Music City Goes Back to its Roots at Loveless

Missy Werner joins Chris Jones & the Night Drivers for "Hero in Harlam"

Not even a thunderstorm could keep crowds from gathering at Loveless Cafe’s Music City Roots last night (2/1). Consequently, there wasn’t a free parking space to spare, as bluegrass lovers made their way into the barn, eager to hear the Lonesome River Band, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, Special Consensus and Darrell Scott.

A Roots Crew member films the show

Hosted by Jim Lauderdale, the show kicked off with the Lonesome River Band who were followed by husband and wife duo Darin and Brooke Aldridge. Both acts treated the audience with authentic bluegrass soul and talent.

Sammy Shelor of the Lonesome River band is nominated for SPBGMA Banjo Performer of the year. Meanwhile, “Sweethearts of Bluegrass,” Darin and Brooke, boast five SPBGMA Bluegrass Award nominations including album of the year, gospel group of the year, vocal group of the year, guitar player of the year (Darin) and contemporary female vocalist (Brooke).

Chris Jones & the Night Drivers wooed the audience with tracks off their forthcoming compilation album, Lost Souls and Free Spirits. At the closing of their segment they surprised the crowd by inviting Missy Werner to the stage. Greeted with warm applause, Werner joined the group to sing, “Hero of Harlan,” a moving song about a young man who lost his life during war.

Members of Special Consensus sit down for an interview in between sets

Special Consensus sped things back up, shifting the mood with their foot-tapping rhythms. The group also has two SPBGMA nominees: David Thomas and Greg Cahill. Thomas is nominated for Bass Player of the Year, while Cahill has been tapped for Banjo Player of the year. After their high energy performance, Greg talked a little about their upcoming album Scratch Gravel Road. He shared the key to making the album was “good songs from good friends.”

Darrell Scott performs

As the evening dwindled down, the audience welcomed the final act of the night, Darrell Scott, with wild applause. Scott kept the excitement up with a high energy number before slowing it down with a performance of “Someday.” The highlight of the evening though was Scott’s performance of the hit, “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.” A number of audience members joined in, singing along to the words Scott penned years ago. The song was made popular in 2000 by Travis Tritt.

Music City Roots, which was worth braving the rain for, takes place every Wednesday at 7 PM back in the Loveless’ Barn. Next week’s acts include Henry Wagons, Kindling Stone, Chatham County Line, The Mosier Brothers and Lilly Winwood. Lightning 100 also broadcasts the show live every week. More information on upcoming shows can be be found here.