Chief’s, the brainchild of Eric Church and founder and CEO of AJ Capital Partners, Ben Weprin, joined Nashville’s vibrant Lower Broadway earlier this year. Spread over six stories, the space features Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ from James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott, a dueling-pianos bar called Friendly Shadows, and a studio for live broadcasting Church’s Outsiders Radio SiriusXM channel. The true centerpiece of the facility is the Neon Steeple, a two-story, intimate ticketed concert venue that was inaugurated with a 19-date residency of shows by Church himself. Notably, that room has already quickly developed a solid reputation for having exceptional sound thanks in large part to an L-Acoustics Ai Series professional sound system installed by Clair Global Integration.
CGI System Designer Joe Anderson recalls that there were some unique challenges in outfitting the space: “The building’s tall, skinny corner location and reflective surfaces, like stained glass windows and brick walls, required creative solutions,” he explains. “The venue’s multilevel audience area, with fans on the third floor and seated in balcony pews, demanded a versatile sound system, and L-Acoustics’ A10i enclosure emerged as the right choice for this project.”
The main PA showcases the flexibility and power of the L-Acoustics Ai Series. Each side features one A10i Focus over two A10i Wide, flanked by an A10i Focus over an A10i Wide as side-fills. Dual KS21i subs fly behind the main arrays. The underbalcony benefits from a single A10i Focus over one A10i Wide per side. Four X8 speakers serve as front-fills, while four KS21i subs reside under the stage. For performers, the stage offers up to eight X12 monitor wedges.
The upstairs piano bar also boasts its own L-Acoustics setup. Eight compact X8 speakers surround the stage, complemented by two SB15m subs above and one more X8 for the FOH booth. Each piano enjoys two X8 stereo monitor wedges. LA4X amplified controllers power all systems, ensuring consistent, high-quality sound throughout the venue.
Jesse Free, Chief’s production manager, emphasizes the venue’s unique position in Nashville’s music scene. “While our ground floor offers the lively honky-tonk atmosphere visitors expect, our upstairs venue sets us apart,” he says. “Having a professional L-Acoustics sound system immediately signals to musicians and fans that sound quality here is paramount.”
Anderson adds, “A10i’s compact size and high performance were crucial. It delivers the power and musicality that Eric wanted, allowing us to create a true concert experience in an intimate club setting.”
Chief’s stands out in Nashville’s evolving entertainment landscape. It combines the city’s renowned musical heritage with cutting-edge sound technology, offering visitors and artists alike an unparalleled audio experience. The studio for Church’s Outsiders Radio SiriusXM channel, with capabilities to host broadcasts from various media partners further cements Chief’s as a multifaceted entertainment destination in the heart of Music City.
Chief’s exemplifies Nashville’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of live music experiences. By marrying traditional elements like honky-tonk ambiance and innovative dueling-piano bars with professional-grade sound systems, Chief’s contributes to the city’s reputation as a premier music destination.
