It’s not something you hear about every day—not even in Nashville, a geographic Venn diagram where arts, sports, and entertainment overlap with thriving commerce and Bible belt sensibilities.
But this Friday night, Father John Francis O’Mara—an Episcopalian priest, singer, songwriter and storyteller (sometimes simply called “JFO”)—hits the stage with his good friend, cowriter and collaborator John Carter Cash at The Basement, located at 1604 8th Avenue South, Suite #330 in Nashville. Backed by esteemed local favorites Mando Saenz and Suzie Brown, JFO will perform songs from his newest album, Forbidden Hymns, co-written by O’Mara and Cash.
If the album name intrigues, it should. Over the course of his career O’Mara, his faith worn on his sleeve, has evolved into a voice for social justice. This album–which defies precise musical categorization but could be described as country-tinged folk rock—addresses the complexities of pressing social justice issues, as well as the introspections of a thoughtful pilgrim navigating the pathways of his own interior spiritual journey. In addition to Cash, the album, produced by drummer Ken Coomer, also includes musical contributions from Kenny Vaughan, Chris Scruggs and Dave Roe.
Friday’s show promises to give the audience a new awareness of O’Mara’s own considerable talent, of the regard with which Nashville’s music industry establishment regards him, and perhaps most importantly, of a Christian faith that demonstrates a spirit of generosity, acceptance, inclusion and service above self.
The Basement is located at 1604 8th Ave. S., Ste. #330, in Nashville. Doors open at 8:30pm for a 9pm show. General admission tickets cost $17.72 including fees. Visit thebasementnashville.com for more information.