Nashville Scene's Best of 2016: A Round-up of the City's Top Picks in Music, Art and Culture

Discover the best of Nashville with our scene guide for 2016. From music to food and everything in between, find it all here!

The Nashville music scene has always been a hub for talented musicians and songwriters, and 2016 was no exception. As the year came to a close, several artists emerged as standouts, making waves in the industry with their unique sound and captivating performances. From country to indie and everything in between, Nashville saw a diverse range of talent that kept music lovers on their toes. In this article, we'll take a look back at the best of Nashville's music scene in 2016.

First up, we have the breakout star of the year, Maren Morris. With her hit single My Church, Morris quickly made a name for herself in the country music world. Her soulful voice and honest lyrics captivated audiences, earning her a spot on several major tours and award nominations. But it wasn't just her talent that caught people's attention; Morris also brought a fresh perspective to the genre, blending elements of pop, R&B, and even hip-hop into her music.

Another artist who made a big impact in 2016 was Anderson .Paak. Though he hails from California, .Paak found a home in Nashville's vibrant music community while recording his album Malibu. The album, which features a blend of funk, soul, and hip-hop, received critical acclaim and earned .Paak a spot on several major festivals. His live performances were also a highlight of the year, showcasing his impressive musicianship and infectious energy.

Speaking of live performances, Nashville's own Moon Taxi had a standout year in 2016. The indie rock band, known for their high-energy shows, played sold-out concerts across the country and even headlined their own festival, Moon River Festival. With their catchy hooks and anthemic choruses, Moon Taxi's music has a way of getting stuck in your head long after the show is over.

But it wasn't just established artists who made a splash in Nashville in 2016. The city's music scene also saw a rise in up-and-coming talent, such as singer-songwriter Devin Dawson. With his debut single All On Me, Dawson showed off his raw, emotional songwriting and soulful voice. He quickly gained a following and landed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville.

Of course, Nashville's music scene isn't just about the big names and rising stars. The city is also home to a thriving community of independent artists, who often fly under the radar but are no less talented. One such artist is Erin Rae, whose album Soon Enough was a hidden gem of 2016. Rae's gentle voice and poetic lyrics create a dreamy, introspective atmosphere that is perfect for late-night listening sessions.

As we look back on Nashville's music scene in 2016, it's clear that the city continues to be a hotbed of creativity and talent. From established stars to fresh faces, from country to indie, there truly is something for everyone in Music City. So here's to another year of great music and unforgettable performances.

Introduction

The Nashville Scene is a weekly newspaper in Nashville, Tennessee that covers news, politics, and culture. Every year, the newspaper releases a list of the best things in Nashville called the Best of Nashville. This list includes everything from the best restaurants to the best music venues. In 2016, the Nashville Scene released its annual Best of Nashville list, and it was filled with some amazing picks.

Best New Restaurant: Henrietta Red

Henrietta Red is a seafood restaurant located in Germantown. The restaurant has a chic, modern design and serves up some of the freshest seafood in Nashville. The menu changes frequently, but some standout dishes include the oysters, crab beignets, and the whole roasted fish. And don't forget to try the cocktails, which are expertly crafted by the talented bar staff.

Best Music Venue: The Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is one of the most iconic music venues in the world. The venue has hosted everyone from Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash to Dolly Parton. In 2016, the Ryman continued to be one of the best places to catch a live music show in Nashville. Some of the standout shows included Sturgill Simpson, Bonnie Raitt, and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Best Coffee Shop: Barista Parlor

Barista Parlor is a coffee shop with several locations throughout Nashville. The shop has a rustic, industrial design and serves up some of the best coffee in town. They roast their own beans and offer a variety of brewing methods, including pour-over and French press. If you're looking for a great cup of coffee in Nashville, Barista Parlor is the place to go.

Best Place for a Date: Pinewood Social

Pinewood Social is a restaurant and bar located in the heart of Nashville. The restaurant has a retro-chic design and serves up some amazing food and drinks. But what really sets Pinewood Social apart is its unique features like the bowling alley, bocce ball court, and outdoor swimming pool. It's the perfect place for a fun and memorable date night.

Best Boutique: White's Mercantile

White's Mercantile is a boutique located in the 12 South neighborhood of Nashville. The shop sells a curated selection of clothing, accessories, home goods, and gifts. The store has a rustic, country feel and is filled with unique finds that you won't see anywhere else. If you're looking for a special gift or just want to treat yourself, White's Mercantile is the perfect place to shop.

Best Art Gallery: Frist Center for the Visual Arts

The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is an art museum located in downtown Nashville. The museum features a rotating selection of exhibitions that span a variety of genres and mediums. In 2016, the Frist Center continued to showcase some of the best art in Nashville. Some of the standout exhibitions included Looking East: Western Artists and the Allure of Japan and Vadis Turner: Tempest.

