The Nightfall Concert Series, produced by Chattanooga Presents, continues its 31st season of free Friday night concerts this Friday, at Miller Plaza with a headline performance by Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band bringing their uniquely southern sound to the stage at 8 p.m.. The local opener will be Jordan Hallquist & the Outfit beginning at 7 p.m.
Josh "The Reverend" Peyton was born in Eagletown, In., where his first introduction to music was via his father's record collection of blues-oriented rock, including Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Later following the blues and country blues music as well as the finger-picking style of artists like Charlie Patton, The Reverend began his three-piece band, Reverend Peyton’s BDB. While only a trio, they stir up a big sound with wife Breezy on washboard and Ben 'Bird Dog' Bussell on drums. The Reverend is an evangelist for roots country blues, using thick bass heavy, blues-based guitar teamed with growling vocals.
Their latest CD, “The Front Porch Sessions,” released in 2017 debuted at #1 on the iTunes Blues chart, and #2 on the Billboard Blues chart. This legendary front-porch bluesman and his band increasingly perform at international venues and have been featured at major festivals including Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo and Telluride.
Local band Jordan Hallquist & the Outfit will open at 7 p.m. Jordan is a well-respected songwriter who plays southern soul and rock ‘n roll. Usually performing now as a two-piece band, Jordan’s last appearance at Nightfall was in 2014, following his participation at Road to Nightfall.
Food trucks and non-alcoholic drink and adult beverage concessions are available at Nightfall. No outside food or beverages are allowed to be brought in to Nightfall, therefore coolers are not allowed.
Nightfall, recently named as “Downtown Chattanooga’s Favorite Event” in a survey by River City Company, has been the community’s signature summertime program for the past 30 years. Known for its family-friendly environment as well as being recognized nationally for the quality of its musical programming, Nightfall has an average attendance of between 2,500-3,000 each night. Each Friday through Aug. 31, Nightfall will showcase 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.
Nightfall is made possible this year thanks to sponsorships from Shock Top, Fletcher Bright Realty, Kelly Subaru, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Warehouse Row, Southern Honda Powersports, Purposity, Frothy Monkey, Pure Southern and Chattanooga Whiskey, Waitre and Gold’s Gym along with media support from NPR/Music 88.1 and ChattanoogaNow.
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.