In search of
SOUND?
A mural decorates the side of Bluetick Tavern in Maryville.
BCQ | SHANON ADAME
Here are some of our favorite Blount County venues to where music is always maintained
BY LEE ZIMMERMAN
The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint, 1820 W. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville:
Of course no mention of music in Maryville, much less the whole of Blount County and beyond, is complete without its prime concert destination, The Shed Smokehouse and Juke Joint. The outdoor stage offers music most of the year featuring nationally renowned bands that often return year after year. In the winter, the indoor Smokin’ Monkey Lounge offers both intimacy and entertainment without having to endure the elements. With good food, a fine selection of alcoholic offerings and a great all-round vibe, The Shed is an ideal place to let loose and get in a groove.
The Clayton Center for the Arts, located on the campus of Maryville College:
This community is truly blessed to have such a fine state-of-the art center for live entertainment of a higher quality. While the array of offerings differs from season to season, one can always count on seeing touring artists of practically every description, from rock to folk to those that parlay a traditional tapestry.
Brackins Blues Club, 112 E Broadway Ave, Maryville: A longtime fixture of Downtown Maryville, Brackins offers live music every Friday and Saturday night, and occasionally during the week as well. The atmosphere is inviting and the staff is pleasant and personable as well. It’ s also worth mentioning that the food is terrific as well. Likewise, the back porch is a great place to gather with friends apart from soaking up the sounds.
26 | BLOUNT COUNTY QUARTERLY • FALL 2025
Bluetick Tavern, 128 W Broadway Ave, Maryville:
People make Bluetick Tavern their preferred destination for many reasons—- pool tables, a great array of beverages and primo pizza. Likewise, it’ s a preferred musical destination thanks to a separate upstairs room that provides a focus that’ s fully on the music shared on the stage. The sound system is terrific and both the Smoky Mountain Blues Society’ s ongoing Sunday music series and the monthly offering descriptively dubbed“ Behind the Barn” offer reason enough to come out and soak up the sounds.
The Station, 4206 Miser Station Rd, Louisville:
The Station bills itself as a true destination for Americana music, and year after year, they live up to that grand reputation. It’ s hosted any number of legendary artists over the years— among them, Charlie Daniels, Pam Tillis, Verlon Thompson, and others too numerous to mention. The sounds are shared in a restored 120 yr old barn that’ s been converted into an intimate listening room which can accommodate 75 people, many of whom venture there from all over the U. S. The pictures and memorabilia that dot the walls enhance the atmosphere, and every seat in the house offers an intimate view of the proceedings. While visitors are advised to BYOB, an outside grill offers superb BBQ.
The Abbey, 7765 River Road, Townsend:
As the name implies, The Abbey holds court in a converted wedding chapel that was recently expanded to include a space for accommodating live music. The performers mostly procure acoustic music, but given an array of cover tunes and original offerings, the sounds shared by local musicians represent the best these local