By now, you all know how I feel about New Orleans, the city that truly holds my heart. However, where I live now is definitely nothing to shake a stick at. Nashville has come a long way from rhinestone cowboys and twangy voices ensuing from beneath bouffant hairdos. Don't get me wrong, we have those still. They're just few and far between. And you can spot a tourist by their cowboy boots and hat.
Nashville holds many loves for me. First of all, hockey. We all have our teams and rivalries and I'm sure I love all of you anyway, just don't get between me and my Nashville Predators. It may be sacrilege what we fans do in Bridgestone Arena, but it's a hell of a hockey party. We're raucous and loud, and we love our boys.
But that's not really what we're known for, is it? (Although it's quickly becoming top of the list.) No, it's music. We are Music City, after all. Here's the best thing about Nashville. TONS of super stars live here and visit here. Yet, there are absolutely no issues with paparazzi. None. Not only that, but any Nashville resident can tell you that it's a cardinal sin to ogle the celebrities and treat them differently than you would anyone else. Since we're known for being "Nashville nice," it means you leave them be and smile at them like you would anybody else that you encounter. This rule of engagement means the rich and famous can go around town like normal people. And they do. Keith and Nicole hang out at a local coffee shop, Wynonna has been known to push a red cart through Target, and her mama brought the grandkids to see the cats at the local shelter. The first year I moved here, I shared a back fence with Emmy Lou Harris, who makes a mean coconut cream pie.
Of course, we can't ignore the fact that being in Music City has some very cool musical features. Like incredible shows. The past few years, I've had the honor of going to a show one of the record label groups puts on and it's exceptional. The host is funny and it's one constant stream of musical talent in the home of country music, the Mother Church as it's fondly called - The Ryman Auditorium. This year's show was my Valentine's date with the hubby. Little Big Town did a gorgeous song and Chris Stapleton made everyone cry. Keith Urban had a technical snaffoo then forgot the words to his new song, but did what the best do and laughed it off. Then Vince Gill teased him about it. New artists gave great performances, and the greats did stripped down acoustic songs that show how good they truly are. And to top everything off for my Valentine's Day, the show ended in 2 songs from Hootie and the Blowfish. You heard me. HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFISH! Not country, I know, but come on!
New Orleans will always hold my heart and soul, but that doesn't mean I can't find room in my heart for the unique town around me! Since you couldn't be there, here's some grainy phone photos from the show. And my cute hubby.
