Tonight’s Music City Roots show celebrated two holidays, the lesser of which was Thanksgiving. Everyone in the Loveless Barn knew that the more important event was the award winning DJ Eddie Stubbs’s birthday. The bands knew they had something to celebrate, and celebrate they did.

18 South kicked off the festivities with talent rarely seen in a show opener. Although they are a new group, formed less than a year ago, their obvious wealth of experience created a perfect meld of gospel and blues planted in a firmly bluegrass sound. They ended their set with a standing ovation from a crowd that veritably buzzed throughout the show.

18 South was followed by the aptly named Green on the Vyne, whose abilities far surpass their years. There isn’t a mediocre voice among them. The group—who was chosen as Vietti Vinyl’s Emerging Artist—has a rich sound that is unadulterated bluegrass. One thing is for certain: these kids are going somewhere big. 18 South was a hard act to follow, but Green on the Vyne pulled it off without a single misstep.

Legendary songwriter Shawn Camp also did not disappoint. His stage presence and weathered, oh-so-country voice captivated the audience. His sound came together effortlessly, in a just-happened-to-be-perfect sort of way only witnessed in the best of veteran musicians.

John Cowan, arguably the most versatile artist of the night, was the last to take the stage. He performed new material—notably from his forthcoming Christmas album, which looks to be fantastic—that tilted a bit toward mainstream while still remaining solidly country. His voice is one that can leap genres without as much as a sour note. He finished the night by leading a rendition of “Go Tell It on the Mountain” accompanied by the other artists for the Loveless Jam.

Tonight was my first Music City Roots show, and I can say with complete certainty that it will not be my last.

Amanda K. Morgan