NJ PHOTOGRAPHER VISITS SOUTHERN MUSIC COMMUNITIES
July 5, 2023
In late May 2023, I boarded a flight to Charlotte, NC with the first destination to be Asheville’s renown music scene. Once I had boots on the ground, I quickly became impressed by the talent around town including a visit to the Salvage Station to meet an NJ transplant, old friend, and music photographer David Simchock. Though I was not permitted to photograph the entertainment there, I was floored by the size of the venue’s indoor and outdoor stages, the staff and certainly the talent. Maybe next time.
The next night I was looking for a special someplace. It was suggested to contact the owner of the very popular and well-loved local music haunt, the Asheville Guitar Bar in the River Arts district. Mark Goldthwaite and his wife/partner Julia invited me down. I was met with opened arms and stories of this quant establishment on the first floor of the historic Cotton Mill Studios. I was impressed not only by Mark, Julia and production director, Ken Horgan, but the clientele who obviously were the most intricate part of the Guitar Bars energy and atmosphere. A music lovers family paradise, alive with visitors and talent from all over the USA. As for the talent, they will get you tapping your feet and if there is room, get you on your feet. It was obvious that the hosts truly love their guests and care deeply about music and community. A must visit venue.
The next day, my sturdy vehicle transported me 300 miles west to Nashville, TN with a country scene like no other. After a well-deserved brew, I met up with my sister-in-law for dinner, drinks and music at the well-known Janes Hideaway. The GM/owner, John Peet shared a story with us when he left Nashville back in 2017, to take on the head mixologist role at Asbury Park Distilling Company on Lake Avenue. A small world. His reputation as a sommelier, made him one of the country’s sought-after mixologists. Now back in Nashville for the past few years, Mr. Peet’s Janes Hideaway, a local staple as a Southern restaurant and creative drink establishment, has an impressive Tennessee whiskey list and some of the best live music scenes in the area. This was my second visit to the hideaway and will always be on my go to list.
Another stop on my tour was the Hotel Indigo at the Countrypolitan in downtown Nashville. An exquisite boutique hotel with a warm and inviting restaurant, bar and music venue. Aside from the history and the well-known visitors of this well-known hotel, the food was top shelf and the talent that play there are some of Nashville’s up and coming. I was met by the Jessica, the hotels supervisor and was seated up front in this small, but intimate and classy venue. The music line up of country, country rock and bluegrass topped off a great trip.
Asheville:
The Asheville Guitar Bar – Mr. Jimmy and friends with Abby Posner
Nashville:
Janes Hideaway – Roderick August with Amy Lillegard Wilson
The Countrypolitan – Dylan Smucker, Caleb Smucker with Josh Rennie-Hynes and Chris Bauer; Luke Munday; Van Andrew
- No Comments
Raised in Brooklyn, NY in a community dedicated to service, sports and education. After traveling the US with a backpack in tow, serving in the USN and studying advertising in college, I followed my career path through the graphic arts industry surrounded by artists, writers and craftsmen. Today, my camera is my compass and music is my passion.