Hello out there in the far reaches of this crazy world. My name is Josh but people call me J.Gro or Gro for short. I am an expert in little of nothing but a dabbler in a little bit of everything. I am here in my little corner of Tennessee to bring you music from well known and lesser known artists that I have been following, stumbled upon, or generally been vibing to lately. I also may talk a little beer. 

As you may have surmised I am not a professional music critic, I am simply a man who loves music in many forms. I have been involved in a few small music festivals and enjoy catching a good live show whenever I can. I am a father of three, a horrible home-brewer, and a guy who shares his music taste with his neighbors via is front porch whether they ask for it or not. 

This week I traveled to Lynchburg, Tennessee to catch the very first (of many I hope) Lawn Sessions put on at the Lynchburg Welcome Center / Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead.

The show featured the bands Tenkiller, Hippies and Cowboys, The Huffer Brothers and was anchored by American Idol standout HunterGirl. I won’t provide a review of the show, as fantastic as it was, instead I want to introduce those of you who have made it this far to the artists and give my online neighbors a taste of my front porch. 

Tenkiller

First on the docket is Tenkiller an Americana and Southern Rock band fronted by Mike Lewis veteran of the alternative and post grunge scene. Right from the start you get a feel for the old school post grunge and alt rock sensibilities on songs like “If You Wanted To” and “Break Up Song”, which for an 80’s baby like me hits right in my sweet spot of one of the most endearing eras of music. I could jam this right next to my favorite songs from Better Than Ezra. You can check out Tenkiller on Spotify or at tenkillermusic.com.

Hippies and Cowboys

Second act of the night was Hippies and Cowboys. Southern Rockers with a heavy blues and soul influence. With an electric live show and a flair to match Hippies and Cowboys really showcase their blues rock influences on songs like “Midnight Rose” and “Goin Goin Gone”, while “Give It Up” is giving me Tom Petty Vibes. I could crack open a bowtie ( my southern folks know) put this in my playlist with Aerosmith and the Black Crows and let it go for hours. Check them out also on Spotify or at https://www.hippiesandcowboysband.com

The Huffer Brothers

Next up were the multi talented homegrown Lynchburg talent The Huffer Brothers. These rising country music stars / part time comedians hosted the show and possibly stole the show. Their live show was fun even if their Spotify collection is short. They are currently in the studio writing and recording and just released a new single “Standing In My Place” on May 9. If you are a fan of Randy Houser, Chris Young or just good country music The Huffer Brothers are for you. If you’re going through it and a little nip is the only thing that will cure your feelings grab a pour and check out “Bottles up in Jack. Find the Huffer Brothers at thehufferbrothers.com.

HunterGirl

Closing down the show was American Idol runner up and standout HunterGirl. HunterGirl is another rising voice in country music. On a personal note she is every bit as kind and humble as you imagine. Hailing from Winchester, Tennessee HunterGirl had everyone I knew tuning in and voting and now she’s turning heads and winning hearts with her powerful vocals and songwriting chops. You have most likely heard her hit “Red Bird” but she shines just as bright on songs like “Clockworks”, “Houdini” and “Ain’t About You. Don’t shoot me if I am wrong it was a long night but I also believe she teased that she has new music coming out this year. You can find HunterGirl on Spotify and at https://www.huntergirlsmusic.com/

Thanks to those of you who have made it this far. The sun is rising and I’m still coming down from a great night of music and fun. I’ll leave you with my own kind of top 10 list. In no particular order are 10 songs I think you need to hear or just generally songs that I have been listening to hard and heavy this week. Smash like and subscribe or whatever the kids are saying these days. Have a great week!

GRO’S TOP 10 SONGS

• Clockworks – HunterGirl
• Bottled up in Jack – The Huffer Brothers
• Midnight Rose – Hippies and Cowboys
• If You Wanted To – Tenkiller
• Rocking Chair – Cameron Whitcomb
• The Reaper – Jonah Kagen
• Coal – Dylan Gossett
• Daylight Doom – Moto Bandit
• Snow on the Bluff – Evening Elephants
• Motels – Royel Otis