Jars of Clay
“Who” done it? Grammy-award winning band Jars of Clay, that’s who! Where? Only about half an hour’s drive or so up the road from Murfreesboro. Why? Because.
On May 29, JoC headline White Owl Music Fest, an all-day faith-based music festival that also includes performances by Sandra McCracken, Royce Lovett, Andrew Osenga, Taylor Leonhardt, Brothers McClurg and more. Ever since the multi-platinum band decided to cut back on touring, it’s become a rare gift to experience a live Jars of Clay concert.
“It will be wonderful to play and experience live music again,” stated singer-songwriter Andrew Osenga. “And it’s all made sweeter because a bunch of the White Owl Music Fest artists are dear friends of mine who I’ve made music with for many years.”
If all of this weren’t fancy enough, the fest has even more musical connections—taking place across the astounding 46-acre Starstruck Farm in Lebanon, formerly owned by country superstar Reba McEntire. The heart won’t lie and you can feel the heart and soul in the beautiful property, which also boasts some unique lodging options, including one-of-a-kind renovated bed-and-breakfast suites converted from Reba’s old 16-stall horse barn (a sleeping solution for a slightly different mane event).
But enough horsing around. You can’t accuse Owl Fest event organizer Dave Trout of just winging it.
“Jars of Clay was my first and only pick to headline the event,” shared Trout, who is also president of Murfreesboro-based UTR Media. “One of the things that has helped me through the years, and especially these last 12 months, has been meaningful, well-crafted music. All of the artists at this fest create music that is thoughtful, creative and soul-filling. We can experience live music and community in a safe way.”
The band’s name, by the way, is derived from the New International Version’s translation of 2 Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
Speaking of the power of unity and love—the white owl has appeared in mythological writings as a watchful guardian over the forest and a symbol of unity for all woodland creatures.
“We want all who gather to experience a kindred togetherness in faith, hope and love as we unify in celebration of some carefully-curated musicians who are releasing music that foster spiritual, emotional and mental health. We hope you leave this fest feeling more soul-fed and inspired than when you arrived,” proclaims the festival site.
This all-outdoor event will honor social-distancing guidelines, and will require all attendees to take a COVID questionnaire and get their temperature taken at the gate.
Both single-day and VIP weekend passes are available. So pitch a tent, or just swoop in. Besides enjoying all of the concerts on May 29, VIP attendees will be given priority seating space close to the stage, free water bottles all day on May 29, a free festival poster, a farmhouse country breakfast on May 30, a private concert, an open mic event where they can play, a private dinner event at The Rabbit Room and invites to optional gatherings on May 31. As availability permits, VIP attendees may also reserve onsite horse stall suites, glamping teepees, glamping A-frames or tiny houses.
Starstruck Farm is located at 10471 Hwy 109, Lebanon. Visit whiteowlmusicfest.com for more information on lodging options, a complete artist roster and activity schedule, and posters and other merchandise.