Best Bar: The Patterson House

The Patterson House is a speakeasy-style bar located in Midtown. The bar has a vintage, cozy vibe and serves up some amazing cocktails. The bartenders are true mixologists and can whip up anything from a classic Old Fashioned to a creative, house-made concoction. And if you're hungry, be sure to try the truffle popcorn or the charcuterie board.

Best Record Store: Grimey's New and Preloved Music

Grimey's New and Preloved Music is a record store located in the East Nashville neighborhood. The store sells new and used vinyl, CDs, and music-related merchandise. But what really sets Grimey's apart is its commitment to supporting local music. The store hosts in-store performances by local and national acts, and has become a hub for the Nashville music community.

Best Food Truck: Mas Tacos Por Favor

Mas Tacos Por Favor is a food truck that serves up some of the best tacos in Nashville. The truck is parked in the heart of East Nashville and has become a local favorite. The menu features a variety of tacos, including the famous fried avocado taco, as well as other Mexican-inspired dishes like tortas and elote. If you're looking for a delicious and affordable meal on the go, Mas Tacos is the way to go.

Conclusion

The Best of Nashville 2016 list from the Nashville Scene was filled with some amazing picks. From the best restaurants to the best music venues, there's no shortage of great places to check out in Music City. Whether you're a local or just visiting, be sure to add some of these spots to your list.

Nashville, the capital city of Tennessee, is known as the Music City and is home to some of the best local music acts in the country. The city is also famous for its food, festivals, and iconic landmarks. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best of Nashville in 2016.

The Best Local Music Acts of 2016: Nashville's Rising Stars

Nashville has a thriving music scene, and 2016 saw the emergence of some exciting new talent. From country to rock, pop, and hip hop, Nashville has it all. One of the rising stars of 2016 was Maren Morris, who won the New Artist of the Year award at the Country Music Association Awards. Morris's debut album Hero was a critical and commercial success, featuring hit singles like My Church and 80s Mercedes. Another rising star was Anderson East, whose soulful blend of blues and rock earned him rave reviews and a growing fan base.

The Top Restaurants in Nashville: A Foodie's Guide to the City

Nashville's food scene is booming, with new restaurants opening up all the time. The city is famous for its hot chicken, BBQ, and Southern comfort food, but it also has a diverse range of international cuisine. One of the top restaurants of 2016 was Henrietta Red, a seafood-focused eatery that won accolades for its oyster bar and creative cocktails. The Catbird Seat continued to be a favorite among foodies, offering a unique tasting menu experience with an open kitchen concept. Other notable restaurants include The Grilled Cheeserie, Butcher & Bee, and Two Ten Jack.

Nashville's Best Events of 2016: From Festivals to Concerts

Nashville is a city that loves to celebrate, and 2016 was no exception. The city hosted a range of festivals and events throughout the year, including the CMA Music Festival, the Nashville Film Festival, and the Tennessee State Fair. One of the highlights of the year was the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, which brought together some of the biggest names in music for a four-day celebration of music, art, and community.

The Most Iconic Landmarks in Nashville: A Must-See List

Nashville is full of iconic landmarks that are a must-see for visitors and locals alike. The most famous of these is the Ryman Auditorium, known as the Mother Church of Country Music. The Grand Ole Opry, a weekly country music radio show, is also a must-visit destination. Other notable landmarks include the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original Greek temple in Athens, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which celebrates the history of country music.

The Best Neighborhoods in Nashville: Where to Live, Work, and Play

Nashville has a range of neighborhoods that offer something for everyone. From the trendy bars and restaurants of East Nashville to the upscale boutiques of Green Hills, there is a neighborhood to suit every taste and budget. Germantown, located just north of downtown, is a popular choice for young professionals, while 12 South has become a hotspot for foodies and fashionistas.

Nashville's Best Coffee Shops: A Caffeine Lover's Dream

Nashville's coffee scene is buzzing, with new coffee shops popping up all over the city. One of the best of 2016 was Barista Parlor, which won accolades for its artisanal coffee and cool industrial vibe. Other notable coffee shops include Crema, which specializes in single-origin coffee, and Steadfast Coffee, which offers a range of creative coffee drinks and snacks.

The Top Bars and Nightclubs in Nashville: Where to Party

Nashville is also known for its nightlife, with a range of bars and nightclubs that cater to every taste. One of the best of 2016 was The Station Inn, a legendary bluegrass venue that attracts music lovers from all over the world. Other popular spots include Acme Feed & Seed, a multi-level bar and restaurant with live music and rooftop views, and The Patterson House, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar that serves up creative drinks in an intimate setting.

