah Scott. For more photos like this, check out her awesome blog at frothandaperture.blogspot.com