It's late, It's Smoky and It's Good
Preservation Pub, Market Square, Knoxville |
As we left that early morning, the only movement downtown for blocks in any direction, it seemed, came from the crowd exiting that outpost of the musical arts in the city. I remember thinking how bleak downtown seemed at night. We'd parked behind Watson's in the parking lot that has since been replaced by the Market Square parking garage. Times have certainly changed.
Still, I wondered when some friends of mine who form Carroll Hollow informed me they would play the Preservation Pub as an opening band for Hotshot Freight Train on a Wednesday night and that the beginning time would be 10:30, I wondered if Knoxville really comes out at that hour in the middle of the week. It turns out I'm showing my age or my ignorance of how far the nightlife in Knoxville has grown - or, more likely, both.
Carroll Hallow, Preservation Pub, Market Square, Knoxville |
Steve, Chandler, Bill and Scott churned out a steady flow of Americana, Folk and Country tunes as well as a few originals. From what I understand (I missed this part), Chandler did a song about Popcorn Sutton that got a tip of the hat from Cruise Contreras as he passed the stage. "Suburban White Boy Blues" written by Steve got a good response as did "Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound" featuring vocals by Bill. Additional musical texture was provided by Abby joining the band on fiddle for a few tunes.
Carrroll Hollow, Preservation Pub, Market Square, Knoxville |
The crowd responded well - at least the portion that could hear the band. Everyone else seemed to be having a good time as well. It left me wondering whether there are that many people downtown who don't have to get up in the morning or if the fact that the vast majority were in their twenties should tell me something. I wondered how many of them live downtown and how many drove to get there. I have to say it is a bright, warm spot on a cold night and it felt pretty nice to be with happy people listening to good music.
Could it be better? Oh, yes. Stop the smoking and start the music earlier. At least that's what an old working guy might say. I doubt I'm the target demographic.
Labels: Carroll Hollow, Downtown Knoxville, Knoxville Tennessee, Mercury Theater, Preservation Pub
2 Comments:
I too am "way past 20-something." But it heartens me that there is Life At Late Night in Knoxville. That lets me know that there is hope for the younger generations yet! People enjoying life, music, art, alcohol ( ;-) ) and creating a friendlier vibe. There is a lot more to life than divisive politics, negativity, making money for money's sake, gloom, doom, and bitching.
We moved here several months ago from a "northern state" because of lots of family here.....been coming here MANY years. Couldn't be happier......love the downtown & Market Square feel. So grouse away now and then..........ya know ya love it, too.
You are completely correct, Ms Judi M. I'm glad the tradition lives, as well. It's actually thriving in downtown right now, and I liked it well enough to go out at 10:30 last night - only to find the snow stopped the performer. I'll still probably grouse a bit, if that's ok with you Ms. Judi! :-)
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