Charlie Sells | The Blind Tiger
Downtown Nashville has no shortage of historic buildings teeming with character. Some have stood the test of time, and others have gone through revivals, refreshes, and renewal. Beneath one of Nashville’s most storied buildings, the Woolworth, a new night club experience has quietly emerged: The Marquee, where “Golden Era glamor meets sonic sanctuary.”
History, Reborn
The Woolworth was revived under new ownership in 2021 and is already home to the Shriner’s Nashville show. The space beneath the theater was being used for cast meet-and-greets after the show, until an idea took route: a post-modern jazz club with dinner, drinks, and distinct entertainment flare.
The Blind Tiger team was invited to preview their one-of-a-kind experience, and it did not disappoint.
A Truly Immersive Space
As you approach the Woolworth, a door looms to the side of the golden entrance. After being let in, you walk down a regal staircase and are transported into an interactive, prohibition-style jazz atmosphere.
Small tables, bar seating, and lounge areas surround a lit stage complete with a piano, saxophone, stand-up bass, and a booming voice in a long black dress. The band will play a combination of traditional jazz music (“It Don’t Mean A Thing”) and jazz covers of contemporary songs (“Royals” by Lorde).
Chandeliers, a backlit bar, and small table lighting complete the immersive vibe. We start with both on and off menu drinks. The Ward 8—with rye, lemon and orange juice, and grenadine—and a bartender special—reposado, espresso, Grand Marnier, and orange bitters—kick off the night. In between songs, era-true dancers sneak into the crowd and perform interludes, complete with sequined outfits with fringes and headbands.
Don’t Get Too Comfortable
If you thought you were sitting down for a mere performance, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The Marquee boasts an interactive element, akin to many Nashville bars, but with a Golden Age lean. Mia Jones plays both on-stage diva and host for the guests, walking between tables while singing “Stand By Me” with her silk gloves and sparkly jewelry.
The Marquee delivers birthday cocktails to those celebrating, and Mia asks the crowd to join in a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” She takes time to acknowledge those celebrating anniversaries, and invites each couple to the dance floor while she serenades the audience with “L-O-V-E.”
Later on in the evening, our very own editor-in-chief is whisked to the dance floor by Mia. They two-step and conga to a jazz cover of Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.” Sparing the reader the details, Terry will not be living that moment down.
Dinner and Drinks that Delight
Our second drinks arrive: the Marquee version of an Old Fashioned, and an Espresso Martini made with Jack Daniel’s single barrel whiskey. Not far behind those are our meals: chicken, pork chop, prime rib, each served with a red potato puree and asparagus. The Marquee does both food and drink with excellence, and it doesn’t take us long to clean the plates.
The Most Unique Night In Downtown?
As the Shriners’
show wraps upstairs, some of the attendees wander down to peek in or order a nightcap. The Marquee does prefer reservations, but some wait for a table. Mia is joined by Megan Shanley, a Shriner’s performer, for two of her own songs: a cover of Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and the classic Etta James ballad, “At Last.”
The Marquee stays true to the Music City’s unspoken directive of highlighting great music while boasting a unique, “off Broadway” experience. From start to finish, the staff, the performers, the drinks and the food all together send a patron back in time, if only for an evening.
