Nashville Scene
@nashvillescene.com
Nashville’s alternative-weekly newspaper since 1989. We cover state and local politics, music, food and the arts — and throw the city’s best events. https://www.nashvillescene.com/
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Independents’ Day: Taking a Look at the State of Indie Venues
615 Indie Live is poised to celebrate the city’s independent artists and venues this weekend
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This week’s cover story: With 615 Indie Live poised to celebrate the city’s independent artists and venues, we take a look at the state of the scene.
Reposted by Nashville Scene
In September, Brenda Kay Spitzbarth told state lawmakers she feared her son would be killed in prison. Exactly one month later, her son was stabbed to death. Stories like these are unfortunately far too common.
Proposed state legislation could increase transparency and accountability in correctional facilities plagued by violence.
Families of Incarcerated Tennesseans Make Plea for Prison Reform
Proposed state legislation could increase transparency and accountability in correctional facilities plagued by violence
www.nashvillescene.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:11 PM
In September, Brenda Kay Spitzbarth told state lawmakers she feared her son would be killed in prison. Exactly one month later, her son was stabbed to death. Stories like these are unfortunately far too common.
Reposted by Nashville Scene
Late to the repost party, but stoked to have some coverage of a couple shows among the smorgasbord that is 615 Indie Live.
In our live-review column The Spin: We check out local-rock offerings during 615 Indie Live, including Venus & the Flytraps at Drkmttr and The Sewing Club at The End.
Venus & the Flytraps, Many More Rock Out for 615 Indie Live
Our live-review column takes in performances at Drkmttr and The End during the second annual celebration of Nashville mom-and-pop venues on Feb. 7, 2026.
www.nashvillescene.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Late to the repost party, but stoked to have some coverage of a couple shows among the smorgasbord that is 615 Indie Live.
Contributor JP Olsen gained perspective from a variety of musicians and others in the music business about pushing back against the continuing spread of generative AI in music.
This Machine Eats Music: Pushing Back Against AI in Art
We gain perspective on an array of issues with generative artificial intelligence in creative work.
www.nashvillescene.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Contributor JP Olsen gained perspective from a variety of musicians and others in the music business about pushing back against the continuing spread of generative AI in music.
Proposed state legislation could increase transparency and accountability in correctional facilities plagued by violence.
Families of Incarcerated Tennesseans Make Plea for Prison Reform
Proposed state legislation could increase transparency and accountability in correctional facilities plagued by violence
www.nashvillescene.com
February 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Proposed state legislation could increase transparency and accountability in correctional facilities plagued by violence.
In our live-review column The Spin: We check out local-rock offerings during 615 Indie Live, including Venus & the Flytraps at Drkmttr and The Sewing Club at The End.
Venus & the Flytraps, Many More Rock Out for 615 Indie Live
Our live-review column takes in performances at Drkmttr and The End during the second annual celebration of Nashville mom-and-pop venues on Feb. 7, 2026.
www.nashvillescene.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:01 PM
In our live-review column The Spin: We check out local-rock offerings during 615 Indie Live, including Venus & the Flytraps at Drkmttr and The Sewing Club at The End.
The NES Board on Monday unanimously approved an independent review of its response to Winter Storm Fern and announced a $1 million donation to the city’s storm recovery fund.
NES Board Approves Independent Review Following Winter Storm Fern
Utility will donate $1 million to recovery fund, suspend late fees and disconnects through June
www.nashvillescene.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:53 PM
The NES Board on Monday unanimously approved an independent review of its response to Winter Storm Fern and announced a $1 million donation to the city’s storm recovery fund.
Monday Menu: Make plans for a bar swap, a birthday, a java party and a whiskey tasting for public television. Chris Chamberlain has the details.
Monday Menu: All the Buzz(es) Edition
Make plans for a bar swap, a birthday, a java party and a whiskey tasting for public television
www.nashvillescene.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Monday Menu: Make plans for a bar swap, a birthday, a java party and a whiskey tasting for public television. Chris Chamberlain has the details.
Writes @betsyphillips.bsky.social: It turns out local legend the Rev. Kelly Miller Smith served as an FBI "informant." But signs indicate that he knew exactly what he was doing.
Did a Local Civil Rights Leader Play the FBI for Fools?
