Byrd's Eye View: Best of 2008 - People & Parties

Byrd's Eye View: Best of 2008 - People & Parties

Looking back over the moments that made 2008 such a stellar year, I can't help but be excited about the growth of our city. While we lost a few landmarks on the nightlife scene with the closing of Layla, Lot 7, City Hall and Bar Twenty 3, each with their own meaningful send offs, we welcomed the opening of new spaces with MadDonnas, Aerial, Lime and Fuse.

Nashville truly is, for the first time in the city's history, on the verge of becoming a major metropolis and locals aren't the only ones taking notice. Our city has caught the eye of a major movie stars and iconic rock stars who now proudly call Music City their home and as a result the shine from the spotlights of national media seem just a little bit brighter.

But what I hope for most for our beloved city in 2009 is that no matter how large we grow with new venues, living developments, hotels and shopping and dining options, that we hold onto the charm and personality that has made Music City so enticing in the first place. After all, Nashville without southern hospitality just wouldn't be the same.

Maris Hickey and Jim O'Shea created a monthly (and sometimes weekly) event at Aerial (and sometimes Mercy Lounge) known as "Happy Valley" that immediately became a huge success.