If you missed our inaugural 2013 showcase on Saturday night, there’s no way to sugar coat it: You missed out, and we wish you could’ve been there. But a rundown is the next best thing, and we have all of the details about what you missed.
Star & Micey brought honorary band member Jeremy Stanfill along with their best party vibe to the 5 Spot stage, playing songs from their bouncy and upbeat (and well-illustrated) discography. The Memphis four piece turned showing up for the opening act into the best decision any of us made that night, with two of the many highlights of their set being the opportunity to finally hear "I Can’t Wait" live, minus the violence, and seeing Carolina Story join the band onstage for the final song of their set.
Past winners of our Band Of the Month poll, Peter Terry & the City Profits played a collection of new and old songs, shaking the walls with Terry’s powerhouse vocals on songs like the tentatively titled "Hard Rain" and I Am Jackson’s. "Miss May & Dean Kay." Chris Spann’s stoic presence on the drums keeps cadence with the rise and fall of each song, and Stephen Juergensen’s cello stands as the band’s secret weapon, creating a sense of romance even in the midst of the band’s grittier rock moments.
Magnolia Sons rounded out the night, looking as dapper as ever. With an aesthetic as solid as their sound, the band pulled out all the stops, from the strength behind Ben Harper’s croon, to the brass section, to the girls (Alexis Saski and McKenzie Gregg) beside Harper, kicking your ass with their soul-tinged, gut-punch vocals. In response to some polite shouting from the crowd, Magnolia Sons played a one-song encore, featuring "How Ya Holdin’ Up," after which the drunk out of towner beside me earnestly vowed to "look those guys up on Google." Which, in this industry, may be one of the highest compliments a band can receive.
Though our show is over, you can see Magnolia Sons play Nashville again on February 6th at the Stone Fox. You can catch Star & Micey tomorrow night at Music City Roots, and be sure to keep an eye on Peter Terry & the City Profits over this way. –Brianne Turner