It was a beautiful fall day in Centennial Park. Several Razorbacks fans were there to celebrate their team's football victory over our hometown Commodores. It was also family day at Musicians Corner as our three main stage acts all featured three trios of siblings. Pearl Heart, High Valley and The Medders brought beautiful sibling harmonies to entertain the crowd. Ella Sinclair, Stephen Sebastian, Mackenzie Scott and special guests Carolina Story also delivered wonderful acoustic performances that made for a rootsy, country fall day of music. Nashville's Hometown Hero, Hannah Curlee, who lost over 100 pounds on The Biggest Loser also made an appearance and shared her inspirational story with all of us. Unfortunately, The Kicks had to cancel since their vocalist lost his voice. However, there as not shortage of great music to keep everyone happy.

Please join us Tuesday, November 1 for a Musicians Corner Benefit Show at The Bluebird Cafe and next Saturday for our special last show of the season. Get details on both shows in our Calendar.

Thanks for supporting Musicians Corner!

A near-perfect day played host to hundreds in Centennial Park on Saturday. With the TACA Craft Fair right next door, a flood of people swarmed to see this week's stellar performances.

Buffalo Clover started things off. These guys had a unique yet memorable sound, mixing influences from Americana, pop, folk and bluegrass. Lead singer Margo Price has a wonderful tone, backed by a talented band providing intermittent harmonies. They have just released a vinyl album entitled Low Down Time, which they sampled several songs from.

The first acoustic stage act of the day was the beautiful songstress Carly Pearce. Carly's voice is sweet but powerful with her country background shining through. In just three solo acoustic songs, Carly had the crowd in wonderment.

The second main stage act was California duo Pawnshop Kings. The two brothers mix melodic tones to produce sounds that mix pop, rock and soul. They entertained the crowd with stories and music that truly spoke to everyone.

After Pawnshop Kings left the stage, there was a brief pause before current pop smash Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO started blaring over the speakers. A couple spontaneous dance moves from crowd members had several people curious. Dancers kept coming from every direction, eventually forming a very large dance party front-and-center in the lawn. Then, as the music picked up, they all broke into a choreographed dance... that's right: a flash mob at Musicians Corner.

The flash mob was to promote Nashville Sideshow's Fringe Festival, a progressive performing arts event, taking place from September 29 to October 2. Another exciting first for Musicians Corner.

Wondering how to adequately follow a flash mob, Jared Crump took the acoustic stage. Jared describes himself as if "Jason Mraz, Kenny Chesney, John Mayer, and a steel guitar had a baby." Although that's difficult to imagine, Jared's smooth vocals, guitar riffs and country roots certainly combine to make something wonderful.

The Coolin' System took the main stage next. Primarily instrumental, the band features a horn section and two percussionists, as well as several other instruments to provide a contemporary big band swing sound. After bringing up a soulful James Brown-like vocalist at the end, The Coolin' System was a definite crowd-pleaser. Much of the audience was on its feet, and Rico even had a couple dance partners.

Elliot Collett was the final acoustic act of the day. Taking the stage with two other members of his band The Articles, Collett combined alternative country stylings with Americana sounds and a pop sensibility. The music was a great way to set the mood for fall, and get the crowd ready for the headliners.

After this was the always-popular Dog of the Day. This week's winner was the beautiful pure bread standard poodle named Hershey. Not only did Hershey get to open up for Carter's Chord, he also managed a stage dive, jumping off the Musicians Corner five-foot stage onto the lawn! (He was just fine.)

The headliners of the day generated an outstanding response. Carter's Chord is a sister trio, quickly gaining notoriety in the Nashville country scene. Signed to Toby Keith's Show Dog Universal Records, these three gave a standout acoustic performance with beautiful harmonies and incredible instrumentation. They also happen to be World Vision artists, collaborating with one of Musicians Corner's biggest sponsors. After their set, the girls stuck around to speak with the fans that stayed through the rain and even signed autographs. Musicians Corner was truly pleased to have these three grace their stage.

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The fall season of Musicians Corner runs on Saturdays through November 5.

- Matt Williams

As the crowd trickled in from the Vanderbilt game across street, Musicians Corner kicked another week of its fall season. An eclectic offering of music this week had the Centennial Park crowd enthralled and entertained, despite the lack of parking. With the game and Dog Days in the Park right next door, fans may have had to walk, but they were not deterred.

