Tin Pan South to Kick Off with Annual Party on Music Row

It's time to celebrate Nashville's outstanding songwriters... Tin Pan South is here!

'Tin Pan South' SOURCE Show Spotlights Lari White, Jaida Dreyer, Danielle Bradbery and Jo Smith

By Wil Comstock

Music City Arts Contributing Writer

Tuesday, March 28, 2017 -- 6 p.m. show at Whiskey Rhythm Saloon

         This show was a benefit for SOURCE, the invitation-only women’s music business organization that provides professional contacts, career opportunities, and industry related information and education.  Whiskey Rhythm Saloon provided an intimate spot where these writers could tell us their stories and knock us off our feet with their killer songs.

         Canadian-American singer songwriter Jaida Dreyer is quite the character.  Her “Tease it to Jesus and Spray it to Hell," a quote from Loretta Lynn, had us in stitches.  She delivered quite a tale about her first time in LA. She was a little nervous about working with an unnamed writer.  They hit it off just fine, worked on a song, and Jaida was invited back to her apartment to hang out afterwards.  After a few hits of whiskey and several cigarettes, her host asked Jaida if she could do a Tarot Card reading for her.  For an hour and a half, her new friend proceeded to tell her the most horrible things, 90 percent of which came true! They remained friends, and Jaida put this experience into the haunting “There Will be Blood."  Dreyer closed with her number one hit for Luke Bryan and Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, “Home Alone Tonight,” telling the crowd excitedly, "I can finally say I have a number one!"

         Big Machine artist Danielle Bradbery, winner of The Voice season four in 2013, sang the memorable “Sway." Lari White commented that the hook would be in our heads for weeks to come.  Bradbery also shared two new songs that really pulled at the heart: “Potential,” about falling in love with the potential of a guy, and the sweet “Laying Low," sometimes you need a quiet time away from the crowds.

         Lari White asked us to imagine it was Saturday night around midnight. We’ve had six or seven beers, and we knew there was no way we would make it to church the next morning.  “So,” she whispered, “We’re gonna have church right here” as she played the beginning chords to “Lead Me Not into Temptation."  Everyone rededicated their lives as she delivered the most soulful performance of the evening, "Hallelujah!"  We were treated to two songs from her "Green Eyed Soul" CD, the sassy “Because I’m a Woman” and “Eden, Before the Fall,” which she co-wrote with Gary Nicholson.  White was in the Broadway musical “Ring of Fire ” about Johnny Cash.  While in New York, she was inspired to write a classic like those in the Great American Songbook.  She exceeded all expectations with the stunning “Champagne." All I could do was shake my head and smile, "Hmm, hmm, hmm..."

         Jo Smith kicked off with “Poster Child,” a song about being good at finding a guy that’s trouble.    Her Motown-torcher “Old School Groove” is a Highway Find on SiriusXM’s “The Highway.” She announced that the video shoot was tonight at the American Legion!  I loved the infectious “Dance Dirty with Me."  And we all could relate to her closing number “This Town” about the ups and downs of life in Music City.  

         This is a night to savor and play over again in my mind as I “Lay Low” and sip a glass of “Champagne"!

            Tin Pan South continues through Saturday, April 1. See the show schedule at http://www.TinPanSouth.com/schedule.

Tin Pan South: It 'Wasn't' Just Another Night in 'Nashville'

Just Another Night in "Nashville"

The Country

Thursday Night (Late Show)

Report from MCAU Editor Chuck Whiting

         Every year, Music City Arts Network's team heads out to the various clubs for "Tin Pan South". This year was better than ever, celebrating the works and accomplishments of legendary songwriters and emerging professionals who are on the verge of something special. We've already posted details about four shows. Here are highlights of "Just Another Night in 'Nashville'.

Songwriters share tunes they wrote for the TV show "Nashville". (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

         It was packed to the gills at The Country as songwriters and actors for the popular TV show took the stage. The fun camaraderie and outstanding performances lifted our musical senses to a new level.

         Fred Wilhelm kicked things off with the upbeat "Little Victories", followed by the Faith Hill cut "Dearly Beloved" ("not" meant for newlyweds), and the ticking-time-bomb song "Got Me Thinking Like a Criminal". He closed with a moving tribute song to his parents, "I Don't Want to Lose You" (with beautiful, heartfelt vocals). His dad died two years ago.

Fred Wilhelm (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

         Sarah Siskind started out with one of her oldest songs, "Keeps Me Alive". Wynonna recently discovered the aching, bluesy number for a new album. So far, Sarah has contributed 18 songs to "Nashville". "It's been an oasis for me to have my songs listened to, appreciated and integrated into the story," she told the audience. Her soaring vocals and introspective, well-written tunes prompted "oohs and aahs" after every performance.

Sarah Siskind banters with the audience. (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

         What can you say about Charles Esten that hasn't already been told or written. He is a true showman who relishes in the spotlight with amiable charm, expert vocals, and excellent songs. He showed his love for traditional country (and Johnny Cash) with "Cold, Cold Comfort", a tune he co-wrote with Gary Nicholson. Charles decided to pursue acting stints first, reasoning that would eventually lead him to songwriting. He ended his set with "Don't Cry Alone", a song dedicated to the grandparents who helped raise him (with the memorable line, "He don't give us more than we can carry.")

Charles Esten (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

 

         The Stellas (Brad and Marylynne) brought Canadian-rooted warmth and laughs, along with rich vocal harmonies. Mom and dad put on quite a show, delighting the audience with "It Wouldn't Be This" (encouraging us to believe in our talents) and "One of Us is Crazy" (about an eccentric relationship). Their daughters Lennon and Maisy took the stage for a closing number. Then everyone joined in on "A Life That's Good" (showing appreciation for what we have).

