By Callie Paige
With the summer coming to an end and another school year about to begin, I always feel the need to find something to look forward to. That something for me is Live on the Green. If you aren't familiar with Live on the Green, don't worry because I am about to tell you all about it. Live on the Green is a FREE music festival held outdoors at Public Square Park in Nashville. It consists of 6 different nights of free music from over 30 different artists. This year's dates are August 10th, August 17th, August 24th, August 31st, September 1st, and September 2nd. Each night is filled with great artists, but here are some of the ones that I am looking forward to most:
1. Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors
Friday, September 1st
Main Stage // 7:45pm - 9:00pm
I am pretty biased when it comes to Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. I have been a huge fan of Drew's music ever since I heard him play at a Young Life camp with his wife Ellie. It is now four years later and I am still a huge fan. Yes, seeing Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors at Live on the Green may be my fourth time seeing them, but I am just as excited as I was the first time I saw them. Be sure to check them out, you won't regret it.
2. The Lone Bellow
Saturday, September 2nd
Main Stage // 8:00pm - 9:00pm
I was hooked on The Lone Bellow ever since I heard "You Never Need Nobody" about two years ago. The way their voices join together is truly beautiful. I have always wanted to see them live, but haven't had the chance. I have a feeling that seeing The Lone Bellow live will be better than any recording of their voices that I have ever heard. They are just one of those bands. You can feel their emotions in every note and that is what makes me stoked to see them at Live on the Green.
3. Jonny P
Thursday, August 31st
615 Stage // 5:30pm - 6:15pm
I saw Jonny P about a year ago when he opened for Johnnyswim (one of my faves). His Motown vibes and killer style really had me from the start. He is very unique and unlike any other artist I would typically gravitate towards. From the first song of his set to the very last song, he had me dancing and grooving. Ever since that show in Charlotte, I have been excited for the chance to see him again and now Live on the Green has made that dream come true.
4. Local Natives
Thursday, August 17th
Main Stage // 9:30pm - 11:00pm
If I am being honest, the first song I heard Local Natives sing was a cover of "Ultralight Beam." At first, I thought...man, bold choice covering that song. But I actually enjoyed it. I mean nothing is going to be as great as the original (shoutout to my boy Chance), but I appreciated the cover. I started following them and listening to their music and I enjoyed it to say the least. I am super pumped to see what their live show is like and hopefully I will love them even more than I do now.
5. Elliot Root
Saturday, September 2nd
615 Stage // 8:45pm - 9:30pm
When I saw this band on the Live on the Green schedule, I knew I had heard of them before, but it took me a minute to actually remember. I finally did remember, thankfully, that I saw them when they opened for Good Old War. I remember really liking them and their set, but I was so hype for Good Old War that I didn't really pay super close attention. I am thankful for Live on the Green for giving me a second chance to really listen and enjoy Elliot Root's show.
"We believe in the importance of music and strongly support the idea that each person should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy live music, free of charge. Live on the Green is a celebration of Nashville's passion for music and community."