Leading off the day was SPELLS, performing their inaugural show at Musicians Corner. A riveting combination of electronic, punk and pop, SPELLS performed songs from their album Escapist, a thematic compilation about breaking out of the status quo. If this first show is any indication, we should be hearing from SPELLS long into the future.

Following SPELLS was Audrey Spillman on the acoustic stage. Her voice is powerful yet pleasant, with a style all her own. She played the ukulele accompanied by a Cajon drum and a guitar for a very soulful, acoustic, folksy sound. After her performance, several members of the crowd were asking about where they could hear more of Audrey.

The next act drew a lot of excitement and interest from Musicians Corner patrons. The DanBerrys combine elements of several genres, add in a banjo and mandolin for a bluegrass feel and end up with music that everyone was clapping along to. And when the banjo and mandolin broke down into solos and battles, one could not help but turn to the closest person and declare, "This is awesome!"

Hannah Miller was the second act on the acoustic stage. Accompanied by her husband, her voice was soft and sweet. They complimented each other very nicely, although at one point Hannah admitted, "We've been married nine years and I only now wrote a love song for him." She has worked with many acclaimed producers, and had her song Keep It Simple licensed for the Show "Mercy," proving that Hannah is certainly one of Nashville's bright young stars.

Fresh of off another hot Lady Antebellum release, Nashville producer Paul Worley took the stage for the second week in a row to announce the Dog of the Day. With Dog Days having ended, this week's crowd held a myriad of canines, including as many as five Great Danes. One of these was the lucky winner, and this one came up to Paul's shoulders.

Stating that this was the first time a dog had ever opened for him, Christopher Williams took the stage next. A one-man multi-instrumentalist, Williams transformed the large sprawling crowd into an atmosphere of a small nightclub. He started by singing to his own drumbeat, then switched to guitar and alternated to a harmonica. With bluesy country songs such as Honest Man, his music truly resonated with the audience.

The final acoustic stage act has had songs featured on the shows "90210," The United States of Tara," and "Private Practice." Jon Black's style has been described as "Jackson Browne and Neil Young mixed with rich, thick atmospheres and musical landscapes." His lyrical indie sound was incredibly entertaining, adding yet another twist on the assorted musical stylings of the day.

The headliner of the day was Nashville performing legend and esteemed veteran Pat McLaughlin. A songwriting dynamo, McLaughlin's compositions have been recorded by artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Nanci Griffith and Josh Turner. McLaughlin began without a sound check, had his mic go out in the middle of a song, and still performed beautifully, getting the crowd on its feet. During his part of the show McLaughlin attracted the more people up close to the stage dancing with Rico (who was donning an new Musicians Corner t-shirt) than there have been all season.

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The fall season of Musicians Corner runs on Saturdays through November 5 and promises more great artists and special guests. For additional information check out the fall schedule.

- Matt Williams

Perfect weather ushered in week two of Musicians Corner in Centennial Park with seven more fantastic acts taking the stage. Enchanting vocals may have set the mood for a beautiful fall day, but the instrumental talent of this week's performers proved to be the talking point of the show.

Belmont University alum Robert Kelly was the first act of the day. He kept the crowd entertained from the very beginning with his infectious sense of humor and ability to get everyone participating. Playing acoustically smooth songs including the title track of his current album We Are Poetry, Kelly was a great way to kick off the day.

The first acoustic stage act was singer/songwriter Natalie Royal. With her hauntingly beautiful tone and great utilization of various string accompaniments, she let her personality shine through to capture the hearts of the audience. She also announced free CDs, causing a swarming mad dash to the merchandise tent.

Jerami Matlock was up next on the main stage. Matlock has a groovy, soulful style encompassing variations of R&B, reggae and jazz. With a great stage presence, he had the crowd dancing, and with two Bob Marley covers he had them singing as well.

Following Matlock, Musicians Corner announced its double Dog of the Day, presented by Grammy award-winning producer Paul Worley (Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride). Worley was integral in bringing Musicians Corner to the Music City public, and expressed his sincere delight of the popularity of the event.

