As we previously explained, the annual, long-running local Road To Bonnaroo competition series is over in its prior form, but a revamped, similar, state-wide contest dubbed the Road To Roo has taken its place, pitting local bands against each other bracket-style for the chance to win a spot to play the fest this year. The competition consists of battle-of-the-bands style events which will take place at multiple venues across Nashville, ultimately resulting in one winner from Tennessee to earn the coveted spot. A couple weeks ago, Lightning 100 announced the 16 bands selected to compete in this year’s Nashville competition, and after starting the second round last week, there’s another crop of bands looking to advance. Tonight, March 22 the second bracket round finishes off with performances from The Cold Stares, Daphne & The Mystery Machines, Jess Nolan, and Roots Of A Rebellion Best part? It’s a FREE show at The Basement East!
Two winners will be selected tonight, and will go on to perform in the Nashville finals at 3rd & Lindsley on March 31 with OJR & Kid Freud. The Nashville winner of that event will then face off with other Tennessee regional winners in the State Finals at Mercy Lounge on April 4. Similar to the previous format from Road To Bonnaroo, the winners will be selected by a combination of fan and judge voting.
Got all that? We know it can get a little confusing, but just to re-iterate, all you need to know right now is get to The Basement East tonight by 8 p.m. for four bands presented to you free of charge! Read on for more info on the performers, and get to the venue on time to be part of the voting process. Hope to see you there!
THE COLD STARES
Formed in 2008, members Chris Tapp and Brian Mullins formed The Cold Stares after spending time honing their craft in other bands. This innovative duo write character driven blues-influenced rock ’n’ roll songs. With such a huge sound and vibrato to spare, it makes you wonder, “how’d they do that?”
DAPHNE & THE MYSTERY MACHINES
A powerful Americana alt-folk five piece, Daphne & the Mystery Machines have been kicking up dust in Music City for a couple of years now. With a big sound, including some bitching strings, D and her squad are ready to make the acquaintance of an ever growing audience. After some airplay on Lightning 100, expect them to wow with supportive fans tonight.
JESS NOLAN
Pop/R&B songstress Jess Nolan adds some wonderful flavor to an already incredibly diverse bill. Incorporating brass and jazz elements with her amazing work on the keys is the just the type of thing we could see ourselves lounging out too in the shade of a smaller stage at Bonnaroo. Have a taste below, and give her some love when you see her perform tonight.
ROOTS OF A REBELLION
A cornerstone of the ever growing Tennessee reggae movement, Roots of a Rebellion have been at it for a while now, and we must say we’ve enjoyed watching them grow and improve as they hone their island influenced sounds. ROAR were voted best local band in the Nashville Scene Readers’ Poll 2015, so it’s safe to say they’ll be one of the more seasoned bands on this bill. Having toured the country in the warm-up spot for other slightly more high profile bands like Rebelution, NEEDTOBREATHE, Slightly Stoopid, moe., Trombone Shorty, North Mississippi Allstars, and The Wailers certainly helps too. These dudes are definitely Roo ready.
The Cold Stares, Daphne & the Mystery Machines, Jess Nolan, Roots of a Rebellion will perform tonight, March 22) at The Basement East. The show is 21+, music begins at 8 p.m. (doors at 7:30), and it’s totally FREE!
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