(l-r) B.B. King, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Smokey Robinson
Nashville is indeed Music City U.S.A. So far the concert lineup for some of the city’s major venues indicate that there will indeed be no shortage of amazing and talented musical artists to witness in the coming year. So, if you’re wondering what last-minute gift to give that music lover in your life, or how to spend your Christmas mad money gifts, here are a few suggestions, and major highlights.
B.B. King — Don’t miss the King of the Blues in his first-ever appearance at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. More than 50 years into his career, B.B. King continues to wear his crown well, singing and playing the blues with relentless passion. Over the years, this living legend has developed one of the world’s most identifiable guitar styles, influencing generations of musicians with his distinctive mix of blues, jazz, swing and pop. Concert: April 25.
Smokey Robinson — Spend the most romantic evening of the year with Motown legend Smokey Robinson, and treat your beloved to a magical night at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. With his instantly recognizable falsetto, this incredible performer will perform his classic hits, from ‘I Second That Emotion’ to ‘Cruisin’,’ backed by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony on Feb. 14 and 15.
Motown takes over the historic Ryman Auditorium stage with a special appearance by The Temptations and The Four Tops on April 14. The legendary performers are credited with helping to define the ‘Motown Sound’
of the 1960s. The Temptations, who were ranked #67 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, are most well known for their hits ‘My Girl,’ ‘Get Ready,’ and ‘Papa Was A Rolling Stone.’ The Four Tops’ chart-topping hits ‘I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)’ and ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’ are always crowd sing-along favorites. The band was honored with The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater & Christian McBride, with Dee Dee Bridgewater, vocals; Christian McBride, bass & bandleader; Ambrose Akinmusire, trumpet; Chris Potter, saxophone; Benny Green, piano and Lewis Nash, drums comes to the Schermerhorn. Stunning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater joins bassist Christian McBride and his quintet for a tribute to the longest-running jazz festival in the world. Since its inception in 1958, the Monterey Jazz Festival has presented nearly every major jazz star—from Billie Holiday to Louis Armstrong to Esperanza Spalding. This very special presentation will capture the festival’s adventurous, exuberant spirit with an evening of joyful fun, classic songs and original compositions on January 25.
The American indie pop band Fun is best known for their hit singles ‘We Are Young’ and ‘Some Nights.’ ‘We Are Young’ reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Digital Songs charts, becoming the first alternative rock song to top the Billboard Hot 100 since Coldplay’s ‘Viva la Vida’ in 2008. Fun has since been featured in hit television shows such as Gossip Girl, 90210, and Glee and commercials for Chevrolet and Apple. Concert: the Ryman on February 16.
Concerts and Shows for 2013
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Monterey Jazz Festival on tour — Friday, Jan. 25, 8 pm
Smokey Robinson Valentine — Fri., Feb. 14-15, 8 pm
Drumline Live! — Feb. 18, 7:30 pm
Chick Corea & Bela Fleck — March 22, 8 pm
Wayne Shorter — April 12, 8 pm
BB King — April 25, 8 pm
Bridgestone Arena
Justin Bieber — January 18
Pink — March 2
Bon Jovi — March 6
Lady Gaga — March 10
Eric Clapton — March 22
Maroon 5 — March 24
One Direction — June 19
Taylor Swift — Sept 19-20-21
Ryman Auditorium
Fun — Feb 16, 8 pm
Temptations & Four Tops — April 14, 7:30 pm
TPAC
Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang — March 1
War and Tower of Power — April 12
Weird Al Yankovic — April 18
