Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Return to the Ryman
Few artists are as closely tied to the Ryman as Jason Isbell. On October 15 he brings the 400 Unit back to the Mother Church, with Southern Avenue on the bill, for a night that Americana fans will want to circle.
Who You're Seeing
Isbell is one of the defining songwriters of his generation, known for lyrics that cut close and a band that can turn a quiet verse into a roar. The 400 Unit gives the songs a rangy, live-wire energy that suits the Ryman's wooden pews and warm acoustics.
Southern Avenue, a Memphis soul and blues band, is a strong complement. Get in early, because a good opener is part of the evening.
Why This Show Is Worth It
Nashville is Isbell's home base in the best sense: the crowd listens, and the room rewards it.
The date to remember is Thursday, October 15, at Ryman Auditorium. For Nashville fans, a night like this is one of the reasons Music City stays at the center of live entertainment: you can find a major touring show almost any week of the year, and the city's venues are as much a part of the draw as the headliner.
Isbell's Nashville shows have a way of feeling like an event for people who care about songs. The crowd tends to be attentive and quiet during the slow ones and loud when the band kicks in, which is exactly what the Ryman does best. It is the kind of night people remember long after the last note.
It also helps that the timing is good. Fall is one of the best seasons for live music in Middle Tennessee, with comfortable evenings, a packed calendar and a city that treats concert nights as a weekly ritual. Whether you are coming from Brentwood, East Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro or farther out, plan the night as an outing: dinner beforehand, a little time to find your seat and a relaxed ride home.
The Venue: Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium at 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. is the Mother Church of Country Music, a former tabernacle with pew seating and some of the best acoustics in the country. It is intimate by concert standards, which means there is hardly a bad seat and every performer sounds like they are in the room with you.
Practical Info
Doors and set times vary, so check your ticket. Parking is in the surrounding downtown garages and lots; arrive early to avoid circling. The Ryman sits a block off Lower Broadway, so dinner options are everywhere, from Broadway classics to quieter spots on Church Street and in the Gulch. Remember that the pews are original-style wood benches, so a little patience with your neighbors goes a long way.
The Ryman also offers a rich bit of history even before the music starts. The lobby and the building itself are part of the experience, so arrive early enough to look around. Bring a light layer, since historic buildings can run cool.
A few practical reminders apply to any big Nashville show. Buy tickets only through official sellers, since resale scams are common around popular dates. Check the weather forecast and the venue's website for any day-of updates. Give yourself more travel time than you think you need, especially on a weeknight, and have a plan for getting home. A little preparation means you spend the evening enjoying the music instead of the traffic.
Planning a bigger night out? Check our previews of Tom Jones at Ryman Auditorium and Weezer at Bridgestone Arena, and browse more in Music on nashvegas.com.
Get Tickets
Shows like this tend to sell through, and the best seats go first. Check tickets for Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at Ryman Auditorium to see what is available for Thursday, October 15, and confirm doors and set times on your ticket before you head out. See you in line.
