top 10 concerts: 10-6...

Last Wednesday night, Betsy and I went with our friends, Greg Adkins and Matthew Nelson, to see Over the Rhine in concert at the Bijou Theater here in Knoxville. Betsy and I have been big fans of their music for years and had heard rave reviews of their live performance, though we'd yet to experience it first hand.

Well, Wednesday night they lived up to every positive thing we have ever heard. It was a tremendous show; easily one of my favorites.

I have lived in Knoxville, off and on, for almost 10 years now. And in that time I have seen many, many good concerts. Driving home Wednesday night I began reminiscing about those shows and thought to myself, "Hmmm...I wonder if it is possible for me to rank them?"

So, with that in mind: here is my list of the top 10 concerts I have seen in Knoxville. It was difficult to compile, but I am satisfied with it. One note to make before starting, this is a list of my favorite concerts not necessarily the best. There are subjective factors that might catapult a certain show above another that have nothing to do with the acts themselves. I am okay with that.

Alright, on to the list...


Top 10 Concerts I Have Seen in Knoxville, TN



10. Matthew Perryman Jones
- New City Cafe 2001

This was at the very early stages of song-writing for me and I was absolutely captivated by Matthew Perryman Jones's craftmanship. I went home and immediately picked up my guitar. He was a big influence early on and remains one of my favorites.





9. Nickle Creek
- The Blue Plate Special 2007

The Blue Plate Special is a free, noon-time concert put on and broadcast live on a local bluegrass/folk station here in town (WDVX). Nickle Creek gathered around one condenser mic on a tiny stage and proceeded entertain the heck out of everyone there.





8. Lyle Lovett
- Tennessee Theater 1999

If you have never seen 'Lyle Lovett and His Large Band'...oh my goodness. Hands down, the best musicians I have ever seen. It may be because they are all 60+ and have been playing their instruments twice as long as I've been alive. But regardless...





7. Pierce Pettis
- New City Cafe 2004

Phenomenal songwriter. One of the best. I actually got to run sound for this show and it is the only time at New City that I was ever truly star-struck.







6. Over the Rhine
- The Bijou Theater 2008

As I mentioned above...they are excellent. Her voice, his skill, their songwriting...I honestly have no idea why they are not more famous then they are. If they come anywhere near your neck of the woods, you seriously need to check them out.


So there you go, my favorite Knoxville concerts numbers 10 through 6. Stay tuned for the top 5...coming soon. By the way, I figured I might as well post these now because I have a feeling in about 8 weeks my concert going days may slow WAY down.