The second acoustic stage performance was Yumza!, singing fun songs geared more towards the younger Musicians Corner crowd. After Dog of the Day, Yumza! tweaked their set list to include their canine-inspired number Take Care of Your Dog, Dog. The music was comedy driven, and a departure of the status quo, yet listening to it, the crowd could not help but feel happy.

The next main stage act may have generated the most buzz of the day. Neulore has an alternative, folk sound, and front man Adam Agin showed off his effortless, gentle vocals. Singing cuts from their concept album Apples & Eve, as well as favorites such as Don't Leave Quite Yet, Neulore bestowed, as one fan described it, "a spiritual experience" upon Musicians Corner.

The final acoustic stage performance was courtesy of The Gloaming, a string quartet playing popular cover songs. With three violins and a cello, The Gloaming utilized every aspect of their instruments, stringing, picking, scratching and even drumming, leaving everyone thoroughly impressed and entertained.

To finish the day, Nashville natives Colorfeels provided an instrumentally and vocally riveting performance. Each member of the band was a multi-instrumentalist, and one even included a clarinet - at one point playing it and his guitar simultaneously. Their slower numbers were pleasant and whimsically musical while their more upbeat songs had the crowd on its feet. As one band member exclaimed to the crowd: "Yes to dancing. No to sitting!" This inventive plethora of sound was an enjoyable way to wrap up to a great day of music.

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The fall season of Musicians Corner runs on Saturdays through November 5 and promises more great artists and special guests!

- Matt Williams

The triple-digit-degree weather didn't discourage hundreds of Nashville music lovers from coming out to the Musicians Corner fall season kickoff. The weekly concert series came back in full force with great performances, food and fun. Rico had his usual dancing shoes on, and Mayor Karl Dean even stopped by for a visit as seven acts graced the stage with amazing music.

Local rockers The CO started things off. They generated tons of buzz, with numerous interested patrons asking about their CDs at the merchandise tent. With upbeat tunes such as Keep It Together and more personal numbers such as How to Say Goodbye, The CO was a great way to start the season.

The first side stage performance was from two members of the Metro Parks jamBand, performing covers of new songs such as Bruno Mars' I Wanna Marry You as well as classics such as Stevie Ray Vaughn's Pride and Joy.

Multi-talented artist, producer, player and writer Andrew Osenga was up next serenading the crowd with his soothing, mellifluous sound. Performing songs like Kara, Osenga transformed the mood of the audience from a hot summer day to a cool concert in autumn.

The next side stage act was Foxes Have Foxholes featuring Kyle Sapp, a production intern from the spring season. Given the opportunity to perform on the other side of the stage, Foxes Have Foxholes gave a great acoustic performance.

Next, Mayor Karl Dean graced the stage praising Musicians Corner and the fans for making the event successful. The Mayor has been an intricate part of putting on Musicians Corner and growing it to what it has become.

The third featured act of the day was Damien Horne. His music combines elements of just about every genre, and his musical collaborations are just as diverse. He has shared the stage with acts from The Neville Brothers to 3 Doors Down to Hank Jr. A talented guitar player and even more talented singer and performer, Horne had the audience - and especially Rico - on their feet.

The final side stage performance was from the Belmont duo Striking Matches. This acoustic performance had everyone transfixed on the incredible guitar playing and songwriting ability of these two rising stars. Each is a talented singer and guitar picker individually, yet together they are nothing less than mesmerizing.

The headlining act of the day was new country duo Attwater. Currently gaining fast notoriety in Nashville, the California-based band kept everyone grooving into the evening. They covered a song by Patti Griffin - Erika Attwater's favorite artist - and their current single Never Gonna Happen was the perfect way to end the day.

The fall season of Musicians Corner runs on Saturdays from September 3 to November 5 and promises more great artists and special guests. For the complete fall schedule, click here!

- Matt Williams

MUSICIANS CORNER IS BACK IN CENTENNIAL PARK
ON SEPTEMBER 3 FOR ITS FALL SEASON

Nashville, TN (August 17, 2011)-Musicians Corner, Nashville's free weekly lawn party, will kick off its fall season on Saturday, September 3 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Centennial Park.

The September 3 event at Musicians Corner is being presented by Brite Revolution and will feature performances by Attwater, The CO, Andrew Osenga, Striking Matches, Foxes Have Foxholes and students from the Metro Parks jamBand. It will also showcase Musicians Corner's nonprofit partner, World Vision, a humanitarian organization that serves close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world.

