Songwriter Series Returns to The Mulehouse with Nashville Hitmakers

Issue #731

May 19, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛈️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Afternoon thunderstorms w/ high of 79, low of 65

🎤 Songwriter Series Returns to The Mulehouse with Nashville Hitmakers

👉 Boots of Honor Memorial Comes to Franklin

🏈 NFL Approves 2030 Nashville Super Bowl

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Songwriter Series Returns to The Mulehouse with Nashville Hitmakers

You’ve sung these songs at the top of your lungs in the car - and now the hitmakers who wrote them are bringing those stories and songs straight to The Mulehouse.

This beloved series has become a truly special experience, filled with heartfelt stories that take you on a journey from laughter to tears… and for a few magical hours, help you forget the world outside.

This month, The Mulehouse welcomes Larry Gatlin, Chris Wallin, Gary Chapman and Rhonda Funk.

Larry Gatlin is best known for the iconic music vocal group, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers (Rudy and Steve). The group achieved considerable success within the country music genre, performing on 33 top 40 country singles. His signature songs include "All the Gold in California", the Grammy Award-winning "Broken Lady", and "Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)."

Larry Gatlin's resume is impressive as he is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry and is a Grammy Award Winner.

Chris Wallin is one of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, known for turning everyday moments into hit songs. His credits include chart-toppers for Toby Keith ("Love Me If You Can"), Kenny Chesney ("Don't Blink" & “Got a Little Crazy”), Garth Brooks ("Cold Like That"), Trace Adkins ("Love Me If You Can"), and Montgomery Gentry ("Something To Be Proud Of").

Raised in East Tennessee and influenced by legends like Jim Croce and Merle Haggard, Wallin grew up around music. He started writing at 12 and later moved to Nashville, working his way through writer’s nights before landing a publishing deal that launched his career. From humble beginnings to the top tier of songwriters, Wallin’s journey reflects years of persistence, talent, and a deep love for storytelling.

Gary Chapman is an American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter and former television talk show host. He has won seven Dove awards and five Grammy nominations as an artist! He also hosted TNN's flagship show and the Sam's Place series at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Along with Amy Grant, Gary wrote the iconic "Tennessee Christmas" song we all know and love!

Spotlight Songwriter Rhonda Funk is an award-winning singer-songwriter and recording artist who moved to Nashville to pursue music full time and quickly built a name for herself in the industry. Since then, she has earned multiple honors including 2022 USA Entertainer of the Year, released successful projects like Ain’t Your Momma, and gained millions of streams across platforms. Known for her raspy country-rock sound often compared to Brandi Carlile and Melissa Etheridge, Rhonda has shared stages nationwide, written with acclaimed Nashville songwriters, landed placements in media, and built a loyal following through her raw storytelling, powerful vocals, and energetic live performances.

Friday, May 22nd
Doors: 7:00 PM, Show: 7:30 PM
812 S. High St.

Boots of Honor Memorial Comes to Franklin

They stood watch for us. Now, we stand for them.

For the first time in Tennessee, Memories of Honor is bringing the sacred grounds of our military bases into the heart of our community. This is more than an exhibit; it is a living history—a sea of 7,470 combat boots, each representing a hero who gave everything in service to our nation since 9/11.

We invite you to join us at Bicentennial Park (400 5th Ave N, Franklin, TN) to walk the line of sacrifice. From sunup to sundown, experience the quiet power of thousands of stories told through the boots they wore and the legacy they left behind.

May 20th is the last day this memorial will be in Franklin.

NFL Approves 2030 Nashville Super Bowl

NFL owners voted Tuesday during the league’s Spring Meeting in Orlando to award Super Bowl LXIV to Nashville. The 2030 game will mark the first time Tennessee has hosted a Super Bowl.

The event will also highlight the city’s new Nissan Stadium, which is scheduled for completion in February 2027.

To celebrate the announcement, Nashville is hosting a free public event Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. on Lower Broadway. The celebration will include live music, a drone show, brief fireworks displays and appearances by the band Sixwire and other guests. Marty Smith of ESPN will serve as emcee. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the event is open to the public.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, May 20th

Thursday, May 21st

Friday, May 22nd

Saturday, May 23rd

Sunday, May 24th

Monday, May 25th Memorial Day

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, May 19

Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, May 20

Vet2Vet Open Mic - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 6–9 PM

Thursday, May 21

Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6–9 PM
Tommy Wheatley - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, May 22

Nick Black - Buck & Board, 6–8 PM
Open Mic - Grinder’s Switch, 7–9 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
John Ewbank Band - Twisted Copper, 7–10 PM
Songwriter Series - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Pardon the Rebels - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
The Bandana Brothers - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Zone Status - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, May 23

The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12–6 PM
Golden Soul Revue - Keg Springs Winery, 2–5 PM
Ben Daniel - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Napier City Limits - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5–9 PM
J.T. & Friends - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
2Country4Nashville - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Scotty Morton Band - The Boondox, 8 PM

Sunday, May 24

Jim Fox Trio - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM
Memorial Day Acoustic Fest - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 12–7 PM

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