Musicians who perform in downtown Nashville will soon be able to catch a break on parking prices.
The Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257, has reached a deal with Premier Parking. Now members will be able to use discounted parking passes at two designated parking garages, including the McKendree Garage at 6th and Commerce, and park for just $5 a night.
“We’re very excited about the opportunity to demonstrate the city recognizes the important contributions of these downtown musicians,” said Dave Pomeroy, President of the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257. “They are doing a lot of help drive and sustain the tourist boom we are in the middle of.”
Pomeroy said there has been discussion on how to find musicians more affordable parking for a long time. He said parking prices in the downtown area can be as high as $30 a night, which is a large piece of what musicians make in a night.
For awhile, musicians who frequently play in the downtown honky tonks have expressed frustrations on finding a convenient place to park at a decent price.
“With each passing month it gets tougher and tougher,” said Trey Cordle, who plays at Legends Corner once a week. “I have to allow at least an hour to come down here and drive around.”
Metro Council Member Jeff Syracuse also helped orchestrate the deal. He said the arrangement will save working musicians a lot of money, and allow them to park conveniently.
“If you get a gig for $75, and you have to pay $25 to park, that is a burden,” said Syracuse. “This is about protecting the ecosystem of downtown. Music is the prime ingredient of Music City.”
Council Member Syracuse will officially present the proposal Thursday during a meeting of all the downtown merchants. He hopes the passes will available starting next week.
Union members will need to pick up parking passes at the AFM 257 office, and fill out some paperwork. Other musicians will be able to get the vouchers at the clubs where the perform.
