Ben Miller Band
The Nightfall Concert Series, produced by Chattanooga Presents, continues its 30th season Friday at Miller Plaza with a headline performance by Ben Miller Band, with Josh Driver & the Dixieland Playboys as support.
Review for Ben Miller Band:
The American quartet, Ben Miller Band, is comprised of the talented musicians Ben Miller, Scott Leeper, Smilin Bob Lewis, and Rachel Ammons. The band, who feels as though they break the confines of any one genre, refers to their music as “mudstomp” which is a unique mix of blues, jazz, bluegrass and Appalachian Mountain Music. Since forming in 2005, the band has released four distinctly different records—including their latest, Any Way, Shape or Form. Much of what makes their sound unique is their use of lo-tech, largely self-built instruments including Miller’s thrift shop guitars and banjos, bassist Scott Leeper’s one-string bass and Doug Dicharry’s variety of trombone, trumpet, mandolin, electric washboard and electric spoons.
Ben Miller Band gained high recognition and praise in 2013 when they opened for world-renowned rock band, ZZ Top, an experience that Ben Miller describes as “off the wall” in an interview with Americana Music Show. Experience the dynamic quartet that is Ben Miller Band this Friday at Miller Plaza.
Review for Josh Driver & the Dixie Land Playboys:
Opening for the Ben Miller Band will be Josh Driver & the Dixie Land Playboys. This Chattanooga-based band was one of the five finalists in this year’s Road to Nightfall competition, and are noted for their brand of roots, blues and rock music. They will open the show with a 40-minute set beginning at 7 p.m.
Also, stay cool at Nightfall this week with the Tennessee American Water Company’s mister, which will be set up in Cherry Street.
Held each Friday at Miller Plaza through Aug. 25. Nightfall showcases a broad spectrum of musical genres featuring a local band at 7 p.m., followed by a headline show by a national artist at 8 p.m., many of whom are performing for the first time in our city. These shows are free to the public and appropriate for a family audience.
Nightfall bulk discount beer and wine tickets are again be available this year at each show, offering a 20 percent savings on a packet of 20 beer and wine tickets. Food trucks and non-alcoholic drink concessions are also available on site. No outside food or beverages are allowed to be brought in to Nightfall, therefore coolers are not allowed.
Known for its family-friendly environment as well as being recognized nationally for the quality of its musical programming and locally as “Best of the Best” for Chattanooga Events, Nightfall is a family-friendly concert series with an average attendance of between 2,500-3,000 each night.
For more information on this free community concert series, call 265-0771 or visit NightfallChattanooga.com for a complete, interactive website that includes music samples by each headliner, as well as other information for first-time attendees.