Following a successful scary-good night termed “Thriller at the Miller” in October 2022, Coliseum Nights rolls into Tennessee Miller Coliseum once again on Saturday, Feb. 25—bringing with it a new set of faces on the guest roster. This time, cuddle up to music from headliner Nate Smith (whose “Whiskey on You” is a certified gold single), HunterGirl, No. 1 artist Jon Langston and current MTSU student Brett Bone for the seasonally-appropriate “Chiller” installment of the series.
The event, blending local up-and-coming musicians with top country music talent, is the brainchild of MTSU graduate Henry Feldhaus and Lynchburg Music Fest founder Jonny Hill.
“We are beyond excited to be bringing the second installment of this new country music concert series to Murfreesboro,” said Hill, founder and executive producer of Coliseum Nights. “We are grateful and proud to be in partnership with the Tennessee Miller Coliseum and MTSU, showcasing these artists and everything Middle Tennessee has to offer.”
Coliseum Nights presents Smith just before a hot and heavy touring schedule gets underway: The worship leader-turned-Opry NextStage class member of 2022 is set to share the stage opening for Thomas Rhett on his nationwide “Home Team 23” tour starting in May (scheduled for the Bridgestone in Nashville in September). February was originally meant to mark the breakout star’s (self-titled) debut album release of 20 tracks, though it has been pushed back to April 28.
Nate Smith
In the interim, a good way to not sour on “Whiskey” is to watch the “happily never after” anthem’s delightful and action-packed official video, currently in heavy rotation (even the subject-of-the-song ex is good-naturedly credited in the full-length film style graphics).
“When they surprised me at the Opry with that [gold] plaque . . . I did a little bunny hop in front of everybody in the world,” Smith said, laughing, in an interview with ABC Audio.
“Being part of the MTSU family, it just felt right to bring this event to the area and include my alma mater,” co-creator Feldhaus said. “After having spent over a decade of my life at this campus and attending countless events at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, I would have never dreamed of being part of such a momentous event that gives back to the community, campus, and student body, and it’s a surreal experience.”
Being part of a home or a home-away-from-home provides a good example of what makes Smith a good fit for the Nights event, since a fair share of his music is more introspective. About the ballad “Raised Up,” he explains, “The day we wrote it, I had to leave the room because I was tearing up. The song talks about ‘Any time I lose my way, I turn the way I was raised up,’ and for me, whenever I’m lost or feeling alone, I’ve got God. That has really helped me, but it can be whatever somebody needs . . . it could be the phrase you have tattooed on your arm. It’s however you find your way back home.”
HunterGirl
Fresh off a co-headlining tour with American Idol finalist Noah Thompson, MTSU alum HunterGirl is a music therapist and a Winchester, Tennessee native who also knows a thing or two about home. Tenaciously taking big stages by storm hasn’t made the honorary MTSU professor forget her community. Following her appearances and ultimate runner-up position on Idol’s most recent season (and capturing America’s hearts with the original song “Red Bird”), a Winchester parade was held for Hunter, complete with a costume contest. And her debut major-label track, fittingly, is entitled “Hometown Out of Me.”
“I wanted my first single following the show to be a thank-you card to my hometown,” she says of the song, written with Laura Veltz and producer Jimmy Robbins. “The reason I get to chase my dream is because of the amazing people who have supported me.”
Wings are made for open air, and there’s a great big world out there. There ain’t a map dot I don’t wanna see. But this one is a part of me, she sings in the original composition. A full-length album containing “Hometown” has yet to be released, but her EP, One Day, is available now.
As for giving back: all MTSU student organizations are invited to get involved in promoting the Chiller at the Miller event while earning money to support their co-curricular clubs. Organizations will receive a unique 10 percent off code to share with their members and fellow Blue Raiders. Organizations will receive one dollar per ticket sold and the winning organization will earn a $500 bonus. To participate, send an email to contact@coliseumnights.com or submit information via the website form.
Additionally, MTSU will offer a student shuttle to and from the event. Buses will pick up from the main campus starting at 5:30 p.m., with trips running every 20 minutes. The last shuttle will depart the Miller Coliseum to return to campus at 11:30 p.m.
Gates for the Saturday, Feb. 25, Chiller at the Miller open at 6 p.m. Tickets range in cost from $20 to $60 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. Food and beverages will be available. The Tennessee Miller Coliseum is located at 304 W. Thompson Ln., Murfreesboro.
For more information, visit coliseumnights.com.
