NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Nashville was recently named one of the top cities in the country for nightlife activities.

Travel and Leisure Magazine polled readers who named Music City as the eighth most popular city for nightlife for its live music, concerts and bands.

Singer-songwriter Will Hoge is a Nashville Native. 

He told Nashville's News 2 he is not surprised at Nashville's top ranking.

"I thought it would be higher, but that's ok we will get there," he said.

Hoge, alongside KS Rhoads and the Nashville Symphony kicked off the Live on the Green free concert series in downtown Nashville Thursday night.

Hoge said that playing in his hometown is one of his favorite places to perform.

"Across the country nationally I think Nashville's starting to gain more respect than it's ever had before. It's long over due, it's called Music City for a reason," he said.

Besides the free live entertainment, Nashville is also known for its popular and unique music venues. 

Joey DeGraw and his brother musician Gavin DeGraw decided to open their second live music venue, the National Underground, in Music City.

"When I first looked at it there was nothing here," DeGraw said, adding, It's kind of a better life than New York City, you get a little more space [and] the people are more likely to hold the door open for you."

The National Underground is located on Broadway next to Big River Grill and is scheduled to open later this month.

The Live on the Green concert series continues each Thursday through October 13.

Nashville was also ranked number one for affordability.

New Orleans took the number one spot for nightlife, followed by Las Vegas and New York City.

ARTICLE: http://www.wkrn.com/story/15423701/nashville-earns-top-spot-for-nightlife