Rendering of JBJ’s Nashville

Jon Bon Jovi and his band are joining the growing list of stars opening new bars in downtown Nashville, as they prepare to open JBJ’s Nashville this spring.

Pictured (L-R): Eric Russell, David Bryan, Jon Bon Jovi, Tara and Josh Joseph visiting the JBJ’s Nashville site. Photo: Katie Larson/Big Plan Holdings

Located at 405 Broadway, JBJ’s will be the tallest and second largest bar by square footage, boasting 37,000 square feet. The building’s design aligns the city’s Broadway Historic Preservation Overlay, aiming to ensure a blend of the past’s charm with an innovative future. The space will feature entrances on both Broadway and 4th Avenue as well as two outdoor rooftop decks with panoramic views and more.

The project, spearheaded by Josh and Tara Joseph‘s Big Plan Holdings, seeks to create a place that respects the legacy of music while continuing to carry the torch of Nashville’s history.

“We’re looking forward to having a place in Nashville that we call home,” says Bon Jovi. “When Big Plan Holdings and the team of Josh and Tara Joseph asked us if we were interested, it wasn’t because we were just another rock band, it was because we are a band with deep roots in Nashville.  We have had wonderful times in Nashville recording several albums and working with some of the finest people in all the music business.  I can’t wait to toast all of Broadway and get to know our neighbors!”

“We feel it will be great to disrupt downtown Nashville in a positive way. Partnering with Jon was natural for many reasons, and we could not be more excited for Nashville and all its great visitors,” state the owners.

The announcement of the new venture coincides with the lead singer’s recognition as MusiCares’ 2024 Person of the Year and the band’s 40th anniversary.

Returning for its 28th year, the Key West Songwriter’s Festival, presented by BMI, has revealed their 2024 lineup. This year’s event will be taking place May 1-5 in Key West, Florida.

The lineup features more than 150 artists and songwriters. Jeffrey Steele, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Bob DiPiero, James Slater, Tommy Sims, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Wendell Mobley, Tyler Reeve and more will be playing throughout the week. The festival will also feature rising artists and songwriters such as Chase Matthew, Mia Mantia, Emma Zinck, Casey LeVasseur, Preston James, Jonathan Hutcherson and more.

The festival will kick off on Wednesday (May 1) with the “Sunset Pier Kickoff Party” featuring rising star Dylan Marlow and the Heartwreckers. Thursday (May 2) will feature a headline show at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater by country star Cole Swindell with support from Restless Road. The annual Main Stage Duval Street block party will feature a performance from renowned songwriter Dallas Davidson.

This year’s festival will also include new showcases such as the “Key West Women’s Club” all-female lineup and “Sunday Church” at Williams Hall.

“We look forward to enhancing this year’s festival as we engage more with the local community to provide first-time experiences and showcases,” says Kyle Muehlhauser, Co-Owner of the Key West Songwriters Festival and Rams Head Presents. “We always enjoy working closely with BMI to create a diverse group of storytellers and this lineup reflects that.”

The 28th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, HD Radio, Texas Roadhouse and White Claw. Songwriters will have the opportunity to enjoy the “Lift Off to the Kickoff” event at BNA in Delta’s Sky Club as Delta Air Lines is the official airline for the festival.

More information and tickets for all shows are available now.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Emily Hasty (Creative Assistant), Bob Doyle (Owner/President), Graham Kothman (Creative Director); (L-R, front row): Matt Cottingham (Partner/Lewis Brisbois), SJ McDonald, Andy Friday (Head of Publishing). Photo: Courtesy of Major Bob Music

Songwriter SJ McDonald has signed a publishing agreement with Major Bob Music.

Hailing from Virginia, McDonald made the pivotal move to Nashville in 2017 to study songwriting at Belmont University. Her single “Break A Cowboy” garnered attention from several editorial playlists, and she actively collaborates and has scored cuts with fellow artists including Mackenzie Carpenter, Mae Estes and more.

“SJ’s name just kept coming up from great songwriters who we admire, and after we began booking co-writes with SJ we quickly discovered for ourselves why so many people love her,” says Andy Friday, Head of Publishing, Major Bob Music. “She keeps it country and she’s a perfect fit for Major Bob.”

Additionally, McDonald released her new single “Hummingbird” on Friday (Feb. 2).

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville Parkwood Community Club Renovations

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Music Row Build (MRB) has opened homeowner applications.

The Music Row Build aims to raise awareness about the Nashville housing crisis and advocate for affordable housing for working musicians and industry professionals and other working locals. Each year, the MRB raises funds through various events to construct a Habitat home for a deserving Nashvillian. All fundraising efforts go towards the annual build as well as a fund that is used to support broader initiatives and goals such as building an entire neighborhood.

“We would love for the Music Row Build to come full circle and have a member of our music community achieve the dream of homeownership with the Habitat home we are building this year. The chance to secure a 0% APR mortgage via the Habitat program is a unique, once-in-lifetime opportunity. I encourage our songwriters, musicians and industry professionals grappling with the challenges of the housing market to seize this chance and submit their applications,” says Penny Gattis, MRB Chair.

Applications for the current community in North Nashville, Village by the Creek, can be submitted online. For more information, click here.

The annual Music Row Build started in 2003 and continued until 2012. It was then reignited in 2020 after a donation was made by longtime Music Row veteran Ree Guyer, which established a fund to carry on the MRB work with a goal of raising $500,000. Through multiple functions held by Gattis, the fund now consists of over $200,000.

For more information, contact Sherry Stinson at sstinson@habitatnashville.org.