LIVE REVIEWS

FEATUREDLIVE REVIEWS

WNXP Summer Line Series with Bully and Massie99

This summer’s shows hit a little bit different than last summer’s shows because now, Rock Oracle is a building a team and we had our first team building exercise at WNXP’s Summer Line Series. We were in attendance for the second of four events curated by Nashville Public Radio Station WNXP (91.1 FM) for this summer. By we, I mean myself, plus new additions to the squad Sarah and Stacey who, along with Florida Oracle, Mooney, have been instrumental in taking Rock Oracle to the next level.  The first WNXP event was with Devon Gilfillian and was deemed a huge success as people filled the Ascension St. Thomas Landing at Nashville Yards on June 26th.  The sophomore installment of this well orchestrated showcase was Bully and Massie99, on August 22nd, at the outdoor venue.  I was thrilled to introduce these artists to my team and share in a magical night evening of music community. 

Read More
FEATUREDLIVE REVIEWS

A Damn Good Time with Hayden Pattengale & Band at Basement East

Living in Nashville quickly introduces you to the wide world of music. It seems that everyone you meet is involved in the music industry somehow and most are extremely gifted in their area of expertise.Having lived in/around the city my whole life, I’ve been honored to meet many of those people – some being some of the most talented musicians in the area. Even more of an honor, some of those people have become good friends over time. Hell, I eventually snagged one of my own to marry LOL which is funny, really, because I used to vehemently state: “I will NEVER marry a musician!” Don’t ask why I used to say that LOL I can’t recall what so heavily concerned my early-20s brain about it … but I’m VERY glad (obviously) that sentiment didn’t manifest!

Read More
FEATUREDLIVE REVIEWS

Pavement Rocks 26 Song Set at The Ryman

The show was beyond phenomenal with Pavement playing for nearly two hours on Monday, July 27th.  School night Schmool night. They orchestrated 26 songs (including the encore) and sounded incredible.  The Ryman is a fantastic venue known to locals as “The Mother Church” (it is in fact an old church) with a glorious sound built into its walls. You couldn’t recreate the sonic tonality or the ambience of its foundation today if you tried.  Everyone was up out of their pew row seating and on their feet the entire time, singing the words and shouting the hooks where they were needed.  Fifty-two-year-old me kept thinking back to my teenage self and wondering if he would have appreciated this as much as I do now. 

Read More
FEATUREDLIVE REVIEWS

In the Company of Serpents, Jones & the Bones & Sweet Fruits @ The Cobra

Welcome Ghouls, Demons, and Fellow Wyrd Ones!!! Last Friday Night, Gospel_ov_Hate took a leap of faith on another one of his wife’s concert ventures. As a Chatty Cathy, I tend to find friends everywhere I go. It doesn’t help that I dress eccentric-ly obscene. Donning, and styling, his eeriest of band-tees. It is no surprise that I find fellow Metal-Heads who are curious about which band name is ambiguously etched onto my OOTD. That is how I met Jones! Another Fair Park connection. Another friendly alignment of being at the Right Place at the Right time. Perhaps it is the Goddess Hekate, the Mother of Hounds, Blessing all of us Dark Souls with a Torch of Light from the Love that Glistens from our Puppy friends. Either way? I am truly grateful for every entity that wanders over the crossroads and into my sight. It is the very reason I have this tale to tell. Mine, and my Beloved’s First Night at the Cobra Nashville. 

Read More
FEATUREDLIVE REVIEWS

Nicky Diamonds Shines Bright At Nashville’s Cannery Hall Supporting Madam Radar

Recently, we were invited to the Cannery Hall to check out a band called Madam Radar. First, to set the scene, Cannery Hall is a well-known, beloved – and newly revived – multi-room venue, housed in a brick building that was built in the 1800s. (Us natives and tourists alike love Nashville’s historic buildings). Our show was in “Row One” – one of four venue spaces – and my main plan was to focus on taking photos of Madam Radar for Melinoe to use in her write-up. As we walked into Row One, though, I was taken back by the sound of guitar slides, simple – yet captivating rhythm sounds – and that specific, soulful resonance you can really only experience with Blues music. It was the opener of the night: Nicky Diamonds

Read More
FEATUREDLIVE REVIEWS

A Night with Madam Radar at Cannery Hall

Throughout the concert, I will say, I have not had that much silly, carefree fun in a long, long time. I cannot quite recall the last time I had laughed that hard, and cried just as much from the laughter. My cheeks were sore, and my belly ached. I often had to cross my legs to avoid breaking the seal. I had a night in which I felt fully Alive, and so, so deeply in Love. Madam Radar was the soundtrack to this experience. A Series of Fortunate Events that will be tattooed unto my Psyche, and permeated amongst my Heart. I will never forget the Dreadful, Endearing Smile plastered on my dearest beloved’s face when Madam Radar announced a love song, and I gushed all over him. Shattering his comfort zone of public displays of affection. Welcoming in our soulful friends to witness the moment, and chime in with laughter at the Expense of the Rigid Capricorn. Only for my Dreamy Charm to also crack my emote-less Gemini into a frenzy of giggles when she caught me lost in my own world, snuggled up on the dance floor with my Husbondi, drifting into the emotion of the music. The Romance was enough to fill my cup and mark Madam Radar as a key artist I would want selling out Weddings, Birthday Parties, Anniversaries and every Milestone of Life Events. 

Read More
FEATUREDLIVE REVIEWS

Nashville’s Punk Scene Shows Up

Snooper ripped their opening set starting at around 7:45pm and had there been doors; they would’ve been blown off.   Snooper’s latest album, Worldwide, came out in October, and I am happy to say that I picked up a copy on cassette tape during the show. I was right up front for the festivities and the mosh pits.  With my camera in hand, I braved the sea of bodies swarming to the sensational music created by the band that was formed by the duo of vocalist Blair Tramel and guitarist Connor Cummins. The band is now rounded out by bassist Happy Haugen and drummer Conner Sullivan.  People filled the lot and found spots to watch from every possible angle.  It was an all-ages show and I am always so happy to see moms and dads bringing their children to enjoy in the solace of live music. Everyone was having an awesome time and treating each other with kindness. 

Read More