Nashville Sounds in the Round: Nashville Nights Takeover
Nashville Sounds in the Round: Nashville Nights Takeover offers a unique opportunity for country music enthusiasts to experience an intimate storytelling session hosted by the acclaimed British duo Gasoline & Matches. Known for their sharp lyrics, close harmonies, and energetic performances, Gasoline & Matches lead this Bluebird Café style event where artists strip their songs back to the basics, sharing the inspirations and stories behind each lyric.
Headlining the tour is Blue Foley, an American songwriter and performer deeply embedded in Nashville's rich musical landscape. Nominated twice for Grammy awards for songs performed by Ashley McBryde, Foley's reputation rests on heartfelt and authentic songwriting. His work has been widely recorded and performed, reflecting years of dedication to the craft and his role in fostering Nashville's songwriting community. The tour also features Payton Taylor, a rising star who infuses contemporary country music with soulful storytelling and a nod to traditional roots. Taylor’s performances are noted for their emotional depth and powerful stage presence, resonating well with UK audiences who appreciate both authenticity and modern flair.
Joining these Americana voices is Stiko Per Larsson, a Swedish singer-songwriter whose blend of Nordic influences and Nashville traditions offers a fresh perspective within country and Americana music. Together, this lineup creates an evocative showcase of storytelling through song.
Gasoline & Matches' hosting introduces a playful yet musically serious environment that emphasizes the art of songwriting as a shared, communal experience. Nashville Nights, the touring entertainment company behind this event, is dedicated to creating immersive live performances that connect audiences directly with the songs’ origins and the emotions of their creators.
Featured Performer Highlights
- Blue Foley: Grammy-nominated songwriter, founder of Nashville Nights, with two decades shaping Nashville’s music scene and notable cuts by major artists including Ashley McBryde.
- Gasoline & Matches: Two-time British CMA ‘Duo of the Year’ known for their energetic, guitar-driven sound and engaging performances combining humor and sharp musicianship.
- Payton Taylor: A rising modern country artist whose blend of roots and soul elevates storytelling with heartfelt vocals and genuine connection.
- Stiko Per Larsson: Swedish Americana artist delivering compelling narratives inspired by both Scandinavian landscapes and Nashville traditions.
This event stands out for its emphasis on songwriting craft and narrative insight, inviting audiences to engage uniquely with the music beyond the performance itself. Whether you appreciate the narrative depth of traditional country or the evolving contemporary expressions within Americana, Nashville Sounds in the Round promises a nuanced and intimate musical experience.
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Taking place within the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, the event benefits from a venue renowned for exceptional acoustics and an intimate atmosphere suitable for storytelling and acoustic performances. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, Symphony Hall serves as a cultural cornerstone in Birmingham, hosting a diverse range of concerts and events. The Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space provides a setting that balances the scale of a larger concert hall with the closeness needed for an 'in the round' songwriter event, making it an ideal location to experience the nuances of country songwriting and performance in an engaging, accessible environment.