It turns out local legend the Rev. Kelly Miller Smith served as an FBI 'informant.' But signs indicate that he knew exactly what he was doing.
www.nashvillescene.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Writes @betsyphillips.bsky.social: It turns out local legend the Rev. Kelly Miller Smith served as an FBI "informant." But signs indicate that he knew exactly what he was doing.
Reposted by Nashville Scene
I wrote about AUDITION (playing at @belcourttheatre.bsky.social) for @nashvillescene.com. www.nashvillescene.com/criticspicks...
Critic's Pick — Romance Is Dead: 'Audition'
Feb. 11 & 14 at the Belcourt
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February 9, 2026 at 12:46 AM
I wrote about AUDITION (playing at @belcourttheatre.bsky.social) for @nashvillescene.com. www.nashvillescene.com/criticspicks...
Critic's Pick: "Vissepo’s interest in botany and migration is especially powerful in an era of both climate crisis and immigration crackdown, and gives her work a critical edge."
Critic's Pick — Yanira Vissepo: 'On the Mountainside by the River'
Feb. 7-28 at ZieherSmith
www.nashvillescene.com
February 8, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Critic's Pick: "Vissepo’s interest in botany and migration is especially powerful in an era of both climate crisis and immigration crackdown, and gives her work a critical edge."
Critic's Pick: "A thought-provoking piece that simply asks us to be present and to reflect upon the space we occupy."
Critic's Pick — B Chakoian Jones & Becca Hoback: 'The Great Space'
Feb. 8 at the Parthenon
www.nashvillescene.com
February 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Critic's Pick: "A thought-provoking piece that simply asks us to be present and to reflect upon the space we occupy."
This weekend at the @belcourttheatre.bsky.social, as part of the theater’s Romance Is Dead series, you can catch two classics written by legendary crime novelist Raymond Chandler.
Critic's Pick — Romance Is Dead: 'Double Indemnity' & 'Strangers on a Train'
Feb. 6-8 & 10 at the Belcourt
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February 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM
This weekend at the @belcourttheatre.bsky.social, as part of the theater’s Romance Is Dead series, you can catch two classics written by legendary crime novelist Raymond Chandler.
Critic's Pick: "The series involves portraits painted directly on collaged archival materials, and it’s something of a breakthrough in the artist’s already notable career."
Critic's Pick — Woke3: 'I AM … in the studio'
Opening reception 6-9 p.m. Feb. 5 at The Forge; through March 8
www.nashvillescene.com
February 7, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Critic's Pick: "The series involves portraits painted directly on collaged archival materials, and it’s something of a breakthrough in the artist’s already notable career."
Critic's Pick: "With 'Time After Time,' Seapker returns to a seasonally inflected song reference and continues her meditation on the cycles of life."
Critic's Pick — Karen Seapker: 'Time After Time'
Through Feb. 28 at Red Arrow
www.nashvillescene.com
February 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Critic's Pick: "With 'Time After Time,' Seapker returns to a seasonally inflected song reference and continues her meditation on the cycles of life."
Critic's Pick: "This live-action exploration of Nintendo’s iconic plumber is both a baffling interpretation of the source material and a jaw-dropping time capsule that has to be seen to be believed."
Critic's Pick — Midnight Movies: 'Super Mario Bros.'
Midnight Feb. 7 at the Belcourt
www.nashvillescene.com
February 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Critic's Pick: "This live-action exploration of Nintendo’s iconic plumber is both a baffling interpretation of the source material and a jaw-dropping time capsule that has to be seen to be believed."
Via the Williamson Scene: Studio Tenn's twisty comic mystery 'Deathtrap' is playing through Feb. 22 at The Factory at Franklin. From Amy Stumpfl:
Studio Tenn Continues Its Season With Classic Thriller 'Deathtrap'
The twisty comic mystery runs until Feb. 22
www.nashvillescene.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Via the Williamson Scene: Studio Tenn's twisty comic mystery 'Deathtrap' is playing through Feb. 22 at The Factory at Franklin. From Amy Stumpfl:
Bringle’s Smoking Oasis and Tennessee Brew Works are boiling crawfish, and Liquor Lab will team up with Love’s Alibi for a romantic cocktail class. Chris Chamberlain has the details.
It’s Crawfish and Cocktail Season
Bringle’s Smoking Oasis and Tennessee Brew Works are boiling bugs, and Liquor Lab will team up with Love’s Alibi for a romantic cocktail class
www.nashvillescene.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Bringle’s Smoking Oasis and Tennessee Brew Works are boiling crawfish, and Liquor Lab will team up with Love’s Alibi for a romantic cocktail class. Chris Chamberlain has the details.
