From the Publisher
Happy New Year to you!
I hope that your new year is off to a great start. We’re thrilled to have Jelly Roll on
our cover, and he’s going to host our annual Music in the City event at his brand-new
bar downtown. This will be an amazing event you will not want to miss! You probably know his story, an Antioch native, who sold mixtapes out of the trunk of his car, was arrested and served time before becoming
the superstar he is today. His story is one of redemption and inspiration. In November of 2023, he won CMA New Artist of the Year. In January 2024, Jelly Roll testified before the U.S. Congress, in support of anti-fentanyl legislation. Explaining he “was a part of
the problem. I am here now, standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution.” He’s gone on to break music records and do television shows, and I know that this is just the beginning of his career.
Recently, he started a health journey and revealed he has lost more than 100 lbs. That is no small feat. My hat is off to Mr. Roll. In all sincerity, I have great respect and admiration for him. You know, this time of the year we all start to evaluate our health and make
new habits: the gyms will be more crowded, and we start new diets. As someone who has lost 100 lbs. and re-found it, it is not easy.
I don’t really believe in making New Year’s resolutions. I think it starts every day with making choices that are best for you and giving yourself a break if you don’t. I say this
while eating a bag of Christmas M&M’s. I feel like a hypocrite, but tomorrow is another day for better choices!
Speaking of those better choices, we have a New Year, New You guide where you can check out some ways that may interest you on your own journey. Personally, I favor lifting, cycling, a good sweat, high protein diets, and the occasional liposuction. I am all about balance.
I hope this is the best year ever, for you and all of us!
Brian Barry
From the Editor
Happy New Year!
There’s so much excitement that comes with the start of a new year, and I’m especially excited to share all that Music City has in store this month (and beyond).
As always, we’ve got you covered with local events you won’t want to miss, including a list of concerts spanning the entire month. Several of those concerts
are part of a major milestone, as the iconic Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. To commemorate, the Grand Ole Opry has a year-long celebration planned, and we’ve highlighted several things to expect at the Opry throughout 2025 for its biggest and best year yet.
That’s not all the music content we’re bringing you in this issue. I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with our cover star, Nashville’s own Jelly Roll.
Not only is he unbelievably talented and continuing to top the charts, but I can honestly say he is one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met. If you were lucky enough to attend his sold-out Bridgestone Arena show this November, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Jelly Roll connects with his fans and his community, straight from the heart, and that’s as apparent in his music as it is in the way he interacts with everyone he meets. The star chatted with us about his message through music, wrapping his biggest headlining tour to date, his soon-to-open Broadway bar, and much more.
We’re also giving you an inside look at
two recently opened restaurants, Maiz de la Vida and Music Row Bar and Grill, that prove delicious meals should continue long after the holiday season ends. If you’re giving dry January a try, we’ve highlighted 10 local spots mixing up delicious mocktails. These drinks are so good you won’t even miss the booze — trust us!
And if you’re looking for a wardrobe upgrade to ring in the new year, check out our retail piece on three newly opened Nashville stores: Mashburn, Department, and Aviator Nation Dreamland Nashville. After all, nothing says “new year, new you” like a revamped closet!
Cheers to 2025, Nashville!
Nicole Brown