NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Mayor Freddie O'Connell announced a small financial break for local musicians Friday.
Nashville teamed up with tech company Metropolis to offer 60% off parking in eight downtown garages.
Approved musicians will get access to the discount, which went live Friday through a special QR code.
"We've heard concerns from musicians downtown for several years, and this is an exciting way to accomplish a goal — for artists to know and feel that they're supported here," said Mayor O'Connell.
Most musicians that take on Broadway know a major issue with the gig is finding a place to park, especially as spots can be near $35-$40.
"They took away a lot of street spots, and it used to be street spots were free after 6 p.m. and weekends, and now they're not," said drummer McCoy Gibbs.
"If you play four, five times down here — four, five days a week — that adds up really quick. That's food, that's gas. If you have a family, that's your kids."
The city says more than 300 musicians have already applied and been approved for the discount.
If you are a musician interested in learning more, you can apply to be part of the program through a Facebook group called NSL Local Gig Finder.
There is a short application process to ensure applicants are local musicians.
Once approved, they will receive a QR code and information on all of the participating lots.
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-Rebecca Schleicher
