[Review + Photos] Live On The Green w/ Matt & Kim, ZZ Ward, and Gin Wigmore

The rain let up just in time last Thursday for the first Live On The Green of 2013, and it was a dandy. Between the Titans game and the stellar line up, downtown Nashville was brewing with folks eager for the weekend. I will admit that this was my first time at Live On The Green, and, once we navigated the insane traffic and parking situation (see above mention about the first Titans game), we were thrown into a festive atmosphere full of food trucks, an M.L. Rose sponsored craft beer station, and a throng of lovely music lovers.

Things got started with Gin Wigmore. We’ve been hearing more and more buzz about the Australian femme fronted band, but it was our first experience seeing them live. It’s a mixture of driving rock, playful throwback soul tunes, and just an all around good time. You know it is impressive when you are texting the photographer, “Hurry up and get here. These guys rip!” They are not currently touring, but, after their reception last night, I would anticipate there will be a stop in Nashville on the next tour. If you aren’t familiar, check out some videos from their website.

We first told you about ZZ Ward a few months ago during her sold out Sunday night gig at Third & Lindsley. We were too busy prepping for SXSW to make it out to that one, so we were eager to check out the soulful songstress in person. ZZ’s band is incredible, and she peppered the swelling crowd with another nice mixture of contemporary pop hits and bluesy rock jams. She lacked some of the stage presence of the opener, but made up for it with what could only be described as a voice as smooth as butter.

Public Square Park was at maximum capacity by the time Matt & Kim made their way to the stage. Energy doesn’t begin to describe Matt & Kim’s live show. They powered through hit after hit with a very engaged sing along crowd. We’ve seen the Brooklyn duo a number of times now, and this was one of the more intimate shows that we’ve experience (perhaps save the underpass show at Forecastle a couple of months ago). Highlights of the set included the hundreds of crowd inflated balloons littering the park, and Kim’s obligatory standing, dancing crowd surfing.

We sent our tireless photographer out to survey the scene at the first LOTG after party at Marathon Music Works as well, and that event was a smashing success.

For those that haven’t experienced Live On The Green, it is a very intimate experience overall. Public Square Park perfectly frames the city, and seems to be a great fit for the crowd it attracts. We are already looking forward to next week’s event with Matt Nathanson, The Mowglis, and Erin McCarley. While you are getting ready for that event, have a look at some of the photos that we got last night. The crappy ones were taken by our staff writers, the incredible ones were taken by Jake Giles Netter. You’ll be able to tell which are which. Enjoy.