Brother Rock was founded in the early 1980s by Gabbard who has been playing professionally since the 1970s, opening for the likes of Molly Hatchet, Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Cheap Trick (with whom Randy shared management). In the 2000's, Brother Rock evolved into a classic rock band based out of Nashville. Randy also created a comic strip called Brother Rock that is published monthly at Rapid River Magazine.

Brother Rock's Open Mic is generally the first Saturday of the month but on some occasions such as the 9th it can take place on a different date. At the start Randy asked what is the difference between an open mic and a songwriter's round?

Eileen and Greg get to work in Old Hickory.

At this event, it appeared that each artist presented three songs in a row rather than in a rotation and they could play covers ("copy songs") and/or originals. Randy opened with a tune that he is known to play about going to the mountaintop.

Next, Drew Richcreek offered a drinking take on "Do-Re-Mi" along with his personal tribute to "bad ass women" and concluded with a Beatles' tune. Steve Wolf a former priest armed with a uke shared reflective prose including a piece based on Psalm 90. Fred and Dana staged solid versions of "Crazy" and "Strawberry Wine".

The video recap of the event along with John Edward Lafave, Wild Deuce, Steve Wolf and Fred & Dana.

Our very own Rockin' Rich took the stage to play his Tom Petty tribute track - "You Might Hear a Heart" - before donning his protest singer persona to rail against both national ("Wake Up") and Nashville area ills ("The Streets of Nashville").

The former calls for reform of the politcal process where voters can at least get a receipt for their efforts while the latter decries the loss of free parking in downtown Nashville. On the bright side there was ample parking in front of the club on Donelson Avenue on this night.

Drew Richcreek, David Bell, Ryan on Bass and Mike Villines at RITV.

Following RRL was David Bell a recent transplant from Arkansas who presented a combination of covers and originals. He was followed by John Edward Lafave who was also filming the event. John brought edge to the evening. We learned that Mr. Lafave came from Michigan and was heavily influenced by the music that came from that area. John now lives in the Nashville area, and he owns and runs Stage Coup Records.

Eileen Bernstein (keys) with Greg Tape on guitar shared inspiring insights about contending with change and dealing with the peaks and valleys of life. Mike Villines had an innovative picking style. A duo going by the name of Wild Deuce were bluesy and we enjoyed their witty song stating that getting old sucks.

This was a perfect venue for the Brother Rock Open Mic.

Brother Rock's Open Mic drew an eclectic roster of artists all coming together at a cool cafe with free parking which Rich now more than ever considers a plus. Please follow Brother Rock so you will know when his next Open Mic will be where you can support locals and/or have an opportunity to play.

Rhythm in the Village is a cafe that offers made to order food, and space for events and live music such as Brother Rock's Open Mic. The restaurant/venue is located at 1053 Donelson Avenue, Old Hickory, which is on the outskirts of Nashville, Tennessee.

The was an array of Brother Rock schwag on display in the village.

Related Links: For more information on BROTHER ROCK and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Brother Rock | Rockin' Rich Lynch | Eileen Bernstein | Mike Villines | John Edward Lafave | Wild Deuce | Drew Richcreek | Rhythm In The Village