8 off 8th: the Best part of Monday nites

It's Monday nite, you dig the local scene in Nashville & you're looking for something to do, you can go one of three ways:

1) New Kids on the Block Karaoke at Foobar
or
2) Dance party at the 5 Spot
or
2) 8 off 8th at Mercy Lounge

8 off 8th shows have been going on for as long as I can remember hearing about shows in Nashville that I was too young to go to (about 2 years or so) and are, as far as I'm concerned, one of the greatest things Music City has to offer.

The concept is simple: 1 nite, different hosts each week, 8 bands, 3-4 songs each, no cover charge

Pretty brilliant. Seeing as the event is 21 and up, it has finally become my time to hit the weekly musical smorgasbord. Thus far, a few trips to Nashville have warranted me the chance to see bands that I probably wouldn't have seen live yet, a few of my favorites and also introduced me to quite a few people who I might not have been able to meet at the various rock shows around town.




The event has showcased so many different bands, sometimes established, sometimes up and comers to the point of catching the attention of the Bonnaroo folks. Two Monday nites have now sent middle TN bands to play Bonnaroo, based on audience voting; the first nite the Features took top honors with one vote being the deciding factor, the Protomen taking the second nite and there's still one more nite of bands battling it out for the 'Roo stage. It's just like Drew, manager of Mery Lounge, said while mc-ing at last week's showcase, you're in a 500 person club choosing acts to play at the biggest music festival in the world. Think about that one a minute...(I'm not sure if it's really the biggest in the world, but it is up there..).

There's one more Road to Bonnaroo 8 off 8th on May 20th, including folks such as Glossary, Shoot the Mountain, Kindergarten Circus, Heypenny and 4 other bands. Simply show up at 9 pm (you know you want to see them all play, right? They changed the rules so you don't have to stay the whole time, but why waste time elsewhere when there's free entertainment going on?), get a ballot when you enter (it looks quite similar to the picture above) and have a great time. Circle who you want on the ballot & your email address, leave it with the folks at the door & wait impatiently until noon the next day to see who took the top honors.

Besides the last of the Road to 'Roos coming up, Steve Cross (of Steve Cross Photography) has pulled a pretty sweet line up for the May 11th with the likes of the bands that follow: The Nobility (who haven't played in quite a while), Mean Tambourines, Carter Administration, Codaphonic, Cuttlefish, The Only Sons, Paper Navy & Kelly Kerr & the Distractions.

Maybe Steve will even take your photo if you luck out...