"We had an incredible spring season," said Executive Director John Tumminello. "This fall you can expect 10 more weeks of great performances, local food vendors, Kidsville activities and free Saturday afternoon fun in Centennial Park."

The Musicians Corner spring season featured an eclectic line up of performances by over 50 artists including: The Wooten Brothers, Drew & Ellie Holcomb, James Otto, Melinda Doolittle, Sarah Buxton, Nathan Angelo, Sandra McCracken & Derek Webb, Love and Theft, Trent Dabbs, Brooke Waggoner and The Nyama Drum Ensemble and a special appearance by Emmylou Harris.

The fall season of Musicians Corner runs on Saturdays from September 3 to November 5 and promises more great artists and special guests. Music lovers can look forward to performances by: Ben Sollee, Pearl Heart, Madi Diaz, Matt Giraud, Carter's Chord, The Kicks, PawnShop Kings, Daniel Ellsworth and the Great Lakes, The Colorfeels, Tom T Hall Tribute featuring Peter Cooper & Eric Brace and more than 50 additional artists. You can view the fall season schedule at MusiciansCornerNashville.com. Additional performers will continue to be announced throughout the fall, including a special Americana Music Festival event on October 15.

"We are excited to see Musicians Corner back in Centennial Park," said Mayor Karl Dean. "Musicians Corner offers great entertainment at a great location. Everyone should be sure to come out this fall."

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park and made possible by the generous support of organizations in Nashville's music industry and business community, including: Fifth Third Bank, Crest Cadillac, Saab, Honda, BMI, World Vision, The Nashville Scene, Brantley Sound, Lightning 100, Mix 92.9, 96.3 JACKfm, Metro Parks, The Conservancy For The Parthenon & Centennial Park, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Sony Music Nashville, Country Music Association, Ben & Jerry's, Showdog-Universal Music, Universal Music Nashville, Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville, Vanderbilt University, Gibson, Simon Ripley's Music & Art, Brite Revolution, SAE, Morris Artists Management, O'Neil Hagaman, Skyline Music Publishing, Capitol Nashville, Warner Music Nashville, SESAC, Wrensong, EMI, Major Bob Music, We Make Tapes & Discs, American Songwriter, Oakwood Cleaners, William Morris Entertainment, NSAI, Mogreet, Otterball and Music City Unsigned.

For additional information and the fall schedule please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com

About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Nashville, TN (April 26, 2011)

Musicians Corner, Nashville's free lawn party featuring music of all forms, will kick off its second season on Saturday, May 7th from 3 to 6 p.m. Inspired by London's Speakers Corner, Musicians Corner brings musical diversity to a free, outdoor setting in Centennial Park.

The Saturday, May 7th kick off event at Musicians Corner will highlight the musical talents of Sarah Buxton, Andrew Ripp, The Westbound Rangers, Dara Tucker and Marie Hines. It will also showcase local nonprofit Mocha Club, which asks people to donate the small cost of two coffees per month to make big strides in Africa. Cool People Care will be on hand to provide tips, ideas, and examples of ways to go green and make a difference in the middle Tennessee community. Generation Domination will be on site taking free photo booth pictures. Mix 92.9 Kidsville will host Nashville Sounds' mascot Ozzie, provide free Ben & Jerry's samples and other fun activities for little ones. Musicians Corner attendees are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the 40th Annual TACA Spring Craft Fair taking place in Centennial Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 7th.

"Musicians Corner is continuing its growth this season," said Executive Director John Tumminello. "You can expect great music in the best outdoor setting in Nashville. There will also be more on-site community, charitable and food partners, plus lots of fun activities for the kids. There's no better way to spend your Saturday afternoon in Nashville."

By providing a space for music lovers, families and dog owners to congregate and celebrate local artistic talent, Musicians Corner encourages Nashville's sense of community and appreciation of the arts.

"Nashville is a city that is continually improving the quality of life it offers to its citizens," said Mayor Karl Dean. "Musicians Corner is a fun event that highlights the importance of music and the incredible talent in our city. The business and community leaders who are taking the time and effort to make Musicians Corner such a success and the artists that participate should be applauded."