Writes Eli Motycka, new White Bridge Road dining room Noôsh builds feasts around stew, kebabs and sumac.
Noôsh Brings Persian Cuisine From the Hearth
New White Bridge Road dining room builds feasts around stew, kebabs and sumac
www.nashvillescene.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Writes Eli Motycka, new White Bridge Road dining room Noôsh builds feasts around stew, kebabs and sumac.
Citywide celebration of indie venues 615 Indie Live is back for its second run on Saturday, and music editor Stephen Trageser has a rundown of can’t-miss shows across the extensive lineup.
A 615 Indie Live Field Guide
Our picks for can’t-miss shows during the 2026 run of the citywide celebration of indie venues
www.nashvillescene.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Citywide celebration of indie venues 615 Indie Live is back for its second run on Saturday, and music editor Stephen Trageser has a rundown of can’t-miss shows across the extensive lineup.
This week at the state legislature: As bills on same-sex marriage "clarification" and delivery robots face committee discussions, the State of the State address and a visit from RFK Jr. set the tone at the Capitol.
On the Hill: Feb. 2-6
As bills face committee discussions, State of the State address and a visit from RFK Jr. set the tone this week at the Capitol
www.nashvillescene.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM
This week at the state legislature: As bills on same-sex marriage "clarification" and delivery robots face committee discussions, the State of the State address and a visit from RFK Jr. set the tone at the Capitol.
"All the kind people have to try to keep their heads. We will prevail." This week, Advice King @thecroftonshow.bsky.social on folding a fitted sheet. Kind of.
Advice King: How Do I Fold a Fitted Sheet?
All the kind people have to try to keep their heads. We will prevail.
www.nashvillescene.com
February 5, 2026 at 10:00 PM
"All the kind people have to try to keep their heads. We will prevail." This week, Advice King @thecroftonshow.bsky.social on folding a fitted sheet. Kind of.
Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Scene’s Logan Butts talks with Nashville Skating Academy about Music City as a Southern skating hub.
Nashville Is a Southern Skating Hub
Talking with Nashville Skating Academy ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics
www.nashvillescene.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Scene’s Logan Butts talks with Nashville Skating Academy about Music City as a Southern skating hub.
Reposted by Nashville Scene
In my feature debut for @nashvillescene.com, I chatted with Lilly Hiatt about chaos, grounding herself in guitar and exercise, and how scary it can be to play solo tours! www.nashvillescene.com/music/featur...
Lilly Hiatt Focuses on the Human Connection
We check in with the ace singer-songwriter ahead of her performance during the 2026 edition of 615 Indie Live.
www.nashvillescene.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:02 PM
In my feature debut for @nashvillescene.com, I chatted with Lilly Hiatt about chaos, grounding herself in guitar and exercise, and how scary it can be to play solo tours! www.nashvillescene.com/music/featur...
Ahead of Lilly Hiatt’s performance during 615 Indie Live, Bee Delores catches up with the top-notch songsmith about making music in a chaotic world.
Lilly Hiatt Focuses on the Human Connection
We check in with the ace singer-songwriter ahead of her performance during the 2026 edition of 615 Indie Live.
www.nashvillescene.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Ahead of Lilly Hiatt’s performance during 615 Indie Live, Bee Delores catches up with the top-notch songsmith about making music in a chaotic world.
Reposted by Nashville Scene
"When asked about reducing vaccine requirements in public schools, Kennedy — who has spread inaccurate anti-vaccine rhetoric in the past — said he’s not currently involved in those efforts but he believes in freedom of choice. This statement was met with applause from Republican lawmakers."
As local health care professionals protested nearby, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday visited the state Capitol, where he talked vaccines, rural health care and dietary guidelines.
RFK Jr. Talks Dietary Guidelines in Nashville
Local health care professionals protest as Health and Human Services secretary talks vaccines, rural health care at state Capitol
www.nashvillescene.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:58 PM
"When asked about reducing vaccine requirements in public schools, Kennedy — who has spread inaccurate anti-vaccine rhetoric in the past — said he’s not currently involved in those efforts but he believes in freedom of choice. This statement was met with applause from Republican lawmakers."