On August 30th, I had my debut at the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN. I can still feel the energy of the venue as I entered the doors - if you have been, you know the magic! Truth be told, the Bluebird Cafe has been on my vision board for years. And now I am finally playing it! Funny enough, I was so lost in the moment that when Blessing Offor, Megan Barker and myself ended up walking into the kitchen by mistake, where we learned from the Chef that Garth Brooks got signed in that very kitchen - guess the whole place is good luck!
The writer’s round was hosted by my dear friend, Blessing Offor, who invited me to play this special round, including singer/ songwriters Rachel Wammack, Clare Bowen, and her husband Brandon Young, who together form the duo Bowen*Young. My sweet friend, Megan Barker, accompanied me on guitar, and I played my latest single ‘Deere John’ and ‘‘93’.
A moment I will never forget that truly touched me happened with Clare (who you may be familiar with from Nashville, the TV show as Scarlett O’Connor) who, when I was getting ready to play my first song, leaned over and whispered in my ear “You deserve to be here.” I don’t know if she could tell I was nervous about this being my first time because I was! All I can say is that her saying that to me calmed my nerves. It was so gracious of her and everyone in the circle. Blessing, Rachel, Clare, and Brandon were so encouraging. It was a beautiful group of talented musicians, and I was privileged enough to share the same energy and passion for music at this iconic venue with them. At the end of the night, when everyone was gone, I took it all in - that room filled with twinkling lights, knowing how many greats had passed through those walls, and just felt so grateful.
What a night, what a venue, and what energy I witnessed! I hope you are chasing your dreams and witnessing yourselves under your own twinkling lights.
Megan Barker and I performed during the round.
From left to right: Clare Bowen and myself.
From left to right: Brandon Young, Clare Bowen, Blessing Offor, and myself.
From left to right: My dear friend, Blessing Offor, and myself.
Megan Barker and myself performing during the round.
Myself, Rachel Wammack and my daughter Jordyn
From left to right: Megan Barker and myself.