Blue Trees

It’s safe to say a lot of us are feeling unsafe. Upon the heels of the cancellation of this year’s in-person Uncle Dave Macon Days (aside from its virtual “Roots Rendezvous” substitute), many Middle Tennessee residents may be looking for alternative means of merriment.

The historic Wartrace Music Fest summer concert series got underway June 20 with a breath of fresh air featuring sets from The Cold Stares, Sweet Fever and Fred Reilly.

This series will continue the third Saturday of each month through September with shows scheduled to include The Blue Trees, Sweet Fever and Jenny Johnson on July 18, Kiss Kiss Bang, Joey Fletcher and Second Fret on Aug. 15 and Goodbye June, Hollin Kings and Fred Reilly on Sept. 19.

Jenny Johnson

Admission to the shows, from 6–10 p.m., is $10; kids 12 and under are free. Parking in downtown Wartrace is free.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to peruse nearby businesses such as the produce market, Iron Horse Pizza and Tennessee Walking Horse Museum. Food trucks will be onsite and official Music Fest merchandise will be available. Folding chairs and blankets are welcomed to fully enjoy the “rock ’n’ roll by the rails” experience. See artist videos and find out more at wartracechamber.org/musicfest.

The festival’s roots date back to 1968, with beginnings in intense instrumental competitions. Serving as chairman for the event was Don Gallagher, longtime area guitar maker and the previous owner of Gallagher Guitar, which recently re-opened in Murfreesboro under new, Gallagher-approved ownership and which also hosts live music events in an adjacent venue.

“One year there were thunderstorms all around us,” Gallagher said. “You could stand in the middle of the field and see lightning in every direction you looked, but not a drop fell on the festival.”