Gig Review - Nashville Meets London 2019

Despite all the temperature problems, heatwaves followed by tropical showers and the disruption caused to public transport Silverball Country grabbed the picnic basket, blanket and their rain coats and headed to Canary Wharf for Nashville Meets London (NML).

Launched in 2016, NML supports the globalization of Americana and Country music.  Forming a part of Canary Wharf’s Arts + Events programme, it is co-produced by Canary Wharf Arts + Events, Peter Conway Management and Nashville-based agency The AristoMedia Group.

The event is hosted by none other than country radio DJ Baylen Leonard, the Tennessee boy who has made London his hometown.

A full afternoon/evening line up meant that there was something for everyone, from the occasional listener to the fanatic that knows every lyric and every dance move too. Bringing together both established and emerging artists from both the UK and the US, this year saw the following take to the stage:

• Foreign Affairs - British Country Music’s Duo of the Year 2018.
• Twinnie – Former Hollyoaks actress and West End star turned country star.
• Robert Vincent – Liverpudlian roots artist who delivered an incredible set, possibly the unexpected highlight of the day
• Sarah Darling – Although a Nashville resident she is married to a British guy and therefore bridges the gap with the music. She also always brings a sparkle to the stage, check out her outfits.
• Noah Guthrie – accompanied by his brother on the drums, you could recognise him from America’s Got Talent; last year’s event at Pizza Express or from the TV series Glee.
• Lauren Alaina – completing her UK tour. She has shot to fame after finishing runner up on the 10^th series of American Idol and with her number 1 hit: “Road Less Travelled” and more recently the popular "Ladies in the '90s".

The artists did their best to sing the rain away but undoubtedly the grey skies of London had their say. The organisers know what they are doing; as well as providing a great line-up they haven’t forgotten the location or the wellbeing of their fans, providing plastic ground sheets and rain ponchos to anyone that needed one.

The rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, still plenty of drinking, singing and dancing. If you were not convinced, then you could take Baylen’s advice - that a shot of tequila will help brighten the day. There are bars on site and both a Waitrose and a Marks & Spencer Simply Food can be found locally.

In between the acts, who each get 30 minutes turnaround time, you can undertake a little bit of celebrity spotting in the crowd, look closely and under the caps and you will find several other UK country artists.  

Silverball Country are supporting Kezia Gill’s mental health campaign, therefore we asked those that we could find to give their support by letting us photograph them with a #imhere patch to help spread the word.

Ok here's the bit you need to know, this is a FREE event, yes you heard correctly, free! Meaning that anyone passing by can stop and catch the action as no ticket is required

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So, make a note in your diary and we will see you next year.