The SteelDrivers Set the Mark at Loveless Barn
The Loveless Cafe opened its new live music venue Friday night (Jan. 23) with an appearance by the SteelDrivers. With a nearly 1,000-person capacity, the Loveless Barn aims to be the club-sized venue of choice in Nashville's western suburbs, an area where it is sorely needed. Impressive as the new building was, though, it was the SteelDrivers' craftsmanship that made the evening for me.
Making their entrance to a roaring ovation, the SteelDrivers played song after song, starting the next before applause from the previous one had faded. When they did stop, it was only long enough to thank the crowd and to modestly mention their Grammy nod and three IBMA nominations from late last year, noting that no one was more surprised then they were. I was amazed with how easy they made the performance look. Huddled around only two microphones, the songs sounded as full and well-defined as their self-titled album or maybe better. But everyone on stage was relaxed, casually moving in and out of their parts and soaking in the crowd's appreciation. It really did feel like a neighborhood barn party, and by the end, I couldn't keep the grin off my face.
In this case, the SteelDrivers were the opening act for Donna the Buffalo -- rootsy veterans of the festival scene from my old stomping grounds up north -- and they lifted the crowd out of their folding chairs to dance to the sounds of washboards and accordions. Yet it was the SteelDrivers who set the mark to beat for the evening and the new venue. And if anyone can come close to that mark again, it will be worth the price of admission.
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solongsowrong says:
I’ve heard their album, listened to them on the Opry, and watched a performance on one of the late night shows. I enjoy the music from this group and congratulate them for their Grammy nod. That would be something if they win.
On a side note, we ate at the Loveless Cafe while on our last visit to the Nashville area. Best mashed potatoes I ever had while eating out!
Cynthia Kirby-Shaw says:
What happened to Tracy Byrds So. Calif. tour? Everything was canceled. Is he ok and menbers of the band and family?Why was it canceled we were really looking forward to it.!
Tommy Shanley says:
Although im a fan of older less theatrical music i must admit the country performers seemed to be the true artists at the Grammys.What in the world has the Grammys become? A showcase for non talented thug type so-called musicians who cant sing or write or perform a song without swirling theyre crotch or wailing intolerably or cussing? What a shame.Ive lost all respect for the Grammy awards.