We thought we’d run to Nashville for a few days over Thanksgiving. But it was almost as if we had never left home.
Christabel and the Jons
We went to see some live music at The Rutledge, which Nashville’s Rage Magazine describes as “one of the most eye and ear pleasing venues in the entire Southeast.” Guess who was playing: Christabel and the Jons, with an opening act of Jennifer Niceley, Bob Deck and Dave Jacques, all of Knoxville. (Yes, it’s true that Jennifer is the daughter of Knox County’s state Rep. Frank Niceley.)
Jennifer Niceley
And the latest Nashville Scene, which we picked up, had a big article about (wait for it) Knoxville’s R.B. Morris whom they quoted Lucinda Williams as calling, “the greatest unknown songwriter in America.”
Wow. It wasn’t that long ago when we’d sit here in Knoxville and be happy when some Nashville musicians deigned to grace us with their presence. And it used to be common for the Knoxville papers to run stories about musicians and artists in Nashville. Rarely was it the other way around.
Now it seems that the road runs both ways more often than not. And it is gratifying to see.
The Nashville stop was the opening date of a month-long Southern tour that will take Christabel and the Jons from Alabama to Texas and Oklahoma and then back to the Carolinas and Tennessee. They will be back in Knoxville at The Square Room for a joint holiday show with The Actors Co-op on Dec. 19.
R.B. Morris, who was mostly interviewed by the Nashville Scene about James Agee and the general artistic vibe in Knoxville, has just released his latest CD, “Spies, Lies and Burning Eyes.” It’s terrific.
Bob Deck at The Rutledge on Friday
We actually had a fabulous two-day visit to Music City. In addition to the live music, we ate at two of our favorite restaurants, Noshville and Tin Angel, visited the Frist Center to see exhibits of surrealism and Georgia O’Keeffe, and took a drive down Music Row to kill a little time.
But, as usual, we are happy to be back in our favorite city of all.
Alan visits the complimentary pickle bar at Noshville
You aren't allowed to take photos inside the Frist Center. This Georgia O'Keeffe poster is outside.
We didn't have time for a beer, but we did have time for a photo of the Idle Hour bar on Music Row.
Alan is getting kinda tired of me making him pose with every weird thing we see. But he did agree to this one in the parking lot of the Idle Hour on 16th Ave. So.
Camels feature prominently on the gates of Ray Stevens Music on Music Row. I assume that's because of Stevens' hit "Ahab the Arab?" (Is that politically correct these days?)
This is part of what makes this city so very special! Being a native of New Orleans, the birth place of so many great musicians, I’ve been extremely impressed by the musicality and talent of Knoxville. Being a singer myself, I’ve performed in many venues over the years and I believe we have two of the best right here in Knoxville. The Bijou Theatre and the Tennessee Theatre are what I like to refer to as a musician’s dream venue. From the beautiful architecture, ambiance and intimate audience feel, to the amazing acoustics! This city is magical in so many ways–everything that’s wrong about New Orleans is right about Knoxville!
They sure do have good taste at the Idle Hour Bar in Nashville! Hope y’all had a blast.
Hahaha! You are right, Mary Ellen! And guess what Christabel was drinking after her performance: a PBR! And, Shaun: totally agree!
Thanks for the love. You and Alan are such terrific supporters of the art scene in East TN. It’s nice to be in such fine company – it was a fun show.
I love Nashville, my hometown, and it is good see she is loving us back!
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