War Hippies - Scooter Brown and Donnie Reis met during some downtime while home in Nashville at the end of 2021. They realized that they had a lot in common including their history as combat veterans. This lead to them playing a charity concert at 3rd and Lindsley where they came up with the idea that they are both warriors willing to do what it takes to protect freedom but who also pray for peace and love. Thus, the name War Hippies was chosen as their memorable moniker. Together as a duo they hit the ground running in 2022 - releasing two singles, a full album and going on tour with Travis Tritt.

The War Hippies return to the scene of their founding in Nashville.

Their 2022 debut single "Killin' It" along with its official music video premiered on The Country Network and held the #1 spot on the Top 40 Chart and remained in the top 5 for over 20 weeks. It also landed in the top 3 on the official VEVO Country playlist and was the top featured music video on CMT.com. Their 2nd song "The Hangman" was featured on multiple editorial playlists on Apple Music and YouTube Music. Both of these hits were played during their engaging return to 3rd and Lindsley on November 30, 2022.

War Hippies are not your typical acoustic pairing - with some support from Paul on drums their music at times was aggressive as they played and sung with passion on tunes such as "American Son". Yet, their pensive moments were just as powerful especially on songs written to honor their brothers and sisters who did not come home. They are good storytellers, too, as the witty "Leavin' Sense" talks about bad judgment at a bar.

Scooter Brown of War Hippies at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville.

Early on, guitarist Scooter asked fans to stand as Donnie played a compelling version of the National Anthem on the fiddle. Reis was an animated presence. Later on the duo did a bit they called pretty and red neck juxtaposing two very different approaches to the violin. As good as Reis was on that hand held instrument, he might have been even better on piano where he did a medley of well-known songs including the classic "Takin' it to the Streets" (Doobie Brothers).

Brown mentioned Charlie Daniels and said that they basically always play one of his songs in tribute and it worked as a great showcase for Donnie to demonstrate he can wear a big belt buckle too. The War Hippies ended things on a high note with a crowd sing along to "Can't You See" (The Marshall Tucker Band). In the live setting, these two guys can command a crowd and they deserve all the respect that they are receiving.

Donnie Reis of War Hippies at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville.

The opening act call themselves the Lost Saints. Afton Addington, Chris Biano and Derrick Casteel are a harmony-driven trio that melds the sounds of country and gospel into their strong storytelling. Their debut single "We Don't Fight" tells the tale of a couple looking at their times together to conclude that they are better off apart.

At 3rd and Lindsley, the group was joined by Quinn who contributed a second acoustic guitar to their sound. Individually or together, all three of the Lost Saints were expressive singers. They also presented catchy prose that was packed with imagery and relatable tales about bad relationships. They closed their solid set with a fine version of "Meet in the Middle" (Diamond Rio) and they joined the headliners during the encore.

The Lost Saints opened the show with heavenly harmonies at 3&L.

The War Hippies during their part of the show shared their history with this venue. Donnie Reis said that it was the first place where he performed live in Nashville. Also, the duo debut was at 3rd and Lindsley for a similar concert about a year ago.

This event was raising awareness and money for The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation who supplies resources and community support for families coping with this disease. Zach Farnum - pediatric brain tumor survivor and publicist for the War Hippies - spoke briefly about the organization and encouraged people to give to this important cause that was conducting its second annual benefit concert in Music City.

Zach Farnum - publicist and pediatric brain tumor survivor in Nashville.

3rd and Lindsley is a live music venue in Nashville, Tennessee that hosts nightly performances from an eclectic roster of acts such as War Hippies and the Lost Saints. Fine music can also be paired with food and drinks at this legendary spot.

Facing extreme pressure from the demands of development and shrinking space in the downtown 3rd and Lindsley owner Ron Brice has been very public about the fact that he is looking for a new space for the club. However, the doors of the establishment that was founded in 1991 remain open for the time being. Upcoming shows include Paul Thorn, Sixwire, The SteelDrivers, The Time Jumpers and Eric Gales.

3rd and Lindsley - with its great nightclub atmosphere - remains open in Nashville.

Related Links: For more information on WAR HIPPIES and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - War Hippes | Lost Saints | Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation | 3rd and Lindsley