Hey Vadim,
Great to hear from you. When are you going to be here? I play this Saturday at 360 Burger. I also host the "Rising Star" contest on Monday at 360. The prize is $100. Two songs. Would be glad to put you on if you can make it.
360 BURGER is a newer writers night in town and has writers 4 nights a week. Tuesday's are hosted by friends of mine, Allen And Kelly Shervelle. You could probably get on there as well. The rest of the places you should go:
The Commodore, hosted by Debi Champion. Has an open mic every night.
TheMaxwell house Hotel, hosted by Lee Rascone' on Tuesdays and thursdays.
Douglas Corner on Tuesdays.
Places to go: (This is the most important thing you can do)
THE BLUEBIRD is the gold standard, but you have to reserve places on Monday online or you won't get in. The hottest ticket in town.
THE LISTENING ROOM
THE COMMODORE
PUCKETTS
360 BURGER
If you focus on these places you will see everything you need to see about Nashville. You need to see very good writers, it's true, but you REALLY need to see MEDIOCRITY. Because that is the most of what is here. People think everyone is very good and they are not. We are filled with newcomers, lame artists and writers and a lot of people parroting things that are not very good to begin with. The songs all sound the same and the boredom factor is HUGE.
That is what you need to see as much as the great writers.
The biggest thing people need to do on a first trip is ABSORB more than try to perform. One of the main reasons is that there are so many people coming to town, sitting in a writers night or open mic, can take a LONG time. So you need to pay attention.
I would strongly suggest you doing one of my tours or at least sitting down for an hour with me. Will help you understand all this a good deal.
Let me know how you are doing. Would like to meet you.
MAB