Takin' a Walk Nashville Concert Calendar – Week of 11/17/25

Podcast: Takin' a Walk
Host: Buzz Knight (iHeartPodcasts)
Special Guest: Sarah Harrelson (Host, Takin’ a Walk Nashville)
Episode Date: November 18, 2025

Overview

This episode provides a lively and informative rundown of Nashville’s dynamic live music and cultural events for the week of November 17th, 2025. Host Buzz Knight joins fellow podcaster Sarah Harrelson to highlight the biggest concerts, can’t-miss venues, the intersection of sports and music, and the unique flavor of Nashville as the holiday season approaches. The conversation blends practical recommendations, local stories, and a celebration of the city’s enduring music spirit.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Nashville’s Unstoppable Music Calendar

• Music Scene Year-Round: “Just because it's getting cold outside does not mean it's slowing down here.” — Sarah (01:26)
  • Despite the colder months, Nashville's live music schedule is in full swing across genres.

2. Concert Highlights for the Week

• Stephen Wilson Jr. at The Ryman (Nov 23 & 24)

  • “It’s gonna be his largest hometown headline to date at this venue.” — Sarah (01:43)
  • Genre blend: Indie rock with country elements; also notable songwriter for others (Caitlin Smith, Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne).
  • Unique artist background: former Golden Gloves boxer and research scientist. (02:14)
  • Stephen will also play with Shabuzzi at the CMA Awards (Nov 19).
  • “That’s pretty big. He must be a nervous wreck over that, I’m guessing.” — Buzz (02:59)
  • “Probably not... It's a piece of cake for him.” — Sarah and Buzz joking (03:05)

• CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena (Nov 19)

  • November is a peak time for artists to return home and attend.
  • “The females are kind of dominating this year... Ella Langley, Megan Maroney, and Lainey Wilson… most nominations with six each.” — Sarah (03:31)

• Christmas at Belmont (Nov 21 & 22, Fisher Center)

  • More than 600 students perform in a cherished holiday celebration.
  • “It really is magical.” — Sarah (04:46)
  • Sarah’s favorite as a Belmont alum.

3. Venues and Weekly Staples

• New Faces Night at The Basement (Every Tuesday, Nov 18)

  • A platform for emerging Nashville artists across genres.
  • “Not just country. I’ve heard rock. I’ve heard indie… always a great venue.” — Sarah (05:46)

• The Basement vs. The Basement East

  • “The original basement is literally underground...a fun vibe.” — Sarah (06:08)

• Rudy’s Jazz Room

  • “If people are in town and want to hear some jazz, Rudy’s Jazz Room is a great venue… great Cajun style menu.” — Sarah (09:54, 10:31)
  • “Very stripped back but very, you know, cool, intimate.” — Buzz (10:37)
  • Must-visit for those wanting a New Orleans vibe in Nashville.

4. Holiday Tourism and Lights

• Opry’s Holiday Highlight
  • “Opry does their Christmas classics, and then they have all of the Christmas lights up.” — Sarah (06:36)
  • Draws both locals and tourists.

5. Sports and Music – An Ongoing Intersection

• “Besides Titans games, we have Predators hockey always going on, so there’s always a band that will play during the halftime... someone famous [does] the national anthem… as well as our Nashville soccer team.” — Sarah (07:32)

• The new Titans stadium is under construction, set to open in 2027.

• Local Joke:

  • Q: “Do you know what the bird of Nashville is?” (08:26)
  • A: “It’s the crane.” — Sarah (08:31)
  • Lighthearted reference to constant city construction.

6. Personal Sports Loyalties

• Buzz jokes about being a fair-weather Patriots fan and Sarah reveals she roots for the Ravens due to her husband’s Baltimore roots, but prefers college football as a Knoxville native. (08:46–09:13)

7. Community Engagement

• “If you’ve got a gig you want us to talk about and a venue you want us to talk about, we’re happy to do that. We are an open book if it’s all about Nashville.” — Buzz (11:13)
• “Please let us know any shows you have coming up. I will keep my ear out as well.” — Sarah (11:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Nashville’s Female Artists:
  • “The females are kind of dominating this year.” — Sarah (03:31)
• Spirit of Nashville:
  • “Good sports, good music, good food. We have it all.” — Sarah (09:42)
• On Rudy’s Jazz Room:
  • “Gives you a little taste of New Orleans and Nashville.” — Sarah (11:09)
• Holiday Nostalgia:
  • “There's nothing like the holiday spirit, right?” — Buzz (05:03)
• Encouragement to Listeners:
  • “If someone hasn't been to Rudy's and if you've been to Nashville, you must go.” — Buzz (11:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:56: Start of concert calendar discussion
• 01:43: Stephen Wilson Jr. at The Ryman
• 03:24: CMA Awards preview & female nominees
• 04:19: Christmas at Belmont & event description
• 05:12: New Faces Night & The Basement venues
• 06:36: Opry’s Christmas lights and holiday tourism
• 07:32: How sports teams integrate music into events
• 08:26: Nashville’s construction and “the crane” joke
• 09:42: The spirit and community of Nashville
• 09:54: Rudy’s Jazz Room recommendation
• 11:13: Invitation to community to share local gigs

Conclusion

Buzz Knight and Sarah Harrelson offer a snapshot of why Nashville remains “Music City” year-round – with renowned headliners, nurturing venues for new talent, a blending of music and sports, classic holiday events, and a constant invitation for locals and visitors to participate. The episode captures not just the week’s music schedule, but the city’s sense of camaraderie, celebration, and musical discovery.