Liz Ferrell - Music City Music Magazine

A Rock & Roll Priest Comes to Nashville

Liz FerrellOct 29, 2026October 29, 20260

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...

Bluegrass Music’s Big Tent

Liz FerrellJul 6, 2026July 6, 20260

In its first two weeks, the 2026 season of Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman managed to hit the far corners of the big, inclusive tent that covers bluegrass music. Week 1: Dailey & Vincent The season kicked off on June 16 with multiple award-winning bluegrass and country duo...

MerleFest 2026 Delivers

Liz FerrellMay 4, 2026May 6, 20260

You know you’re at a pretty special event when the Avett Brothers show up unannounced. By the morning of Saturday, April 25th, the 38th annual MerleFest had already offered up two days of uncommonly gorgeous weather, lawn games, fair food, and some of the best music on the planet....

Band of Heathens Celebrates Platinum “Hurricane” at the Opry

Liz FerrellApr 24, 2026April 24, 20260

The Band of Heathens lit up the crowd on their second visit to the Opry stage for WSM Radio’s April 21 broadcast of the Tuesday Night Opry. Long mainstays of the American-roots music scene, Band of Heathens has defied convention for the entirety of their 20-year existence, charting their...

Della Mae Brings the Magic

Liz FerrellApr 8, 20260

When bluegrass powerhouse Della Mae bounded onstage at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley Saturday night and launched into “Dry Town,” the crowd knew they were in for a treat. In town to celebrate release of their album Magic Accident, the Dellas gave a solid, high-energy, vastly entertaining show, performing original...

CMHOF&M Nashville Cats Program Honors Jerry Douglas

Liz FerrellMar 9, 2026March 10, 20260

Jerry Douglas has long been one of Nashville’s most innovative and revered musicians. Driven by his love for the resonator guitar and a steely determination to master it and make it do the unexpected, Douglas has, over a career spanning over 50 years and counting, taken the dobro to musical...