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Jenny Tolman Is Well Received in East Nashville

by Rich and Laura Lynch

Jenny Tolman held a CD release party for her new record called Married in a Honky Tonk and the fabulous affair held at Riverside Revival in East Nashville on Monday, February 28, 2022 had a wedding theme and a fun and festive vibe that won't soon be forgotten.


Jenny Tolman and her fabulous band in East Nashville.

Your staff at Team MCN were certainly aware of the rising star and darling of the independent music scene who was included in MusicRow's Next Big Thing class of 2020. But, we were largely unfamiliar with the finer details of her emerging career and unique artistic direction.

We met Dave Brainard soon after arriving at Riverside Revival - an event venue in East Nashville that was a church in its previous incarnation with original stained glass windows and modern upgrades that provides the perfect space for weddings, social gathering, concerts and more.


Jenny Tolman in her stunning bridal outfit made for a Honky Tonk wedding.

"What's your role in this production," we asked the busy Brainard who was putting the finishing touches on the decorations while prepping the food for the evening's anticipated packed house. He answered, "that's an interesting question. I've put this whole thing together, produced the record, play in the band and I am getting ready to marry Jenny in a few weeks time."

So, in a way it was a matter of life imitating art and a matter of art influencing the excited couple's real life together in Tennessee and beyond. Let me explain.


Jenny and Dave's generosity on display in East Nashville.

As concert time approached volunteers rolled out a long white runner and soon Tolman appeared in white lace and rhinestones covering a sheer pantsuit combo and the beautiful bride soon proceeded to play the title track from her forthcoming sophomore record. She explained that her and Dave's friend and owner of The Local actually performs weddings in his bar near the Parthenon and that inspired the idea for the song. So it was fitting that he was on hand serving up tasty sliders, chicken fingers and fries that will have us heading to his establishment soon for more of this goodness.

There were more shoutouts from the stage. First, to Jeannie Seely - otherwise known as the Queen of the Grand Ole Opry - who was present at Riverside Revival as the master of the evening's ceremonies. It helps that she also serves as the Mayor of Jennyville - the imaginative and imaginary community Tolman created as a backdrop and inspiration for her 2019 debut album. Next, she recognized the proprietors of Wyoming Whiskey who had a stand set-up to supply signature drinks to the guests. Jenny described that it was while on a trip to the Cowboy State that her soon to be husband Dave proposed to her. So, the pair flew the company in to keep with the night's tantalizing theme.


More scenes from the "Married in a Honky Tonk" record release party.

There was plenty of more music including Jenny's sassy "I Know Some Cowboys" that the singer used to put her already hard working fianc on notice. There were more serious moments including a toast and a raising of the glass for friends and colleagues lost during the previous two years of the pandemic including a co-writer on the album.

Betrothed couples at weddings are usually on the receiving end taking in a lot of gifts and cash. On this night the pair decided to use the occasion to give back as the evening was a benefit for ACM Lifting Lives - an organization that funds music health programs while also serving members of the music community who face unexpected hardships through its Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund.


On stage and in the audience - a good time was had by all.

This was accomplished through a wall of dollars that were printed up with Jenny's face on them. For every one filled out with congratulations to the couple they promised to match $2 to ACM to help with their efforts in funding national music therapy programs that serve various mental and physical health organizations. Some of the recipients have included patients at children's hospitals and other healthcare facilities, recovering veterans, people with Williams syndrome and individuals with mental illness.

The ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund was created in April 2020 in response to the global pandemic. To date over $3.8 million has been distributed to assist individuals working in the industry who suffered financial crisis and hardship as a result of the modern day plague.


Whiskey and wares at Riverside Revival.

Jenny made for a beautiful bride at Riverside Revival and made it clear why she is often hailed as this city's favorite independent artist. She is certainly turning heads in Music City and beyond. People.com featured her story when Tolman and Brainard got engaged in Jackson Hole in October 2020 after four years of dating. Fans got to watch her shop for her upcoming nuptials on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress this summer, as the country singer appeared on Season 19 of the series.

The Monday faux wedding had it all from the throwing of multiple bouquets, a confetti drop at the end and parting gifts for the paying attendees that included an autographed copy of the "Married in a Honky Tonk" CD. Dave and Jenny raised the bar very high and pulled off a flawless night. The question is now - how do they top this when they do it for real later in the month in Wyoming? You can bet a few shots of Whiskey will be on the itinerary.


Jenny Tolman stands tall as the next big thing and artist to watch in Nashville.

Related Links: For more information on JENNY TOLMAN and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Jenny Tolman | ACMLiftingLives.org | Riverside Revival


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