The Nightfall Concert Series, produced by Chattanooga Presents, continues its 30th season Friday at Miller Plaza with a headline performance by singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins.
Opening for Mr. Mullins will be Chattanooga’s own The Mailboxes. The Mailboxes are self-proclaimed alternative indie-pop. Fronted by singer-songwriter Jillian Ivey, the music of the Mailboxes is piano dominant with thoughtful and emotional lyrics. They have achieved the perfect balance of personal expression, with tunes that are heavy enough to tug your heartstrings, but not so heavy that you can’t dance and sing along.
Held each Friday at Miller Plaza through August 25). Nightfall showcases a broad spectrum of musical genres featuring a local band at 7pm, followed by a headline show by a national artist at 8pm, 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.
"Since 1988 Nightfall has grown into Chattanooga’s signature summertime program for Chattanooga and the surrounding region. 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.
"Nightfall is made possible this year thanks to sponsorships from Shock Top, Fletcher Bright Company, Kelly Subaru, EPB Fiber Optics, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Warehouse Row, Big River Grille, Southern Honda Powersports, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Pure Southern, and Chattanooga Whiskey, along with media support from NPR/Music 88.1 and ChattanoogaNow," officials said.
For more information on this free community concert series, call 423-265-0771 or visit NightfallChattanooga.com for a complete, interactive website that includes music samples by each headliner, as well as other important information for first-time attendees.
Bio on Shawn Mullins:
Whether composing alone or with others, Atlanta native Shawn Mullins has always been a dynamic songsmith. Forging influences from folk and R&B to traditional country and even Broadway musicals (the funky ones, like Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell) with pop-leaning melodic sensibilities, he crafts memorable, affecting tunes best defined as Americana. With a supple baritone that still allows him to channel Prince, as well as wail the blues and growl with grit - not to mention rock those talkin' rhythms - Mullins has been engaging audiences since he won his first high-school talent contest with his own composition.
Mullins’ 1998 hit “Lullaby” was Grammy-nominated. He co-wrote Zac Brown Band’s No. 1 hit “Toes” and has worked with several other Nashville-based artists and songwriters. Mullins readily admits that several of the songs on his new album, My Stupid Heart, address his perceived relationship failures. In fact, many were written as he was falling out of his third marriage; in the title tune, he actually chides himself for being such a romantic. But it's also a bit of a joke, he says, because he firmly believes in following his heart — no matter where it leads.