Nashville House Show

The band on Broadway

We got into Nashville around 4PM and were welcomed by the generous and talented Will Pellerin (Louisa's friend from college), who gave us his whole apartment to stay in in East Nashville! Dan wanted to go to the famous music store, Carter Vintage Guitars, so we set off right away to check it out. Of course as soon as we walked in, we saw one of Louisa's label mates, Jenny Owen Youngs, whose music we had just been listening to in the car! No one bought anything but Dan played a bunch of guitars and decided he still really loves his Collings.

It's Americana Fest in Nashville, so artists from all over the country (including Darlingside) are here playing showcases, and there are even more industry folks than usual in town. Because of this, Louisa had a dinner event hosted by her label, Yep Rock, at a BBQ place, and Elisabeth and the Kelly brothers went to a great ramen place in the meantime. 

We didn't know what to expect for the house show, and it turned out to be a super cool, two story apartment right in the middle of downtown, with a spiral staircase and a very cute puppy running around. Will Pellerin opened with a short set of original music to a small but appreciative audience.

Will Pellerin plays original songs at the Nashville house show

Louisa started off with "Benny," then "Cass's Song." Partway through the set, she was chatting with the audience and someone asked her to play a Dolly Parton song, (in honor of Dolly living in the area). Little did they know that one of Louisa's most popular covers is "I Will Always Love You." The audience was stunned and moved by her performance. Several people pulled their phones out and there was an audible sigh when the music stopped. It is interesting to note that this song came out in 1974. Each year, Americana Fest hosts a tribute event at which artists play covers of songs that came out 50 years ago, so we are going to make a push to get Louisa on the bill for next year!

Louisa and Disco

In the morning, we checked out Broadway, which is kind of like the Bourbon street of Nashville, except more music and fewer strip clubs. Will was playing at the Valentine bar with Blaine Holcomb, another St. Lawrence friend and budding country star. They were both so good. We stayed for a few songs, then stopped at the iconic Robert's Western World on our way out. 

Robert's Western World

We visited another music store afterwards, Fanny's, where an employee said "aren't you Louisa?" It turns out it was musician, Charlie Hill, who has many mutual friends. It also just so happens that Dan knows Charlie's music and has been listening to his new album since it came out in April. ALSO, Charlie been hosting Mike from Crabtree Sessions (North Haven) at his house all week!  Coincidences everywhere! Dan almost bought an amp. Elisabeth almost bought a short scale bass. We left empty handed and headed for St. Louis.