Steel guitar in NYC and Nashville

Frode Bjoernstad · Post by **Frode Bjoernstad** » 18 Feb 2005 3:57 am

Hi!
I'm going to US in April with my girlfriend, and I appreciate all tips on what to do, where to dine, and where to stay!
We will be arriving in New York April 8, and stay there for the weekend, before we head to Nashville, TN on Monday April 11. We will be staying in Nashville until Sunday 17…
My original purpose for the trip is to get me some PSG lessons in Nashville, but we will of course be enjoying the trip as a vacation as well. We will try to catch some live music both in NYC and Nashville so I hope we get lucky with the dates… Hopefully catch some of you forumites in action?
I guess we should book rooms in advance both in NYC and Nashville, so any ideas would be very welcome..
The lessons I have booked are with Fats Kaplin in Nashville, but I'm still interested in meeting others for a quick lesson!

I know it's a little while until the trip, and you guys probably haven't filled up your calendars with April gigs yet…
Drop me a line or reply to this thread if have any tips!

Have a nice day!
Frode

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 18 Feb 2005 7:19 am

<SMALL> I hope we get lucky with the dates</SMALL>

That's what I always hope. It's rare on the first one, but sometimes it happens.

Frode, keep my e-mail handy. If I'm in town on that weekend (most probably) I can find out about gigs and take you around.

There are many hotels in the midtown area which is 38th st - 48th st. That's also around Broadway and Times Square. It's most convenient to all forms of public transportation so you can travel anywhere easily. It's also a very lively part of town as it's also the theater district with plenty of restaurants. I'd recommend it as home base.

Jeppe Grangaard · Post by **Jeppe Grangaard** » 18 Feb 2005 8:09 am

Now you guys give Frode the "inside track" of NewYork and Nashville from your perspective, it’s gonna come in handy for other europeans steelers.
THE Way to travel, Frode. Jep

John Pritchard · Post by **John Pritchard** » 18 Feb 2005 9:06 am

Hi Frode, Guitar legend Les Paul ofen plays at a small Manhatten Jazz club called....I think it's "Iridium". At 80 + years, I here he's amazing. Have a great Trip!

Tim Bridges · Post by **Tim Bridges** » 18 Feb 2005 12:34 pm

Frode,

I recommend "Union Station", a Wyndham Hotel. My wife and I stay there when we visit Nashville. It's the ol' train station converted to a 4 star hotel. Rates are reasonable. Arthur's is a 4 star restaraunt at Union Station. This puts you on Broadway, 6 blocks from Lower Broadway. You can sit there from noon until 3 am listening to really good players. Mike Sweeney is around Legends Corner with James Gee & The Rural Route 3 Band; we caught Doug Jernigan there in December. The beverages are expensive, but have 1, or 3 before you get there and enjoy the music. You might want to check out the Bluebird Cafe as well. Visit their website @ www.bluebirdcafe.com. You can find out who is scheduled to play. I hear that John Huey and other greats play every Monday at the corner of 3rd & Lindsey. You'll have a great time! You may want to see if anyone is scheduled at the Ryman Auditorium. They occasionally still have shows, but you'll need advance ticket purchase.

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 18 Feb 2005 2:13 pm

Hey--cool about Fats. When I got my first steel in '83 I hooked up with him here in NY where he was at the time and took a lesson. Fact was, I wasn't in the right place, mentally, and I can't say it made much of a difference in my life but he was certainly a good guy. I'd gain a whole lot more right now if he were around and I could take some lessons. Do as Howard suggests--he's got his finger on the pulse.