By Abbey Brown

From the Fisk Jubilee Singers to the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville has been a prominent source of creativity and growth in the American music industry since the late 1800s. Although country music was the foundation of that growth, locals will stress that there’s more to see and hear in the city than the Broadway strip, honky-tonks, and Johnny Cash Museum. So if you come to Nashville and want to live like the locals, keep reading.

In East Nashville, Monday has become the new Friday at The Five Spot’s ‘Keep on Movin’ Dance Party.’ More commonly known to the locals as “Motown Monday,” it’s sure to cure your back-to-work blues.  Imagine old-school favorites like The Isley Brothers’ “Shout,” Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” and Harry Belafonte’s “Jump in the Line,” which transforms the entire bar into a conga line. On other nights, the stage is used to host musicians from the city, but on Mondays it’s crowded with dancers wanting to show off their best moves. Bumping and grinding is replaced with twisting and shouting, and there never seems to be a shy soul in the place.

The Five Spot has a way of enticing a variety of people and ages, and this swing party is no exception. It’s no wonder GQ magazine named Motown Monday as “the most stylish party in America.” The music brings the joy and innocence of past decades into the atmosphere, and everyone is all smiles and laughs.  While the back patio is ideal in the summer, winter doesn’t stop the party at The Five Spot. There’s covered outdoor seating for people that need to cool off, smoke, or just sit and chat.

For those that are looking for a quick bite to eat before heading over to The Five Spot, Five Points Pizza is just around the corner and open until 1AM. With a wide selection of beer and pizza options, one can choose to pair their draft with a vegan, vegetarian, or meat-lovers pizza. For the latter—go on, eat up. You’ll be burning those calories on the dance floor anyway.