From the Publisher
You can imagine my excitement when I received the email that we got Ringo Starr for the cover!
I mean, he is a Beatle! This is legendary. Our own Chris Parton got to speak with the man himself about his new country album. I know recently a lot of people have decided to release their country music, and, to me, this is truly next level. I cannot believe he is 84 years old. Ringo Starr is part of music history and has inspired and influenced so many artists across every genre. This is very important and special; we are thrilled to have him on our cover. You will enjoy reading this story about his collaboration with T Bone Burnett, another legend in the music industry. Nashville really has a special moment going on right now in music. (Don’t get me started on the special moment with the traffic.)
Also, this month we’re giving you our guide to Great Dates. I can tell you, I’ve been on a lot of dates here in Nashville. You could say I am a “One Date Wonder” because I haven’t been on as many second dates. I’ve been on so many first dates that I had a system all worked out. I would go to this one restaurant, where I got to know the staff. I would take all of my first dates there. It was so bad the servers would walk by the table and give me a thumbs up or down if they thought it was a good fit for me. I kid you not!
And guess what... they were right! But now I have a more comprehensive guide for this year’s first dates. We will share these on our social media and you all can weigh in your favorites and any we’ve missed!
Lastly, I want to remind you that our annual MUSIC IN THE CITY event is coming up February 20 at Jelly Roll’s brand-new bar on Broadway! It will be a fun night with Mr. Jelly Roll, himself!
Brian Barry
From the Editor
Love is in the air, and we’re bringing you a February issue you’re sure to fall for.
Keep reading, I promise not to make any more corny Valentine’s Day puns, but there is a lot to love in these pages. If you’re planning a date night to show your favorite person how much they mean to you, we’re bringing you more than 50 great date options. Think of it as a choose- your-own adventure, with options for art lovers, music enthusiasts, foodies, unique activities, and more. The options in Music City are limitless, so take note and get to planning! And if you’re still looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, look no further than these gorgeous jewelry pieces. Not only are these gifts a beautiful expression of your love, but they’re a keepsake your special someone will wear and cherish all year long.
There’s a lot of love in our cover story, too. The legendary Ringo Starr and his love of creating music, that is. Our music writer Chris Parton Our Picks for the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift chatted with the icon to get the scoop on his new country album, Look Up. As you’ll read in this feature, Starr has been a lover of country music from the very beginning, and he reunited with Grammy-winning producer T Bone Burnett to create an album that is a true masterpiece.
We’re also taking you on a romantic (and drivable!) weekend getaway to two Kentucky cities: Louisville and Lexington. Check out two stunning hotels, Hotel Genevieve and The Manchester, that make for a dreamy stay located in cities that each have so much to offer. And as always, we’ve got you covered with delicious dining options, local happenings you won’t want to miss, new openings, and so much more.
Happy Valentine’s Day and happy reading!
Nicole Brown