MusicCityNashville.net: Musician Eli Locke and Retail Outlet Freebird Take Flight on Second Avenue in Nashville

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Musician Eli Locke and Retail Outlet Freebird Take Flight on Second Avenue in Nashville

by Rich and Laura Lynch

On our most recent trip to downtown Nashville on Monday, June 12, 2023 we noticed the sparkling new sign and painted facade of FREEBIRD on Second Avenue that did its job - we entered the establishement. Once inside we learned that the company - founded in 2009 - is a Mecca for boots, booze and busking. On stage taking requests and performing originals and covers was the authentic country music stylings of Eli Locke.

Musician Eli Locke and Retail Outlet Freebird Take Flight on Second Avenue in Nashville

Eli Locke puts his boots on the ground at Freebird on Second Avenue.

Eli Locke is a California native raised on a mixture of country music and old school rock and roll. Eli's a no-nonsense, no-frills kind of American musician - "an appealing mixture of traditional and contemporary country," says the LA Times, with "an amiable sense of irony and a simple, direct use of language." Eli's not a flavor of the month, or a flash in the pan kind of artist - he may be a fresh new face, but he reminds you of the artists you grew up loving, and that's alright with him. As far as Eli is concerned - if country music ain't broke, don't fix it.

While still living in California, Eli became a regular at Honkytonks and Night Clubs throughout the southwest as well as at festivals and fairs opening for acts such as Cody Johnson, Darryl Worley, the Eli Young Band and many others. His love for storytelling drove him to the heart of Country music, Nashville Tennessee, but he made sure to bring some of that Bakersfield sound with him; mixing traditional country music with elements of Southern and Classic Rock. Equal part storyteller and songwriter, Eli has thrived in Nashville, working with some of the cities best and brightest, while still making sure to bring a raucous honkytonk energy everywhere he plays, whether an acoustic writers round, or a full band barn burner.

In Nashville, Freebird was well lit and their premium product was prominently displayed in close proximity to a long and inviting bar. The only problem as we saw it was that after a few drinks patrons might put on their "boot googles" and leave the shop with more than they planned on. Heck, I almost picked up a pair of their fabulous footwear and I wasn't even drinking!!!

Freebird on Second Avenue - did someone say boots and booze?

Related Links: For more information on ELI LOCKE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Eli Locke | Freebird Nashville

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