The Best Upcoming Concerts in 2019 | Ryman Auditorium in Nashville
From providing shelter for preachers and traveling orchestras beneath the “tented tabernacle”, to hosting lectures from President Theodore Roosevelt, to being the first home of the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium has more than a storied past—it’s one of the most beloved venues in the entire country.
The Ryman Auditorium continues to draw the most renown artists to its celebrated stage, one that is most certainly haunted with majestic and creative energy. There are no bounds to a Ryman Auditorium concert. The venue begs for one iconic moment after another.
Here are the Ryman Auditorium’s Best Concerts in 2019, a calendar of what we find to be the venue’s must-see shows this year.
1. The Raconteurs
August 29 – 31, 2019
“Who knew, that after the Third Man Records 10th anniversary concert in Nashville that The Raconteurs would announce not only a new album, but a full North American tour? Now after making their epic live comeback, Jack White, Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence, and Patrick Keeler will be touring in support of their forthcoming LP, Help Us Stranger, their first effort in 11 years. Help Us Stranger will arrive June 21st via Jack White’s own Third Man Records. Something tells me their three night series at the Ryman is going to be epic, and if possible, ought not to be missed.”
2. Mark Knopfler
September 3, 2019
“Dire Straits co-founder Mark Knopfler will be touring North America this Summer as a part of a larger, international tour in support of his solo discography. Fans can also expect to hear a few tracks from the Dire Straits catalogue, including “Money For Nothing” and a re-imagined rendition of “Brothers in Arms”. Jaunty, rebellious, and entertaining as ever, Mark Knopfler representing himself and the beloved arsenal of Dire Straits songs is a must-see rock concert in 2019.”
3. Dwight Yoakam
September 8 – 9, 2019
“Dwight Yoakam—known for pioneering the Bakersfield sound—is gearing up for what will be a huge year of performances. Not only is Dwight Yoakom on tour, but he has recently announced a 9-date residency at the Wynn Las Vegas, where he will present An Evening With Dwight Yoakam and the Bakersfield Beat. The residency will focus on the signature Bakersfield sound, a mix of true grit, twang, and rock and roll. A sound which succeeded in rivaling the smooth production style of the Nashville Sound in the 1960s. For a model into what Yoakam’s upcoming tour and residency will sound like, tune into his SiriusXM channel, where he continues to put the songs and artists of Bakersfield on the country music map.”
4. Sheryl Crow
September 23 – 24, 2019
A month out from the release of her new album Threads, Sheryl Crow will be appearing at the Ryman Auditorium for two nights. Sheryl Crow will be fresh off touring with Heart, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and Elle King. Since her debut in 1993, Sheryl Crow has been commanding audiences to her guitar prowess and confident, carefree spirit. If you have yet to catch Sheryl Crow live, we can’t think of a better opportunity than this year at the Ryman.
5. Lizzo
September 30, 2019
Not only will ticket-holders have the opportunity to see Lizzo in one of America’s most iconic venues. They will get to see Lizzo perform during what will always be known as her landmark year, the year the world finally caught onto her talent. After dropping one of the Best Albums of 2019, Lizzo has rightfully taken her place amongst the constellation of music legends. And consider this concert just that: A shooting star, captured for 90, once-in-a-lifetime minutes. Lizzo fans, do not miss your chance on seeing Lizzo at the Ryman in 2019.
6. Maggie Rogers
October 15 – 16, 2019
It wasn’t luck that landed Pharrell’s attention when Maggie Rogers was just a student at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute for Recorded Music. It was because she is a remarkable singer-songwriter, even then, with a track like “Alaska.” Now, Maggie Rogers is playing to sold-out audiences in promotion of this past January’s debut release Heard It In A Past Life. Another artist who experienced a critically successful break-out year, Maggie Rogers will undoubtedly put on a show to remember at the Ryman.
7. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
October 18 – 20, October 22 – 23, October 25 – 26, 2019
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit has officially joined the league of endlessly touring country musicians, as evidenced by the fact they’ve been touring since 2017’s The Nashville Sound. And not only is Jason Isbell & The 400 unit coming to the Ryman this year—they are coming for three stretches in October, beginning the 18th. And according to recent concert reviews, you don’t want to miss this Americana rock and roll singer lay it all to bare with his dynamic band and catalog of bangers.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit Tickets
8. The Doobie Brothers
November 18, 2019
For those of you wondering if The Doobie Brothers are still “Rockin’ Down The Highway”, the answer is yes. For their 2019 tour, The Doobie Brothers have scheduled one night for epic proportions at the Ryman Auditorium. Fans of the band’s 1973 album “The Captain and Me” will be especially thrilled, as they are pulling largely from that record. Though without Michael McDonald in tow, The Doobie Brothers are reported to be as energized and in-sync as ever.
9. Brian Setzer Orchestra
December 2, 2019
The award-winning wing and jump blues band formed in 1990 by Stray Cats frontman Brian Setzer will be stopping at the Ryman this Winter for a night of Christmas songs. According to a press release, the Brian Setzer-led orchestra’s setlist will feature music from the group’s three Christmas albums, Boogie Woogie Christmas, Dig That Crazy Christmas, and Rockin’ Rudolph, as well as original material that spans Setzer’s 40-year career. Setzer will be accompanied by a 19-piece orchestra, performing big band arrangements.
Brian Setzer Orchestra Tickets
10. Old Crow Medicine Show
December 30 – 31, 2019
There’s no question: Americana troupe Old Crow Medicine Show continues to be one of the best traveling acts active today. Led by the dark and charismatic presence of Ketch Secor (imagine slick hair, a heavy leather jacket, a frenetic mastermind), Old Crow Medicine Show delivers one of the best shows of musicianship a ticket can buy. Fans can expect a 26-song set, brimming nostalgia: for a less complicated time, when the escapism of music could be achieved with a few friends a set of wooden, stringed instruments.
Old Crow Medicine Show Tickets
11. Opry At the Ryman
November 1 – December 28, 2019
What began as a radio broadcast in 1925 has now become one of the longest standing live entertainment phenomenons. Though not permanently at the Ryman Auditorium, Opry at the Ryman has become a re-occurring opportunity for Nashville—and beyond’s—best talent to gather for a night of stellar performances. Any ticket to Opry at the Ryman is money well spent, as the venue, and the institution, never disappoint.