Dubbed “Redemption Bar,” the space will live on the fifth floor of Eric Church’s Chief’s honky-tonk, host live music, and also sell spirits for those who do drink
Ashley McBryde wants to normalize not drinking alcohol in a town built on booze. On Friday, the country singer announced she’s opening Redemption Bar, a non-alcoholic bar and music venue in Nashville that will be located inside Eric Church’s honky-tonk, Chief’s.
“As someone who is three years sober, the typical response to ‘do you have anything Non-Alcoholic?’ is either ‘why did you come to a bar if you aren’t gonna drink?’ or ‘you can have soda water and a lime I guess,’” McBryde says. “Some of my favorite places to socialize became wildly unaccommodating when the only thing that changed was what was in my cup.
“It was vital that I create a space where not drinking is the forethought – normalized,” she continues. “You can get alcohol drinks in Redemption too, because everyone is welcome.”
Redemption Bar will set up shop on the fifth floor of Chief’s beginning Aug. 28. It’ll also place an emphasis on live music, especially by working songwriters. McBryde’s own songwriting, like “Bible and a .44” and “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” is what helped launch her career.
“When the opportunity to make my mark on Broadway came, I knew I wanted to create a space that champions what’s made a difference in my life; a space that lifts up the brushed aside, and makes sure everyone feels welcome,” she says.
Last month, McBryde released a studio version of the live fan favorite “Rattlesnake Preacher.” She’s currently on the road and will perform tonight in Montana, with a stop at the Big Valley Jamboree in Canada on Saturday.
