Chief’s, the brainchild of Eric Church and AJ Capital Partners founder and CEO Ben Weprin, arrived on Nashville’s vibrant Lower Broadway earlier this year. Spread over six floors, the space features Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ from James Beard Award-winning grillmaster Rodney Scott, a bar with dueling pianos called Friendly Shadows, and a studio for live broadcast of Church’s Outsider Radio SiriusXM channel. The true centerpiece of the facility is the Neon Steeple, a two-story, intimate, ticketed concert hall that opened with 19 concerts by Church himself. Most notably, the space has quickly earned a reputation for exceptional sound, thanks in large part to a professional L-Acoustics Ai-Series sound system installed by Clair Global Integration.

CGI system designer Joe Anderson recalls that outfitting the space presented some unique challenges: “The building’s tall, narrow corner location and reflective surfaces such as stained glass windows and brick walls required creative solutions,” he explains. “The venue’s multi-level audience area, with fans on the third floor and balcony seating, required a versatile sound system, and the L-Acoustics A10i enclosure proved to be the right choice for this project.”

The main PA demonstrates the flexibility and power of the L-Acoustics Ai Series. Each side features an A10i Focus over two A10i Wide, flanked by an A10i Focus over an A10i Wide as sidefills. Two KS21i subwoofers fly behind the main arrays. The under-balcony benefits from a single A10i Focus over an A10i Wide per side. Four X8 loudspeakers serve as frontfills, while four KS21i subwoofers are located under the stage. For artists, the stage features up to eight X12 monitor wedges.

The piano bar upstairs also has its own L-Acoustics setup. Eight compact X8 speakers surround the stage, complemented by two SB15m subwoofers above and another X8 for the FOH booth. Each piano has two X8 stereo monitors. All systems are powered by LA4X amplifier controllers, 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 that visitors expect, our upstairs venue sets us apart from the crowd,” he says. “A professional L-Acoustics sound system immediately signals to musicians and fans that sound quality is paramount here.”

Anderson adds: “The compact size and high performance of the A10i were key. It delivers the power and musicality that Eric wanted and allows us to create a true concert experience in an intimate club environment.”

Chief’s stands out in Nashville’s evolving entertainment landscape, combining the city’s renowned musical heritage with cutting-edge sound technology to provide visitors and artists alike with an unparalleled audio experience. The studio for Church’s Outsider Radio The SiriusXM channel, with the ability to host shows from various media partners, further solidifies Chief’s as a versatile entertainment destination in the heart of Music City.

Chief’s exemplifies Nashville’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of the live music experience. By combining traditional elements like honky-tonk ambience and innovative piano bars with professional sound systems, Chief’s contributes to the city’s reputation as a premier music destination.

For more information on Eric Church’s new venue, Chief’s, visit www.chiefsonbroadway.com. Clair Global Integration can be found online at www.clairglobal.com/integration.