Winter Jam 2017 |
The major bands stop in Nashville once during each of their tours, but aside from that, our city doesn’t usually see more of these performers than any other large city in the United States. Now, on any night of the week, you can walk down Broadway and hear at least a
dozen cover bands performing live shows at the many bars, but that
isn’t our
cup of tea.
A few months ago, we checked the Nashville city calendar and selected two concerts in February that we wanted to see.
The first was Winter Jam, an annual tour that features more than a dozen top contemporary Christian artists, as well as a few speakers. This year, the tour included Crowder, Tenth Avenue North, Britt Nicole, Newsong, Sadie Robertson, and several others. A handful of artists who have performed in past years and live in town also came out on stage to say hello, which was neat.
The show was five hours long and showcased a wide variety of music, with an admission price of only $10. We had the privilege of sitting behind the stage in a section with very few others, giving us a birds-eye view of everything that went on backstage.
The second concert was a performance by a bluegrass band that took place at a restaurant–a much smaller venue.
Mr. Handsome grew up listening to bluegrass music, and once he had
become proficient in classical violin and piano, he started learning
fiddle, guitar, and banjo, as you’ve seen him demonstrate in some of the video clips I
have posted. Needless to say, he is a big fan of bluegrass music, and while I don’t always care for the words, the lightening-fast instrumentals are impressive.
Anonymous
Two concerts you'll never catch me at: Bluegrass and Christian. All the more room for you guys, I guess. I was a teen in the 60's and 70's and lived where bands often toured. So I went to the rock concerts of the time, all the big names. Now you're more likely to catch me on Broadway, but not the Nashville one, the New York City one. I love Broadway musicals and go to as many as I can a year.
Anonymous
Same. Just because I'm a Christian (Catholic) doesn't mean I can only listen to worship music. I really enjoy contemporary rock. I recently saw Tegan and Sara and they were excellent!! John Mayer is touring soon and I would love to see him. He has such skill on the guitar, and has such good easy listening music
Anonymous
Wow! Cool!
Shela G
Oh what fun!! Many years ago I went to Jesus Northwest a christian music festival I had a good time and Enjoyed the music and speakers. I do not think they even have this event anymore.
Anonymous
Would this be similar to Creation Northwest?
Shela G
Yes I think it could be ☺
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I love music festivals (especially outdoor ones). I've never heard of Jesus Northwest or Creation Northwest, but I've been to festivals that are probably similar.
Ellie
Anonymous
Why do you go to bluegrass concerts if you don't like bluegrass music? Why not send Mr. Handsome and his Handsome Friends, and you stay home doing something you like? I hope you're not going just because you're The Mrs. You'll end up as bored as Jessa at Ben's rap concerts. Don't think you have to go through your marriage liking what your husband likes. That's not staying true to yourself.
Anonymous
Good for you Ellie for going with your husband, even though bluegrass isn't your favorite type of music! That's what's marriage is about; doing things you don't always love for the man you love and he should do the same.
Anonymous
Marriage is also about respecting your partner's dislikes and not expecting them to endure those things, especially not for your own sake.
Anonymous
I think you guys are just making this matter too much drama… She was never a huge fan of this music but enjoys spending time with her husband and it's always good to expand your horizon… Hopefully he'll do the same for her, but in any case it's none of our business. I like the fact that there's an open discussion about everything, but don't like this trend of always telling people how to live their life!
Anonymous
Agreed 3/06/2017!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
It's not that I dislike bluegrass music. I really enjoy hearing my husband play it, but some of the modern bluegrass music doesn't always have the most wholesome lyrics, and I'm not a fan of that. I do love the instrumentals though, as well as the songs with more appropriate lyrics. Thankfully, the banjo often makes it difficult to understand the words. Lol.
Mr. Handsome loved having me there, and I loved being there with him, even if some of the songs weren't my cup of tea.
Ellie
Anonymous
Ellie, you're always classy in your answers, even if I often have a different opinion than you. 🙂 I'm the first anonymous who commented on 3/06.
I feel like people often jump to conclusion even for the smallest things nowadays!
Anonymous
What happens if you hear "unwholesome" lyrics? Does it change you for the worse somehow?
Regina
Philippians 4:8-"Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true,whatsoever things are honest,whatsoever things are just,whatsoever things are pure,whatsoever things are pure,whatsoever things are lovely,whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
What Ellie is saying is some of the lyrics are not appropriate. I don't like listening to much of the rap music that's out there because the lyrics are offensive. Will it change me for the worse if I listen to it? Probably not but the lyrics may stay in my head for awhile. I'll need to replace the "ear worm" with better music or better yet the Word of God.
