Nestled in the center of Norton Avenue is a house full of musicians. I know, I know. That may not sound particularly exciting, what with almost every house on Norton Avenue likely being full of musicians. It seems like just about every house in East Nashville is full of musicians, as a matter of fact, but there's something special about these four guys, who just-so-happened to luck into the perfect living space for their needs. Best known as FORT NORTON, the place serves as everything from living quarters to recording studio to practice space to venue and it works exceedingly well. Made up of an eclectic selection of "music people," Fort Norton really offers a little bit of everything. There's the songwriting duo of JAMESON CUNNINGHAM and ANDY SPITSON, singer and occasional vocal coach ERIC REYES, and the resident drummer SPENCER MCCALLEY, currently of OJR and Ida Grey, all bringing distinctly different aspects of their personalities and musical influences to the atmosphere and appeal of the house, coming together to create something that feels both comfortable and casual and surprisingly professional, considering it's bachelor pad setting.
Fort Norton hosts some serious talent both locally, and by acts just passing through. From time to time, the guys put together a show that allows them to get together with their friends (friends who just so happen to be skilled musicians of all kinds) and jam in their living room, offering an intimate show experience with major DIY charm, but with the kinds of lineups that you'd see somewhere like The Basement East or Mercy Lounge and not necessarily in a someone's living room. Each night also includes open mic slots for those people in the audience who want to test out a song for the crowd throughout and a late night dance party. Boasting the benefits of a large, covered front porch and a sizeable, fenced-in backyard, there is plenty of space for music and socializing and drinking games, offering guests everything they could want in a house party, including neighbors cool enough to either not mind a little noise every once in a while or ones who even actually enjoy it.
With impressive lineups from start-to-finish, it's clear that these guys take their work seriously, putting together the kinds of shows that leave you elated, dancing with all of your new best friends at 2AM, despite the cruel reality that it is a Thursday night and you still have to be at work in the morning. Good music brings people together and Fort Norton is a testament to it. Where else would you expect to see Chicago indie soul singer JENNIFER HALL on the same bill as Nashville's own indie rock darlings MILK PEOPLE or Philadelphia based indie-folk singer-songwriter LAURYN PEACOCK on the same bill as Cleveland, OH rockers THE MOXIES? Where else can you grab your guitar from the car and play a couple of songs between scheduled sets at a party, for an audience of hardcore music lovers on a whim? Where else can you play a cleverly devised game of drunk chess on the patio of a party, surrounded by an audience almost as entertained by it as the music? Where else do bands hide merchandise around the house, letting party guests and audience members go on scavenger hunts for free cds, download codes, or band swag? Only Nashville and only Fort Norton. For visitors, transplants, and locals alike, Fort Norton is a good place to have your music heard by people who know music, love music, and will usually be interested in a collaboration if you have a good idea to pitch. It's a good place to make worthwhile music connections and it's a good place to spend a Friday night. Keep an eye on the Love Local Nashville concert calendar for the next show at Fort Norton. You can thank me later. [JB]
Fort Norton hosts some serious talent both locally, and by acts just passing through. From time to time, the guys put together a show that allows them to get together with their friends (friends who just so happen to be skilled musicians of all kinds) and jam in their living room, offering an intimate show experience with major DIY charm, but with the kinds of lineups that you'd see somewhere like The Basement East or Mercy Lounge and not necessarily in a someone's living room. Each night also includes open mic slots for those people in the audience who want to test out a song for the crowd throughout and a late night dance party. Boasting the benefits of a large, covered front porch and a sizeable, fenced-in backyard, there is plenty of space for music and socializing and drinking games, offering guests everything they could want in a house party, including neighbors cool enough to either not mind a little noise every once in a while or ones who even actually enjoy it.
With impressive lineups from start-to-finish, it's clear that these guys take their work seriously, putting together the kinds of shows that leave you elated, dancing with all of your new best friends at 2AM, despite the cruel reality that it is a Thursday night and you still have to be at work in the morning. Good music brings people together and Fort Norton is a testament to it. Where else would you expect to see Chicago indie soul singer JENNIFER HALL on the same bill as Nashville's own indie rock darlings MILK PEOPLE or Philadelphia based indie-folk singer-songwriter LAURYN PEACOCK on the same bill as Cleveland, OH rockers THE MOXIES? Where else can you grab your guitar from the car and play a couple of songs between scheduled sets at a party, for an audience of hardcore music lovers on a whim? Where else can you play a cleverly devised game of drunk chess on the patio of a party, surrounded by an audience almost as entertained by it as the music? Where else do bands hide merchandise around the house, letting party guests and audience members go on scavenger hunts for free cds, download codes, or band swag? Only Nashville and only Fort Norton. For visitors, transplants, and locals alike, Fort Norton is a good place to have your music heard by people who know music, love music, and will usually be interested in a collaboration if you have a good idea to pitch. It's a good place to make worthwhile music connections and it's a good place to spend a Friday night. Keep an eye on the Love Local Nashville concert calendar for the next show at Fort Norton. You can thank me later. [JB]