May means outdoor concert venues reopen. Here are your must-see Nashville shows
With the month May comes a glorious season for live music.
It's when the amphitheaters reopen and we're reminded of what we've been missing all winter: an outdoor concert under the stars.
So in addition to some great shows coming to Ascend in downtown Nashville and FirstBank in Franklin, we've got a rundown of all the shows (indoor and out) you need to see in May.
May 5: Music of Pink Floyd with the Nashville Symphony
There's something about a concert under the stars, and what better a way to break in "shed" season than with the music of Pink Floyd with the Nashville Symphony? This show will feature the band's iconic "Dark Side of the Moon" in its entirety, followed by the their greatest hits. Both will also feature a laser light show to create a musical and visual spectacle.
More info and tickets: concerts.livenation.com.
May 8: Neil Young and Crazy Horse
The Neil Young and Crazy Horse Love Earth Tour heads to Franklin's FirstBank Amphitheater for a night of Young classics. The band has played together for more than 50 years and in 2023 recorded some familiar classics on their latest album, "Fu##in’ Up." Young was quoted as saying: "In the spirit it’s offered … made this for the Horse lovers. I can’t stop it. The horse is runnin’. What a ride we have. I don’t want to mess with the vibe. I am so happy to have this to share.”
Tickets: firstbankamphitheater.com.
May 10 and 11: Amy Grant
Songstress Amy Grant brings her current tour to the Ryman Auditorium in May, marking the first time in 25 years that she has headlined a Nashville show outside of her annual Christmas residency. The show has been billed as a walk down memory lane through her remarkable career. She will also play some new music, the first from Grant in more than a decade.
More information and tickets: ryman.com.
May 11: Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and record producer, comes back to the stage after only a few live performances in 2023 to bring his Most Wanted Tour to Nashville. The show has been billed as bringing Bunny fans an "unparalleled spectacle" and "a more intimate experience than previous tours."
Tickets: bridgestonearena.com.
May 12: Devo
Wonder if the '80s new wave band members still wear upside-down red flower pots on their heads? One way to find out. Come see for yourself when they bring hits such as "Whip It" as part of their 50 Years of De-Evolution Tour to the Ryman.
More info and tickets: ryman.com.
May 14: Stevie Nicks
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Nicks, known both for her time with Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist, is bringing her 2024 tour to Bridgestone Arena. Expect to hear a perfect mix of Fleetwood hits along with solo tracks and even some world-famous duets. Might be a perfect night for a surprise guest. Who knows?
Tickets: bridgestonearena.com.
May 16: Mammoth WVH
The WVH in Mammoth WVH stands for Wolfgang Van Halen, and while, yes, his dad was the legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, "Wolf" as he is known, didn't grow up playing guitar, but rather the drums. That led to him learning basically every other rock instrument, all of which he played on his self-titled, 2021 debut album. Now, Wolf finds his voice as a lead singer and songwriter.
Tickets: brooklynbowl.com.
May 24 & 25: Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan brings his We'll Be Here Forever Tour to Nashville for two nights at Bridgestone Arena with special guest Ryan Beatty. Vermont-born Kahan has become known for his signature combo of folk and Americana styles of music, which have generated more than 2 billion streams and platinum certification for his hit single “Stick Season." He has collaborated with the likes of Post Malone, Julia Michaels and Wesley Schultz of the Lumineers, so keep your eyes open for a possible special guest.
Tickets: bridgestonearena.com.
May 31 and June 1: Lainey Wilson
If you haven't seen Lainey Wilson lately, you've been living under a rock. The country superstar is everywhere, enjoying sweeping awards ceremonies, playing live and collaborating with some of her favorite musicians. Just before she paints Nashville red during CMA Fest, she brings her Country's Cool Again Tour to Ascend for a two-night run.
Tickets: ascendamphitheater.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Noah Kahan, Lainey Wilson, Amy Grant, Bad Bunny play Nashville in May
