All Feature Articles

Russ & Friends Weekend Kickoff - A Fabulous Start To The Weekend!

by Rich and Laura Lynch

Russ & Friends Weekend Kickoff is a songwriter's round held at Belcourt Taps in Nashville, Tennessee every Friday night. The showcase is streamed on Facebook Live which means it reaches a worldwide audience. Also, WFMC Jams re-broadcasts the show. The popular pub is a draw for established and emerging artists allowing Russ & Friends to feature hit makers alongside hopefuls.


Russ Lacasse the host.

Russ Lacasse serves in the role of host as well as performer. Starting promptly at five p.m. on December 14, 2018, Russ gave a shout out to Belcourt Taps while welcoming 50 countries to the Music City event. Lacasse puts a different spin on the typical Nashville rounds by showcasing 3 artists who play 4 songs each. He also invites Randy Barnette a well-respected guitarist to add accompaniment to each act. Barnette is a skilled player who has to react in the moment as he just like the audience is hearing the material for the first time.


Russ Lacasse the performer.

The opening slot starred Brandon Lee Casey Brindley, Javelyn Jav on keys and Will Dakota who is from North Dakota. Each performed impressive, original material. Highlights included a winning drinking song from Brandon entitled "Johnny, Jack & James." A truthful holiday tune by Will about re-gifting struck a chord with a FB listener who inquired if they could perform the track with credit going to the writers. Javelyn also shared a song inspired by the season that addressed loneliness and the need for love.


Javelyn from Los Angeles made her Nashville debut.

The 6-7 p.m. part of the program featured Bill Roemer, Isaac Slutzky and Russ Lacasse. Like the previous trio these artists were proficient on their instruments as they imparted insightful stories that were engaging and punctuated by Randy's fine fret work. As emcee, Lacasse mentioned that Russ & Friends Weekend Kickoff is already past 30 weeks so it is a well-established event that gives newcomers a good opportunity to collaborate, network and be heard while more established artists may discover someone to co-write with.


Brandon Lee Casey Brindley was outlaw country with a rocker vibe.

Russ & Friends Weekend Kickoff showcased a wide range of talent on the 14th with plenty more to come in the future. Yet, skills abound at Belcourt Taps. Waiter Kiernan McMullan was called upon to take a break from his duty keeping the patrons happy to take the stage. Kiernan like those who proceeded him was a proficient performer who presented a number of personal and potent songs about life and relationships. When we looked up McMullan on the web we found out that over the past 11 years, Kiernan has shared the stage with Ed Sheeran, Mat Kearney, Dave Mason, John Butler Trio, and many more. This songwriter averages 200 shows per year and was named one of Alternative Press Magazine's "12 Bands You Need To Know" for 2016.


Will Dakota, Bill Roemer, Isaac Slutzky and more.

Belcourt Taps (2117 Belcourt Ave.) is located in the growing Hillsboro Village section of Nashville. The trendy tavern has a fine offering of drinks, food and music. Their diverse menu features a wide selection of local brews paired with a firm commitment to booking some of the best songwriters in Music City thus guaranteeing a great time for both locals and visitors. Showcases such as Russ & Friends Weekend Kickoff is a prime example of the quality artists that have performed at Belcourt Taps.


Kiernan McMullan - even the waiters are world class talent in this town.

Related Links: For more information on MUSIC CITY NASHVILLE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Russ Lacasse | Javelyn | Will Dakota | Bill Roemer | Isaac Slutzky | Randy Barnette | Kiernan McMullan | Belcourt Taps

.





Friends of Mister Rogers Hope For a Speedy Delivery Into Songwriters Hall of Fame for Beloved Personality on His 95th Birthday



George Becker Is a Man On a Country Music Mission in Nashville



Elvis Costello, Billy F Gibbons and An All-Star Cast Lend a Helping Hand to Support the Musician Treatment Foundation in Nashville



Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros Present a New Breed of Career-Spanning Classics at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville



Remembering Charlie Daniels in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee



Billy Strings - BlueJamming at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville



Nashville SC Gets Into the Black with Commanding Season Opener at GEODIS Park



Men of Valor and Their Musical Friends Have a Big Night at Belmont University in Nashville



Andrea Bocelli Is Beguiling at the Bridgestone in Nashville



Winter Jam Turns the Bridgestone Arena Into a Mega Church in Nashville



Jerry Phillips Shines a Little Light on Sun Records in 100th Birthday Celebration of His Father Sam



The Harlem Globetrotters Are Still Up to Their Old Tricks at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville



Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Friends Have No Trouble Rockin' the Ryman in Nashville



Nashville Star Sam Palladio Puts Himself Out There at the Blue Room at Third Man Records



Oh, Man - What a Show! Barry Manilow Brings All His Biggest Hits Back to Smashville



Cimarron 615 Keeps Simmering Right Along at The 5 Spot in East Nashville



Shiners Is a Brilliant Use of a Landmark Building in Nashville



Monster Jam Is a Really Big Deal in Nashville



Bluesman Chris "BadNews" Barnes Is On the Rise in Nashville



The Catio Cat Lounge in Nashville Is a Purrfect Way to Spend the Day. Fur Sure!



TSO Returns with a Timeless Seasonal Occasion in Nashville



© 2023 MusicCityNashville.net
All Rights Reserved