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Outside Exit/InPhoto: Eric England
At the beginning of 2020, it looked like we were in for a very, very busy year for live music in Nashville. But once COVID-19 arrived in March, followed by the rapid shuttering of nonessential businesses and public spaces, all bets were off. Itâs been nine months since venues around town were last able to do regular business. Only one, venerable songwriter hangout Douglas Corner Cafe, has closed permanently. Others continue fighting to stay afloat.
Todd Sherwood filming a show at The 5 SpotPhoto: Eric EnglandSome have leaned into streaming concerts, with either a drastically reduced audience or none at all. The Station Inn established its own streaming channel in 2019, which has been vital to helping the intimate bluegrass mecca weather the storm. Over in Five Points, The 5 Spot built up a substantial streaming rig and has embraced functioning like a soundstage. Many other venues â including Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, whose March grand opening was postponed and which has yet to have a show for an audience â have hosted streams too.Â