Neon Neighborhood Musicians Score Big as New ‘Park & Play’ Program Tunes Up a Year of Free Parking

For Broadway's working musicians, parking often hits a sour note at $100 to $400 a month — but a new program is turning that tune around with a year of free parking downtown.

"This is such an amazing benefit for artists here on Lower Broadway," said Friends In Low Places' James Garrido. "Musicians are the passionate and creative force that powers the massive engine that is downtown Nashville. With more and more foot traffic and eyeballs comes increased cost of living and increased expenses. This step makes sure musicians can get to and from their gigs with one less worry!”

The free parking program – called Park & Play --  starts August 15 at more than 20 lots in the downtown area and will save local musicians thousands of dollars. See a list of free parking locations here.

"Every little bit helps, in this case, a big help," said Garth Brooks. "Look, the chances of somebody making it to their dream in this town is hard ... the odds are so stacked against you. But things like this can be the difference in somebody surviving here just a bit longer to be discovered, and that is priceless.”

However, musicians shouldn't show up and park without paying. Steps must be taken to get the appropriate credentials to park without getting ticketed. For more information in general, email parkandplay@metropolis.io.

"Free parking for free music…so Nashville!" said Friends In Low Places' Jenny Deathridge Bratt. "Musicians are working hard for the money, and so great for these folks to pocket their parking dollars now. It goes hand in hand with good finding good happening on Broadway.”