Anonymous
It does not change her. But when you hear lyrics that make you feel uncomfortable, it can ruin the experience of listening to the song even if you like the music. It's like listening to a song where the lyrics are just plain stupid or don't make sense.
Josée
Anonymous
That's so cool you got to see David Crowder and Tenth Avenue North.
I LOVE them and many more! Fortunately, two years ago I got to see Crowder at a concert and I will never forget it! It was amazing!! 😀
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I agree that Crowder concerts are incredible. He was the feature band at Winter Jam. He performed last and was on stage much longer than the rest. Such a great time!
Ellie
Regina
How fun Ellie for you and your husband! My 20 year old daughter went to winter Jam in Phoenix with her Bible study group. She really enjoyed it.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
That's wonderful. Winter Jam is a neat tour, especially since they make it so affordable.
Ellie
Anonymous
What did you think of WinterJam? Did you have a favorite performer?
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I loved it. Crowder was definitely my favorite, but I also really enjoyed Tenth Avenue North, Britt Nicole, and Colton Dixon. Have you ever been to Winter Jam?
Ellie
Anonymous
Unfortunately, no. But their performer lineups always look excellent and you for sure can't beat the price!
Anonymous
What is wrong with the words in bluegrass?
nashvillewife@gmail.com
They aren't always the most appropriate, but thankfully the banjo drowns them out. 🙂
Ellie
Katrina
Ellie – have you been to any concerts at the Ryman or Ole Opry? When I was in Nashville last summer I went to the Opry and we had our names read out as special guests! One of the things I really enjoyed about it was the mix of music from modern and traditional country to bluegrass
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi Katrina,
We went to one concert at the Opry last year, and it was great. I agree that the mix of styles makes it really enjoyable. We have several friends who have played there, and we keep meaning to go back, but we haven't gotten around to it yet. How did you come to be a special guest? Did you know one of the performers?
Ellie
Katrina
Hi Ellie
You can buy a package in addition to your ticket (about $20) and you get a goodie bag plus your name printed in the programme, read out as part of the show and put on the big screen.
I was doing road trip across the South with some friends for our 30th birthdays and it is one of our favourite memories from the trip.
We avoided the bars on Broadway – a bit loud and drinky for us – but had a great time at Pucketts live music night and at the Bourborn Street Blues & Boogie in Printers Alley
Katrina
Katrina
Hi Ellie
You can buy a package in addition to your ticket (about $20) and you get a goodie bag plus your name printed in the programme, read out as part of the show and put on the big screen.
I was doing road trip across the South with some friends for our 30th birthdays and it is one of our favourite memories from the trip.
We avoided the bars on Broadway – a bit loud and drinky for us – but had a great time at Pucketts live music night and at the Bourborn Street Blues & Boogie in Printers Alley
Katrina
nashvillewife@gmail.com
How neat! What were some of your other favorite Nashville sights? Did you have a chance to walk around the Opryland Hotel? Such a beautiful place.
Ellie
Andrea
"Now, on any night of the week, you can walk down Broadway and hear at least a dozen cover bands performing live shows at the many bars, but that isn't our cup of tea." Shame, sounds like an amazingly fun time!
Anonymous
Bars serve soft drinks and club soda, too. I can go out with friends, be the designated driver, and still enjoy myself. If there were music there that I wanted to hear, all the better.
Anonymous
Exactly! Ellie, not sure if you've tried this or are just saying its not your thing, but you should give it a shot. Or go to a cover band during the day
Anonymous
It's not just a alcohol thing. The mood is completely different in a bar than a venue. I do drink alcohol, but I don't enjoy watch a show in a bar. Often, the croud is loud, there is a lot of action, and I prefer to watch a show in a event where people are really focused on music.
Josée
nashvillewife@gmail.com
You said it very well, Josée. We have been down Broadway at night quite a few times, and we just don't find it pleasant to listen to music in a place where there are a lot of background noises and distractions.
Ellie
Odie Boggs
Ellie, I'm not a Fun of all bluegrass. But I do love some types of bluegrass I call it "progressive bluegrass". My favorite group is the Isaacs!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
The Isaacs are great!
Anonymous
The whole "Bar atmosphere" I would not want to be in,no matter what they serve there. Much rather listen to music in a quieter less obnoxious environment.
Anonymous
Bands playing in quieter, less obnoxious environments? I think that's called a chamber group, or a symphony.
Anonymous
I often go to blues jams during day on a weekend, and it's a whole different vibe then at night, and seems to be less noisy. Perhaps you might enjoy it? Give it a try!
Anonymous
I didn't say "bands" I said I'd much rather listen to "music" in a quieter less obnoxious environment. Whatever type of music I would feel like listening to would depend on the mood, but it would be quieter none the less.