I don’t think Murfreesboro gets enough credit. I know its music scene is largely reliant on house shows, but the music community is close-knit and talented, and for those who don’t believe it, consider making the drive this Saturday for the 2nd annual Tour de Fun. It’s a free community bike ride that stops at a series of local house shows throughout the day and into the wee hours. This music festival on wheels was pioneered by Tyler Walker of Blastoids, Awesome Shirt and Meth Dad. Walker wanted to create something that would reflect the essence of the Murfreesboro music scene and show that it’s thriving. He pulled it off pretty successfully in the first year, with over 30 bands and about 300 in attendance.
Things will kick off at noon this year with a barbecue at Murfreesboro Outdoor and Bicycle (MOAB) at 310 N. Maple Street with performances by Cherub, Schtompa and Prophet Nathan. Two or three bands will play 10 minute sets at each house. The lineup includes bands mainly from the boro, both new and returning from the first Tour de Fun, like Turtle Bangs, Yoseph y la Zilla and Hanzelle. There’s a raffle, too – last year, $800 worth of bike gear was given away. The night ends with a final set at The Temptation Club. For a route, lineup and additional information, see the Tour de Fun Facebook page. Check it out, folks. This thing is legit. – Jessica Pace