If you need to get that country twang out of your head, a good dose of the blues will do it. B. B. King Blues Club (152 2nd Ave. N., 615/256-2727, cover varies) is a good place to start for a night of the blues. The club is a satellite of King’s original Beale Street club, and it books live blues every night. The cover charge is usually under $10, unless B. B. King himself is making one of his rare appearances.

In Printer’s Alley, the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar (220 Printer’s Alley, 615/242-5867, cover varies) is a hole-in-the-wall nightclub that specializes in New Orleans–style jazz and blues.

A fine dining restaurant next door to Green Hills Mall, F. Scott’s (2210 Crestmore Rd., 615/269-5861, no cover) is also the city’s premier venue for live jazz. The music goes well with the restaurant’s art deco appeal. Come for dinner or for a few drinks at the bar while you listen in. Although there’s no cover at the door, there is a two-drink minimum if you’re not dining.