Gavels, courtrooms and clients are Joey Stevens’ day-to-day scene, but last month he traded that in for a day of cameras, sets and actors when he took on the role as an extra on the hit ABC show Nashville.

Intrigued by creative people and their process this private practice Pell City attorney decided he needed a change of scenery and headed from the slower paced life of The Gateway to Logan Martin Lake community to the country crooning sounds of Music City.

Encouraged by a friend of a friend to give this “Nashville thing” a shot, Joey set his sights high—on a hit show.

Responding to a casting call Joey suited up with his best cuff links in tow to play a record company shareholder.

“I’ve always had a natural curiosity about television production and I enjoy being around creative people. It’s so interesting to see people create things.”

On set for a 15-hour day at the Wildhorse Saloon just off Broadway in the heart of Nashville, production assistants kept asking Joey to move closer up to the front of the stage.

So, when it came time to cast an extra to help Clare Bowen (a.k.a. Scarlett O’Connor) on and off the stage in her 6” stilettos all day, who else would they ask?

“They pointed to me and said, ‘you look official, come here.’ Who was I to object?”

Other celebs at center stage that day were Connie Britton (Rayna James), Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott), Chris Carmack (Will Lexington), along with newcomers Oliver Hudson and Chaley Rose.

Surprised by how technical the whole production was Joey was astonished that it took hour after hour to capture a minute and a half of footage, although he was quite impressed that the director of this episode was Paul McCrane who played Dr. Robert Romano on ER.

“I met some interesting people while on set. One guy was a molecular biologist from Vanderbilt.”

Given some time to recoup with a dinner break consisting of PB&J (one of his favorites) the collective group of extras made their way back on set, but this time Joey was sent to the second floor balcony, until he heard his name.

“A crew member with a headset on passed by me and I overheard someone ask, ‘Where’s our Joey?’ So I quickly made my way down to the primary position at left stage to help Clare.”

Exhilarated by the creative energy now sparked within him, Joey made his way back to PC until a few weeks later when he received an email from an assistant casting director.

“They asked me if I wanted to come back and play a stage manager.”

Making a name for himself with his second stint on Nashville, this scene was quite different.

“We were on a sound stage in an industrial park area of Nashville.”

Even though he was miles away from the great state of Alabama he soon realized others share a love for his state too.

“After parking illegally a crew member came up to me and asked if my car was the one with the Alabama tag. I replied, ‘yes,’ and he said, ‘Roll Tide.’ I responded in kind and we talked a little football.’”

Filming with Hayden Pantierre (Juliette Barnes), Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley) and Ed Amatrudo (Glenn Goodman, Juliette’s manager) this go around made for a completely different experience.

“This scene was on the set of a late night talk show. Because of the equipment and the loudness projected, the air conditioner couldn’t run when we were shooting, so it was smoking hot. I mean to tell you it was absolutely brutal.”

After losing about four pounds of water weight, Joey’s scene was completed 10 hours later.

“I’d love to go back, but I’ll wait until it’s cooler. Whether or not I end up on the cutting room floor, the experience was really enjoyable.”

As for Nashville, itself, he says, “The city’s great, but the people are even better. It’s a city with a pulse and I love it!”

Honored to have this opportunity checked off on his docket of “must do’s” Joey looks forward to the next time he’s on set.

“It’s refreshing to see the creative process at work.”

When watching Nashville this season on ABC Wednesday’s at 9 p.m., remember to look for the familiar face of local lawyer Joey Stevens.