By Ken Paulson –

Nashville is a music-fueled community full of venues, so it’s special when you come across a place that’s decidedly – and delightfully – different.

Uncle Lenny’s Country Cafe, located in Fairview, Tennessee, has been around for just a year and it’s only now expanding its musical offerings.

It’s had a head start, though, because of its musical origins. One of the owners is LynnMarie, a musician with five Grammy nominations and an affinity for rock and polka.

We’ve known LynnMarie for 20 years; she participated in our Freedom Sings events at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville and absolutely rocked the room on accordion. It was no surprise when she opened her show at Uncle Lenny’s on Dec. 22 with a medley of the Who’s “Squeeze Box” and Steve Miller’s “Swingtown.”

LynnMarie’s music is fun and surprising, as is the cafe. The food is very good and the long tables that gather strangers together contribute to a neighborhood feel.

You’ll find the cafe’s menu, origin story and music schedule on its site.

Uncle Lenny’s Country Cafe is still a work in progress, but so was the Bluebird Cafe back in 1982 when Amy Kurland opened a 100-seat restaurant with a small adjacent stage. This place has promise.