Use Web to plan trip to Nashville

By ROGER PETTERSON, Associated Press Writer Mon Mar 17, 3:39 PM ET

There's a lot of music in Nashville to fill any vacationer's visit, but in April they really rev it up with a whole series of festivals, awards shows and concerts.

Plan to get there early, because the 16th annual Songwriter's Festival — http://www.tinpansouth.com/ — warms things up in the first week of April. They're advertising 70 shows at venues all around the city, featuring scores of songwriters and performers. Check out "Performers" and "Venues" at the top of the page, and then browse the schedule of shows to see what might fit your plans.

On April 14, it's the CMT Music Awards — http://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards/ — at Nashville's Curb Event Center. Even if you can't get in to see the show, it will be broadcast live and will be simulcast on the CMTG Web site. And some of the performers could turn up at other venues after the show.

Nashville music isn't all country. The Gospel Music Association — http://www.gospelmusic.org/ — is holding its Gospel Music Week during April 19-24, highlighted by the GMA Dove Awards on April 23 at the Grand Ole Opry House. Look for the GMA Week star logo and click on it for events.

People even run to a musical theme in Nashville. The Country Music Marathon — http://www.cmmarathon.com/ — features something called Bands on the Course. According to the entry under "Entertainment," 50 local bands will play on 28 stages along the marathon route. And there's a concert after the running. Imagine if they did this for the New York and Boston marathons.

There's more. Open up the "Events Calendar" at Nashville Music City — http://www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/index — and type "music" into the "Event Type" box plus the dates of your visit. You'll find every flavor of country music from groups local and otherwise at venues ranging from the Grand Ole Opry to Cafe Coco to Layla's Bluegrass Inn. And if you need a break from down home sounds and groups like Biscuits and Gravy, Marvin Hamlisch is appearing with the Nashville Symphony on April 3 and 5. You can also go back to the main page and click on "Plan" and "Upcoming Music Events" — Etta James is lined up for the Wildhorse Saloon on April 9, with Elvis Costello due at the Ryman Auditorium on April 23 and Bon Jovi the next night at the Sommet Center.

Nashville Music City will even give you a musical preview. Look for the two old-fashioned dials at the top of the page. The left one selects tracks of selected songs and clicking on the on-off switch does what you might think. Despite the label, volume seems to be controlled by your own computer rather than the right dial. The Web site also has info on places to stay, though the city could be a bit crowded during April. And sliding your cursor over "Play" will open up a menu of historical spots, recreation and entertainment to try out. Load up your music player; there's a collection of podcasts under "Listen."

While you're in town, spend some time at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum — http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com/ — to see exhibits on artists and listen to a little more music. Click on "Explore the Music" to see a history of country music, going all the way to its origins with immigrant groups.

Whatever you decide to do, you can't pass up the Grand Ole Opry — http://www.opry.com/ — the ultimate shrine of country music. If you're in need of a music fix and the links at Nashville Music City weren't enough, click on "Tune In" for ways to listen to the Opry broadcasts on TV, Radio and satellite, plus a connection to WSM radio — http://www.wsmonline.com/ — where you can listen on line.

Try the Nashville Visitors Guide — http://www.nashvillevisitorsguide.com/ — for still more information, including walking, driving and guided tours, plus discount coupons and ideas for more things to see and do.