The Stellas (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

 

         Afterwards, dozens of fans of all ages gathered around the stage to meet or catch a glimpse of the stars who contributed to the TV show. It "wasn't" just another night in "Nashville".

         Music City Arts Network is posting coverage and tweeting out messages about this year's Tin Pan South songwriting festival. Follow us http://www.Twitter.com/MusicCityArts and http://www.Facebook.com/MusicCityArts. Please share your TPS experiences with us.

Tin Pan South: Paul Overstreet's Funny Antics and Much More

Tuesday: Second Show at The Country

Featuring: Tom Johnson, John Cowan, Paul Overstreet, and Lara Johnson with Pat Flynn

Report from MCAU Contributing Writer Wil Comstock

 

Paul Overstreet performs at The Country (Photo by Wil Comstock)

       Hands down one of the best shows this week, and it’s just begun!

       Tom Johnson kicked off the night with his signature guitar licks on “Spirit”. Later he played “Rainy Day Crossroads Blues”, and “Another Park Another Sunday”. He brought the House down with “Listen to the Music”, the Doobie hit he wrote in the '60s for the leaders of the world. 

       John Cowan’s bass and Pat Flynn’s incredible guitar on these classic Doobie Brothers hits added a great groove. John seduced us with “It Ain’t Necessarily No”, which he wrote with Pat McLaughlin. John’s best friend brought his family to see him play several years ago. On the way home, his friend and two sons were killed when their car was hit by a drunk driver. John wrote “This River” with Donny Wade and Wendy Waldman as a tribute to him. Both John and Pat were in the great band New Grass Revival. John sang a song Pat wrote, “Do What You Got To Do”, which was recorded by Garth Brooks.   

       I forgot just what a cut-up Paul Overstreet is. Watching him onstage, you can see the wheels turning as a smirk creeps across his face…. I imagine he wore that smirk as he wrote “Some Beach”, the Blake Shelton hit, and on a song Hank Williams Jr. cut, “Liquor to Like Her". Now how did the same person who wrote those songs write Keith Whitley’s (and Allison Krauss’s) “When You Say Nothing At All” and the Grammy winner “Forever and Ever Amen” recorded by Randy Travis? Lara Johnson is Tom’s daughter. She has a powerful voice and great potential as a songwriter. The crowd enjoyed listening to her “Back Seat”, “Pity Party” and “Sketches”.

       The bar was raised several notches tonight for musicianship at Tin Pan shows. I don’t think many will beat it. The respect and love that these guys have for one another shows in the fun they had and the songs they delivered tonight. I drove home with “Listen to the Music” in my head, complete with John’s bass and Pat’s guitar. 

A mix of legendary songwriters and legends to be (Photo by Wil Comstock)

        From now through April 10, Music City Arts Network will be posting coverage and tweeting out messages about this year's Tin Pan South songwriting festival. Follow us http://www.Twitter.com/MusicCityArts and http://www.Facebook.com/MusicCityArts. Please share your TPS experiences with us.

Tin Pan South: Songwriters Take the Stage at The Country in Nashville

From now through April 10, Music City Arts Network will be posting coverage and tweeting out messages about this year's Tin Pan South songwriting festival. Follow us http://www.Twitter.com/MusicCityArts and http://www.Facebook.com/MusicCityArts. Please share your TPS experiences with us.

Tuesday: First Show at The Country

Featuring: Jonathan Singleton, Jessi Alexander, Josh Thompson, Cary Barlowe, Maddie & Fae

Report from MCAU Contributing Writer Wil Comstock

       My first time at this fun new venue. Great corner stage and sound. Plenty of craft beers on tap. And a surprise for all those taking a trip to the restroom. The sinks are in the hallway outside of the men’s and women’s rooms. Boys wash their hands with the girls are watching!

       Standing Room Only Crowd for this show!  Highlights included Jonathan Singleton’s “Night’s on Fire”, “A Guy Walks in a Bar”, The Josh Tuner cut “Why Don’t We Just Dance”, and the Tim McGraw hit that bought him a farm in Ashland City, “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools”. 

Jonathan, Jessi and Josh perform their songs at The Country (Photo by Wil Comstock)

       Jessi Alexander looked divine in a red Indian print dress delivering “Mine Will Be You”, a song about regrets, “Damn Country Music”, “Drink on It”, and her inspirational first big cut, “The Climb” recorded by Miley Cyrus. 

       Josh Thompson treated us to “Match”, the newly recorded “Ask Any Barstool” by Jason Aldean, “For All the Wrong Reasons”, and “John Wayne, Johnny Cash, and John Deere”. 

       Cary Barlowe and his pretty damn-good guitar chops played ”Where It’s At”, “It Don’t Hurt Like it Use To”, and “American Honey”, which Lady Antebellum took to the top. Cary and Shy Carter were writing at Major Bobs when in walked Billy Currington, a former Major Bob writer.  Billy asked what they were up to, and they penned Billy’s hit, “It Don’t Hurt Like it Used To”.  

       Surprise guests Maddie and Fae, who both just turned 21, harmonized on “Downside of Growing Up”, “On the Way Down”, and the song that got Big Machine’s attention, “Girl in a Country Song”.

       Jonathan, Jessi, Josh and Cary are all friends. They write together, hang together, and have lots of fun together, on stage and off!

Songwriters perform at The Country during Tin Pan South (Photo by Wil Comstock)