Kelly and Simon outside the Ryman Auditorium

The Darlings had the chance to perform in Nashville recently and Simon shared some highlights & a few photos with the BGN.

The opportunity came about through Mike Younger, a great Nashville singer/songwriter, who we've opened for a couple of times at The Worthen Attic, and the relentless Bootleg Dan who's promoted those events. Through them we came to be invited by Jamie Rubin to play at his venue, The Eastside Bowl, as part of Americana Fest 2024.

At the Eastside Bowl

The Eastside Bowl is an old bowling alley transformed into a multi-venue performance complex, the whole place has a great 50's, retro vibe and Jamie & the staff couldn't have been nicer. And I guess we must have played pretty well because we were told we'd be welcome back anytime.

Over the course of 3 days I heard more live music than I can remember. But along with Mike Younger my favorite acts were some excellent, meat & potato's, country music from a singer/songwriter named Jon Byrd & some uncompromising 3-piece garage rock from Tim Carroll, a great songwriter & ferocious guitar player who performed at a Nashville watering hole called The 5 Spot, where he has a regular residency. I believe Tim even has some history with Kenne Highland going back to The Gizmos days.

Jan and Kelly ar Browns Diner

And in addition to all the good music the food was great too! I had biscuits from a different eatery every morning & still can't decide definitively who had the best.

As a side note we where there for Jan's birthday which only added to the festive feel of the weekend!! Happy Birthday Jan!

Kelly in Nashville

Biscuits - southern style