As a New Yorker who recently relocated to Nashville, when someone first told me "you gotta go to Broadway" I was extremely confused. Broadway was back in NYC and was shut down. But Nashville has its own brand of Broadway and I was instantly enamored. After months of not being allowed inside a bar, I went downtown to get fully immersed in my new home.
Now, I can only imagine what Broadway was like pre-pandemic. And I will state that I had COVID already and have the antibodies, a fact that makes it marginally safer to be out and about. I've been asked by friends and relatives if it's safe to go out to Broadway; so, as a serious journalist, naturally I had to go investigate.
What is it Like Going to Broadway During a Pandemic?
Late twenty-somethings who hate dancing and would prefer to sit in a corner sipping a drink and listening to live music: this is your time to shine.
Nashville has sort of turned in to the town from Footloose. No dancing is allowed at any of the bars. You dance, you get kicked out. If you're a college student looking to dance on tables, I'm sorry but you'll have to wait for the vaccine.
The bars have all done an excellent job of implementing social distancing policies. I didn't go to a single bar that put me within 4 feet of the next party. Masks were to be worn any time you stood up, which led to the phrase"@$$ up, mask up" being shouted across the bar. Some people chose to keep their masks on when not actively eating or drinking, and others kept their masks off while they were seated.
The bars are subject to random inspections where infractions could lead to heavy fines or total shutdown, so trust me when I say they are on top of COVID safety protocol. No one likes the rules, but it's important to do your part to keep the bars open if you choose to go out.
Be aware that if you stay until the bars close, the streets will be flooded with people who may or may not keep their masks on.
The Best Part of Broadway in a Pandemic:
It's all about the music.
It's a spiritual experience. (That could be the artist in me speaking.) The reason to go right now is to support the musicians who are giving their all to a smaller-than-normal crowd. The audience may be modest, but the talent is enormous. Even if you choose not to go in to a bar, you can hear it emanating through the walls onto the streets.
First up was Whiskey, Cash & Roses at the Second Fiddle, a five-person group led by Holland Marie Gray and Robbie Muzick. The group was laid back and personal, and Gray's vocals gave me goosebumps. They played a bunch of classic and modern country hits, and even though the crowd couldn't dance, they were singing along and wiggling to the beat in their seats. The musicians' banter was comic and intimate given the amount of people in the room.
Next up: The Eskimo Brothers at Robert's Western World. This group of four guys rocked the small stage. Their newest member is a twenty-year-old guitar player who absolutely shredded on a gorgeous black Telecaster. But before you think the electric guitars made them too rock and roll, the band features an upright bass that brings a country balance. The group gave me Johnny Cash and friends vibes and did a mix of covers and original material.
Our last group was the house band at Rippy's Honky Tonk. It was the perfect way to finish an evening by singing along to familiar songs from "Sweet Home Alabama" to "Before He Cheats." The band called for requests and gave the impression that they knew just about every song in the country genre. The members of the band rotated on and off stage and rotated instruments throughout the evening. the
musicians were all so cool and down to earth, we ended up going to see them again the next day at Tootsies.
The Worst Part of Broadway in a pandemic:
Everything closes at 10:30.
In short, I personally felt safe given the protocols in place and I loved being able to relax and enjoy the music. It gave me a feeling of normalcy despite the masks and taped off areas.
If you don't want to follow the rules by social distancing and wearing a mask: don't go.
If you want to play it safe: wait a bit longer—we’re almost there.
If you want to get a feel for it without being totally overwhelmed: go on a weeknight.
If you choose to go and follow the rules: don't forget to tip the musicians. That's how they get paid.
What has your Broadway experience been? Who should I go see next? What's your favorite bar? Let me know in the comments!