Where to hunt a big-name surprise

December 25, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Chicago Tribune

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Imagine parking yourself at the bar in one of Nashville’s beaucoup music venues, expecting to listen to a house band — and suddenly Kid Rock shows up onstage. Or Alison Krauss. Or Hank Williams Jr.

It’s not that rare an occurrence in Nashville, where some of music’s top stars frequently perform unannounced.

Last month, for example, Kid Rock played the Ryman Auditorium as part of his CARE charity tour.

On short notice, he was invited to be part of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge’s 51st birthday celebration.

Tootsie’s is one of several venues where big names often mingle and perform.

Part of this is because, well, this is Music City — the cradle of country music. It’s also a very unassuming place, where the distance between the hallowed Ryman and Broadway’s honky-tonks is just a few feet.

Here are some of Nashville’s musical high points:

The Broadway honky-tonks: Places like Tootsie’s, Legend’s Corner and the Stage play cover-free live music all day, with some of the best house bands in town.

Station Inn: It might be the best bluegrass and roots music venue in the country.

The Basement: Located in the basement of Grimey’s New and Preloved Music, it has hosted several surprise shows.