Get jamming with these six performance venues for student musicians
If you spend even a little bit of time roaming campus, you’ll inevitably stumble upon talented student musicians. Whether they’re strumming a guitar in the library quad, playing a fiddle on the steps of the Honors building, or jamming to djembe beat along sidewalks, it becomes quickly clear that music is a defining part of a Blue Raider’s blood. To capitalize on this, MTSU has one of the most impressive songwriting programs in the nation. Alumni like Luke Laird, songwriter for artists like Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, Blake Shelton, and Tim McGraw; Laura Rogers, a member of the band Secret Sisters; Erin Enderlin, songwriter for Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack; and Tay Keith, a twice-Grammy nominated producer who produced Travis Scott’s No. 1 track “SICKO MODE” with Drake, Big Hawk and Swae Lee, have all come from this prestigious and inspiring program.
But moving on to “the big stage”—while every artist’s dream—takes work, dedication, and connections. So how do students get there? And how can you support your fellow student musicians on the road to their future?
The answer is easy, and even better—it’s enjoyable. There are numerous student performance venues in and around Murfreesboro that let students and producers write, sing, and perform their hearts out with high quality equipment before a live audience. So without further ado, here are six performance venues for aspiring student musicians:
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1: The Laundry Room
The Laundry Room is without a doubt a student favorite. Started by MTSU alumni Christian Hannah and Jacob Keener, the venue was purposely built to showcase the talent of MTSU. The showroom has 400 square feet of beautiful performance space, a max-capacity of 100 people, and a 16 ft by 8 ft stage. For all of the production geeks, a full-scale live sound production system is available with a 20-channel digital console with multitrack recording capabilities, 3 monitor wedges, and 2 in-ear monitor systems. Videographers may be provided upon request.
The venue even hosts other events like dance shows, magic events and comedy nights.
You can find The Laundry Room at 2801 Bradyville Pike, Murfreesboro, TN. For general inquiries, please contact thelaundryroomvenue@gmail.com.
Photo courtesy of MTSU Sidelines -
2: The Songwriter’s Stage
MTSU’s Songwriters Stage, located in the Student Services and Admissions Center at 1301 E. Main Street in Murfreesboro, has been the start of many a songwriter’s careers. Hosted by the MTSU Commercial Songwriting program and the Department of Recording Industry, the event allows students to perform in front of massive tour groups and guests of special events throughout the year.
“I think it’s cool,” said Jessica Yellowitz, a popular MTSU artist who regularly performs at the Songwriter’s Stage, in an interview with MTSU News. “This is something unique that MTSU does that other schools that (incoming students) toured probably don’t do.”
Performance inquiries should be sent to Commercial Songwriting Assistant Professor Odie Blackman at Odie.Blackman@mtsu.edu
Photo courtesy of MTSU -
3: Pucketts
You can’t stand in Murfreesboro for very long around lunch time and not hear the name “Puckett’s.” A classic restaurant chain that dots the state, Puckett’s can easily claim to be one of the most popular live music and food venues in Murfreesboro. Apart from their homecooked-food and traditional southern meals, Puckett’s has always had a friendly and supportive relationship with MTSU students and their extraordinary performances. And considering, as we mentioned, it’s one of the most popular food venues in town, students will have a massive, ever-rotating selection of admirers to praise their talent.
You can find Puckett’s at 114 N Church St in Murfreesboro, open Sunday-Thursday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Go to their website here to contact them about performance inquiries.
Photo courtesy of Pucketts -
4: Ridenour Rehearsal Studios
Ridenour Rehearsal Studios has it all. Located in Murfreesboro, the artistic venue is certainly a one-of-a-location that offers five rehearsal studio spaces, a live performance space dubbed “The Alley,” and numerous “songwriting rooms,” specifically made to help artists work before rehearsal. According to Ridenour’s official website, “The Alley” features 1,350 square feet of rehearsal and lounge space, including professional sound equipment and stunning lighting. Shane Hunt, the manager of Ridenour Studios, said they wanted an affordable space where students were “allowed to be loud.”
Ridenour hosts numerous events every week, and has featured many an MTSU artist in its stellar stages. The venue even regularly hosts MTSU’s Omega Delta Psi’s “Bluelight Sessions,” sessions designed to showcase MTSU talent while allowing for an evening of musical communing and hanging out. Artists interested in performing should contact Ridenour Studios at (615) 956-7413.
Photo courtesy of Ridenour Rehearsal Studios -
5: Chris Young Café
The Chris Young Café represents the reincarnation of MTSU’s long-time Cyber Café to an on-campus student performance venue, named after the MTSU alumni and country star.
“MTSU will always hold a special place in my heart,” Young said at the unveiling on July 9 at the Country Music Association’s headquarters. “It helped me launch my music career and I’m glad for the opportunity to give back to the University.”
The space serves as a practice center for student entertainers and technicians by day, and a performance venue by night for music, radio, comedy and other entertainment. The venue boasts 3,200 square feet of community and dining space, with two stages, thanks to the generous $50,000 donation from Young for its renovations.
“When you’re teaching students how to manage, book and promote a concert hall, club or theater, having a working venue on campus is invaluable,” said former Media and Entertainment Dean Ken Paulson.
Students who wish to perform should once again contact Blackman at Odie.Blackman@mtsu.edu
Photo courtesy of MTSU -
6: Douglas Corner Nashville
Last but not least on our esteemed list is Douglas Corner, a hipster café in the heart of Nashville that is any indie singer’s dream. The café hosts a weekly Open Mic Night every Tuesday at 8 p.m., where artists may perform two songs each to an ever-appreciative crowd of late-night diners. This venue, with its full stage set and dramatic set design, was recommended specifically by Blackman as an excellent venue for student performers to spread their wings in the greater Nashville area.
To sign up, give Douglas Corner a call at 615-292-2530 between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Douglas Corner Nashville