This year promises several surprises, giveaways and non-stop excitement for locals and visitors alike. Music lovers can look forward to appearances by a diverse line-up of artists such as: The Wooten Brothers; Matthew Perryman Jones; Anna Wilson; Sandra McCracken & Derek Webb; Greg Bryant's Expansion; Amy Stroup; The Delta Saints; Nathan Angelo; Darnell Levine; The Young International; Angel Snow; and Brooke Waggoner. Performers will continue to be announced throughout the spring.

The program's directors will emphasize the community-building aspect of Musicians Corner by spotlighting local charities including: The Autism Society of Middle Tennessee; Habitat for Humanity; Blood:Water Mission; The Contributor; and Bonaparte's Retreat with a special appearance by Emmylou Harris, in support of her organization devoted to saving shelter dogs. Each week, Cool People Care will also be on site, in addition to many local food vendors and mobile trucks.

To reach a wide range of Nashvillians, Musicians Corner has joined forces with local media partners including The Nashville Scene, Lightning 100, Mix 92.9, 96.3 JACKfm and American Songwriter. The spring season will run every Saturday 3 to 6 p.m. from May 7th through July 2nd, then take a short break for the hot summer months of July and August. The fall season will resume on will September 3rd and run every Saturday through November 5th.

Musicians Corner is a program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park and made possible by the generous support of over 30 organizations in Nashville's music industry and business community and is presented in part by: Fifth Third Bank; Crest Auto Group Cadillac, Saab, Honda; and BMI.

For additional performers and sponsors, please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com

Dear Mayor Dean,

As a long time Nashvillian and parent, I wanted to Thank You for the special gift we have been given in Musician's Corner. To have a place where parents can take their children which is family friendly and parents can still enjoy themselves with the fresh air and great tunes is priceless! We have been faithful attendees since almost the beginning and anyone that knows us knows where to find us every Saturday from 3-6pm!

I had the pleasure of meeting some of the wonderful people that work hard to make this great event happen every week today and was blown away by their genuine love of what they do. As someone who had to scramble to find something that the entire family could enjoy every week in the city, we were so fortunate to have found Musician's Corner. In the process, we have created a tradition and some great family memories in our beautiful Centennial Park.

It has never failed that every time that I have looked up and just glanced around at everyone while at the "corner", it is an atmosphere of relaxation and people truly enjoying themselves. A much needed break away from our day to day routines and concerns.

We hope to have this amazing music program return for years to come.


Best Regards-

Zina Harris
Nashville Mother of Two
Music and Park Lovers :)

BMI offered breakfast and morning-mingling on Friday, September 17 in its Music Row lobby. Music industry players and community leaders gathered to hear Nashville Mayor Karl Dean rally even more support for the already enthusiastically embraced Musicians Corner in Centennial Park. Launched with a free weekly concert series running from 3-6 p.m. every Saturday through October 16, Musicians Corner offers a pastiche of musical performances featuring locally-based favorites, original voices, and surprise guests, the sounds of whom are complemented by neighborhood lifestyle, food, and artisan vendors. Pictured at BMI are Musicians Corner's Kristen Dabbs, BMI's Jody Williams, GTU's Ben Armistead, The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park's Sylvia Rapoport, Skyline Music's Paul Worley, The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park's Hope Stringer, and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. (Photo by Steve Lowry)

The Monkey's Treehouse is our Kids Corner sponsor and will be providing lots of toys, games and activities for the little ones, including an arts & crafts table, fishing games, chalk, bubbles, facepainting and more!

Also, be sure to bring cash & check out our other Vendors:
Tin Can Treats, Sparkle Cupcakes, Kernels Nashville, Pied Piper, Centennial Snow Cones and the amazing Primms Springs Lemonade stand!

7.10.2010

M: musicians corner.

This afternoon Sarah and I went to Centennial Park to hear some live music. This was the first Saturday for Musicians Corner, an "outdoor musical epicenter for Nashville" (according to the Web site). The group is envisioning Musicians Corner to be like Speakers Corner in London. Live music will grace the park every Saturday from 3-6 p.m. through October and it's FREE. What's not to love?

Today the Weather Channel was calling for a 10 percent chance of rain so we were a little surprised when two sets in, it began to rain. Then the rain got heavier. Fortunately Sarah had an umbrella in her purse so we huddled under it sitting on a towel on the ground. When the rain let up, the music continued but it kept raining and finally when it began to lightning and thunder, we left.

