Nashville’s Vibrant Finale: Celebrating Queer Voices at The 5 Spot During AmericanaFest
What a night it was in Nashville on September 21, 2024, as AmericanaFest wrapped up its festivities with an incredible display of talent at The 5 Spot! The cozy venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and lively performances, was alive with music, laughter, and a palpable sense of community, bringing together a lineup of remarkable queer musicians who truly took the stage by storm.
The Kentucky Gentlemen Kick Things Off with Style
First up was The Kentucky Gentlemen, twin brothers Brandon and Derek Campbell, who brought their own special brand of pop country mixed with R&B flair. Dressed in eye-catching sequin fringe jackets, the duo danced right off the stage to welcome the audience into the evening. Their vibrant energy reflected how every great celebration should feel—like a heartfelt reunion with friends.
As the brothers twisted and twirled through the crowd and shared their captivating harmonies, it was clear they were entirely in their element. The Kentucky Gentlemen are proud members of the Black Opry family, showcasing their talent and charisma while keeping the audience engaged and entertained from the very first note.
Lawrence Rothman and Amanda Shires Bring a Bit of Mystery
Next up was the enigmatic Lawrence Rothman, donning an all-black outfit and sporting a wild haircut that would make Jack White proud! Rothman wasted no time in enchanting the audience with their rich baritone vocals, performing tracks from their latest LP, The Plow That Broke the Plains, which was written during a retreat near Nashville.
One standout moment of the night came when Amanda Shires, the acclaimed songsmith and Rothman’s collaborator, joined them on stage to perform “Take It Like a Man,” a song that perfectly complemented their deep lyrical connection. The audience was captivated by the duo’s raw talent and emotional resonance, a reminder of the powerful stories that can be told through song.
Paisley Fields Adds Humor and Heart
As the night continued to unfold, Paisley Fields took to the stage, draped in shimmering sequins reminiscent of the legendary Elton John. Fields, who dazzles as much with their humor as with their music, paired classic honky-tonk vibes with clever, relatable lyrics. Their song “I Could Be Drinking” had the crowd chuckling as they described how a refreshing cold drink could alleviate all sorts of daily woes—from tense family gatherings to the grind of a 9-to-5 job.
Fields’ tongue-in-cheek humor shone through delightful banter, engaging the audience with hilarious one-liners like, “Enough with that flat-Earth talk, Uncle Larry!” In another poignant moment, they performed “Burn This Statehouse Down,” collaborating with Mya Byrne to passionately protest Tennessee’s anti-LGBTQ legislation, reminding everyone of the significance of music in the fight for justice.
Crys Matthews Inspires with Social Justice Music
Nashville local Crys Matthews followed suit, captivating the audience with her message-driven music. Having just performed at the unveiling ceremony for a marker honoring iconic performer Jackie Shane, Matthews’ set had a strong focus on love and activism. “Social-justice music is another type of love song,” Matthews explained eloquently between songs.
Her song “Like Jesus Would” resonated deeply with the audience, powerfully intertwining themes of love and protest. Matthews’ partner Heather Mae joined her for several numbers, offering beautiful harmonies that enhanced the emotional tapestry of the performance.
Secret Emchy Society Brings the Night to a Close
As the night concluded, Secret Emchy Society took the stage to represent Oakland’s rich musical culture. Led by Cindy Emch, the band dazzled with their blend of sounds, including fiddle and pedal steel, enriching their boisterous tunes with intricate musical layers. From the tender waltz of “Jagged Edges” to the upbeat anthem “Queen of Assholes,” Emch & Co. highlighted their versatility across various country genres.
The evening was not just about the music but also about connection and community, a fitting finale to AmericanaFest. The Secret Emchy Society’s performance left everyone buzzing with energy and excitement, showcasing the beauty of bringing diverse voices together through music.
A Lovely Night of Music and Unity
In the heart of Nashville, last night was a reminder of the magic that happens when artists and audiences unite for a common cause. With performances that were not only entertaining but deeply resonant, AmericanaFest’s final night at The 5 Spot created an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and pure joy—something we could all use a bit more of in our lives.