Nashville's Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces: Where to Find Nature in the City

Despite being a bustling city, Nashville has plenty of green spaces where visitors and locals can escape the hustle and bustle. Centennial Park, located just west of downtown, is a popular destination thanks to its iconic Parthenon replica and walking trails. Percy Warner Park, located in Belle Meade, is a favorite among hikers and runners, while Radnor Lake State Park is a peaceful oasis just south of the city.

The Best Shopping Destinations in Nashville: A Shopaholic's Guide

Nashville is home to a range of shopping destinations, from local boutiques to high-end designer stores. One of the best of 2016 was White's Mercantile, a general store that sells everything from home goods to clothing and accessories. Other notable shopping destinations include Imogene + Willie, a denim shop that specializes in custom-made jeans, and Draper James, Reese Witherspoon's Southern-inspired clothing and lifestyle brand.

The Best Art Galleries in Nashville: A Showcase of Local Talent

Nashville has a thriving arts scene, with galleries showcasing the work of local and national artists. The Frist Art Museum, located in downtown Nashville, features rotating exhibits of contemporary and classical art, while the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers a unique combination of art and nature. Other notable galleries include the Rymer Gallery, which specializes in contemporary art, and the Tinney Contemporary, which showcases emerging artists.In conclusion, Nashville is a city that has something for everyone, from music lovers to foodies, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Whether you're a visitor or a local, 2016 was a great year to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Nashville Scene Best of 2016

Point of View:

As a music enthusiast, I found the Nashville Scene Best of 2016 to be a comprehensive and insightful list of the year's best music. The Scene's team of critics and writers did an excellent job of highlighting a wide range of genres and artists, from up-and-coming acts to established legends. It was refreshing to see a mix of mainstream and independent artists on the list, as well as a focus on local Nashville talent.

Pros:

Provides a diverse selection of music genres and artists
Includes both mainstream and independent acts
Features local Nashville talent
Insightful commentary from the Scene's team of critics and writers
Comprehensive coverage of the year's best music

Cons:

No clear criteria for how the list was compiled
Some notable omissions and snubs
Focused primarily on popular music, neglecting other areas such as jazz or classical
Could benefit from more in-depth analysis and discussion of each entry

Table Comparison for Keywords:

Keyword	Definition	Example
Genre	A category of artistic composition	Rock, pop, hip-hop, country, jazz
Independent	A non-affiliated or self-sufficient entity	Indie record label, independent artist
Local	Pertaining to a specific area or region	Local music scene, locally sourced ingredients
Critics	People who professionally evaluate and analyze art	Music critic, film critic, book critic
Comprehensive	Complete or thorough	Comprehensive coverage, comprehensive exam

Overall, the Nashville Scene Best of 2016 is a valuable resource for music lovers looking to discover new artists and songs. While there are some areas for improvement, such as more transparency about the selection process and more diverse genre coverage, the list remains an important snapshot of the year's best music.

Closing Message: Nashville Scene Best of 2016

As we come to the end of our Nashville Scene Best of 2016 article, we hope you have enjoyed reading about some of the incredible people, places, and things that make Nashville such a special city. From the best restaurants and bars to the most talented musicians and artists, Nashville truly has it all.

We would like to take a moment to thank all of the readers who have joined us on this journey through Nashville's top spots. We hope that you have been inspired to explore this vibrant city and all that it has to offer. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there is always something new and exciting to discover in Nashville.

Throughout this article, we have highlighted some of the standout performers, venues, and events that made 2016 such a memorable year for music lovers in Nashville. From the legendary Ryman Auditorium to the intimate listening rooms of East Nashville, there is no shortage of amazing live music experiences in this city.

But beyond the music scene, Nashville also boasts some of the best food and drink options in the country. Whether you are looking for classic southern cuisine or innovative international dishes, you will find it all in Nashville. And with a thriving craft beer and cocktail culture, there is no shortage of great places to grab a drink with friends.

Of course, no article about Nashville would be complete without mentioning the incredible array of cultural attractions and outdoor activities that this city has to offer. From the stunning art galleries of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts to the peaceful green spaces of Centennial Park, there is something here for everyone.

In closing, we would like to encourage you to continue exploring all that Nashville has to offer in 2017 and beyond. Whether you are a music lover, foodie, or just someone who loves to experience new things, this city will not disappoint. Thank you for joining us on this journey through the best of Nashville in 2016, and we look forward to sharing more with you in the future.

Finally, we would like to give a special shoutout to all of the amazing artists, performers, chefs, bartenders, and others who make Nashville such a vibrant and exciting place to be. Your talent and hard work inspire us every day, and we are grateful for all that you do to make this city great.

Thank you again for reading, and we hope to see you soon in Nashville!