The second installment of Lockeland Springsteen’s Bonnaroo “Nashville Five” run is none-other than the city’s preeminent folk-hop group, Judah & the Lion. Fresh off the March 2016 release of their second full-length record – Folk Hop N’ Roll – Nashville’s resident folk genre-benders have been touring every which way across the country in support. After 30+ stops of high octane live shows along with two music videos exploring both the light-hearted and not so (their video for “Insane” is a rally cry of positivity for those battling depression), Judah & the Lion are taking their one of a kind folk-hop tunage to the Farm.
After years of honing their craft on the tour circuit – playing everywhere from club rooms to the Mother Church to The Late Show with David Letterman – Judah & the Lion are playing Which Stage – the second largest stage at Bonnaroo – on Saturday, June 11th at 4:00 PM; a far cry from the band’s humble beginnings at Belmont Univeristy. Some of the nicest dudes you’ll meet, don’t expect Judah & the Lion to be nearly as docile whilst commanding Which Stage. The dynamic (and damn near exhausting) zeal of Judah Akers, Brian McDonald, Nate Zuercher, and Spencer Cross’s set is poised to be one of the runaway favorite for most electric (as well as most perspiration) amongst Bonnaroovians.
Consider their Bonnaroo set as a watershed moment, not only for Judah & the Lion, but also for the fledgling genre of folk-hop as a whole. In honor of their 4:00 PM Saturday set on The Farm, we got Judah & the Lion’s “Nashville Five” (and then some) of top spots in Nashville.
-Sean M.
Judah’s Nashville Five:
1. Mickey’s Tavern (Judah) – feels like a hip dive bar, and the juke box is always flowing out the hits.
2. Centennial Park (Judah)– great place to chuck a Frisbee and have a picnic.
3. The Ryman (Judah)– It’s the mother church and by far the most reverence I’ve felt singing on the stage.
4. Steadfast Coffee (Judah)– great hangs and great coffee.
5. Steele Speakeasy (Judah)– cause they have the best whiskey in town and they keep pouring all night.
**BONUS FIVE**:
CREMA (Spencer) – Best coffee in town…period! They roast their beans in-house and have been awarded nationally for their craft. Try an Iced Cuban or a pour-over when you’re in town; hang out on the deck and enjoy the Nashville skyline!
Las Paletas (Spencer) – These folks know how to make a great Popsicle. Some of the most delicious flavors are Chai, Lime Basil, and Avocado. YES, Avocado. Trust me. Take a walk around Sevier Park across the street while you enjoy!”
Percy Priest Lake (Brian) – it’s close to the city but it feels like you are far away. Big cliff jumping and camping!
Music city Greenway (Brian) – great for long runs or bike rides
Belmont University (All) – Take a tour of our alma mater, Belmont University. Discover up-and-coming talent at one of the student-run Showcase Series Concerts, catch a basketball game at the Curb Arena, or just walk through and smell the flowers. You can also take a peek in the Belmont Bell Tower at the center of campus, where some of our first practices were held.
Lockeland Springsteen 