The music was quality. That's what you get for living in Nashville. Even the street players who sit on the curb with their cases open to make rent money are really good. Here are the musicians we saw:

In addition to the tunes, Sarah and I had a great time people watching. If you want to see every person Nashville has to offer, spend an hour or two at Musicians Corner. We saw old people, young people, people with tattoos, people with dogs, people with cigars and sunflower-patterned blankets and corn on the cob. I might even dare to claim the people watching compares to an afternoon at BNA, which just goes to show that music does not discriminate; young, old, tattooed, Tennessean ... music speaks to the soul.

If there's anything that can't stop Nashville, still recovering from the devastating flooding of early May, it's a little bit of water. The inaugural Musicians Corner concert saw just that-water, and lots of it-but thanks to some Nashville music fans who didn't mind a summer shower (or six), the show, mostly, went on.

Musicians Corner is a new, free concert series slated to be held in the southwest corner of Centennial Park every Saturday afternoon through October. Partially inspired by Speakers Corner in London, Musicians Corner seeks to build off the already tight-knit musical community in Nashville to give Music City's "melting pot" of artists and listeners alike an open forum to share and engage. Kicking off the inaugural show was Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, who expressed his dedication to expanding the city's musical community and promised an eclectic mix of Nashville artists soon to take the stage.

Up first was pop singer-songwriter Damien Horne, whose stripped down vocal, acoustic guitar and cajon set fit the scene of still-dry shady trees and picnic blankets around him. Horne's voice is soulful and smooth, and his songwriting is genuine-"Babydoll," he explains, is about an ex-girlfriend, one he pretty obviously didn't care too much for. Horne closed his set with a version of his own tune "Monkey on My Back" that managed to work in not only Jamie Foxx's "Blame It (on the Alcohol)," but also, and perhaps more impressively, the infamous General Larry Platt's viral classic "Pants on the Ground." The combination might sound unorthodox at first, but let's be honest here-alcohol can often be blamed for both actin' a fool AND losing one's trousers.

Nashville staple Trent Dabbs kept the crowd entertained with fellow vocalist Amy Stroup with a couple songs between sets, including the increasingly appropriate "Rain or Shine"-by this point in the afternoon, the rain showers were becoming stronger and more frequent. The rain didn't slow the crowd for Mindy Smith, however, who opened her set with her own haunting version of the Dolly Parton classic "Jolene." After dedicating "Tennessee" to flood victims, the rain, as if by some cruel joke, picked up and Smith was forced off stage.

Of all the musicians on the lineup, Mikky Ekko would be the one to ignore the elements to keep the music playing. Ekko, known for his eclectic stage antics, and fearless vocals that blur the lines between Freddie Mercury, Jeff Buckley and Mika, played songs from latest EP REDS and 2009's Strange Fruit flanked by umbrella-holding friends as rain poured and lightning struck around him. Prompting the audience to applaud the girls keeping him dry, Ekko didn't miss a note, falsetto or otherwise. The rain slowed towards the end of Ekko's set and picked back up when Mindy Smith returned to the stage, but following suit with an umbrella Smith played on, closing with local favorite "Come to Jesus."

Sam & Ruby, a duo of Nashville transplants known for their airy, soulful harmonies and Norah Jones-esque songwriting, didn't fare much better with the weather, at one point pausing mid-song to regain composure after a particularly loud thunderclap, with generous support from the now-soaked crowd. "Even if you haven't always lived in Nashville, it's a small town," Ruby told the audience, hoping this new tradition could be a "family reunion," of sorts. Almost on cue with the lyrics, when Sam and Ruby sang, "It's like the sunshine, it's like the rain" from their hit "Ain't Love Somethin,'" whatever heavens still holding back opened up, and the show ended abruptly before the (perhaps too literally) show-stopping Dynamites featuring Charles Walker could take the stage.

Despite a few of Mother Nature's best attempts at setbacks, the first Musicians Corner affirmed Nashville to be, in every sense of the word, a community- one driven by resilience, compassion, and, of course, an overwhelming love for the craft of music. The next Musicians Corner, presented by Blood:Water Mission and Lemon:Aid Project, is Saturday July 17, and features Matthew P. Jones, Judd & Maggie, the Kicks and more.

By Brittney McKenna on July 12th, 2010

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