Usually this time of year, we start to see stages going up and various roads being closed downtown. To be fair, that could still be happening downtown, but thanks to Captain Covid, no one is there to see it. For the first time in its 50 year history, country music’s CMA Fest (formerly known as Fan Fair) has been cancelled.
Bummer, right?
Have no fear. The library is here to get you through these tough times and tide you over until next year’s CMA Fest. While you’re waiting check out these goodies.

I worked in country music for 8 years and there was still SO MUCH I learned from this 8 -part miniseries. It was so comprehensive and so well done that I was captivated from beginning to end. We have this in several forms – DVD, CD, and book form. If the library is still closed to the public when this posts, we also have the ebook, so you won’t have to wait. Although, trust me friends, when I say this one would be worth it. If you are any kind of country music fan, or even if you’re just interested in seeing how Nashville evolved as a city, make time for this one.

I have lived in Nashville for almost 20 years now and I have never been to the Bluebird Café. Pause for shock and awe. Ok. It’s doubly bad because I used to work with songwriters in the music publishing business and that’s The Bluebird’s bread and butter. I’ve driven by it and I know where it is, but I’ve never actually gone to a show there. And I think that’s why I enjoyed this documentary so much. I love seeing how songs find life and homes with artists. Good movie about an iconic landmark in our city.
Fun story, singer Kathy Mattea tells the story of her hit song, “Where Have You Been” in both of these films and I cried both times. Fair warning.
NPL also has bunches of ebooks on country music superstars to help tide you over until we can get this city going again. Find you favorite – although if it’s Kathy Mattea, might I recommend a Kleenex…
Happy yeehawing from home…
:) Amanda