This is one of the Nashville events that I look forward to all year. I’m sure a lot of people think it’s nuts to go check out acres of cars most people can’t afford (especially in this economy), but I love it. It probably comes from a childhood filled with Matchbox cars (loved setting up the track, over and over) and remote-controlled cars. I just know it’s a great way to spend a day.

It’s all happening at the Nashville Convention Center on the last weekend in November. I like to see what the new trucks and SUVs are looking like, but I’m really curious, too, to see the 2010 hybrids. There will be reps from Motor Trend and all the major car makers, so it’s also a great opportunity to ask a lot of questions. And I don’t know what you drive, but I’m not parking my ride anywhere near the show.

Dane

Dora and I had a great dinner right here at the hotel the other night, at Café Isabella (Dora said it was the best Chicken Parmagiana she’s ever had). While we were eating, Dora asked me if we’d had many weddings, or things like that, at the hotel. If she was asking, I realized people needed to know what a great place we have for a big wedding event like that.

In the first place, the hotel caters the event, and the food is first-rate. The hotel itself looks great, the grounds are really cool. And if you’re like me, I need a place to wander off to during any big shindig, and the Pink Slip (our bar) is perfect for that. And, of course, at the end of the party, you can just stumble upstairs to your room. Can’t beat it.

Dane

Did you know that you and I, your average Joe and Jane, can attend the Country Music Awards? Until today, neither did I. I knew the show was coming to the Sommet Center on November 11, and thought I should brush up on the details in case hotel guests asked me about it. When I went to the site, I saw that tickets are available to the public.

And it looks like it’s going to be a great show, hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, with a great line-up of some newer names, and some of the old greats. Tim McGraw will perform with Vince Gill and Daughtry, and Daughtry’s band will make their debut appearance at the awards. There will be performances by Randy Travis, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, George Strait, Melinda Lambert, and on and on.

If you can possibly swing it, buy tickets now. I didn’t say they were cheap (cuz they ain’t), but what a night.

Dane

Just in case you think that all I listen to is country music and honky tonk, I’m here to tell you that my tastes are far broader than that. That’s right; Dora and I are going to see one of the old masters at Andrew Jackson Hall (a great venue, BTW) on the fifth of November. I’ve been listening to Leonard Cohen for decades, can’t believe he’s coming our way.

I bought Songs of Love and Hate in my teens, after a girl broke up with me, and I knew Leonard knew how I felt. I defy you to listen to “Hallelujah,” one of his all-time bests (off of Various Positions), and not choke up a bit. And, Cohen isn’t just an amazing singer/songwriter—the guy writes poetry, novels, even spent a long time at a Buddhist monastery. Hey, he’s everybody’s man.

Dane