By Kate Craighead
Have you ever wanted to take a step into paradise? Briston Maroney allowed his fans the chance to do just that with Paradise Fest! Brooklyn Bowl Nashville was taken over for two nights full of music from Briston alongside Indigo De Souza, The Greeting Committee, Sunflower Bean, MICHELLE, Cece Coakley, and Annie DiRusso! There were also two local nonprofits, The Nashville Food Project and Oasis Center, benefiting from a portion of the proceeds. WMTS was given the opportunity to attend the sold-out Friday night show to give our listeners a glimpse into the magic of PARADISE!
The night was filled with moments of pure joy radiating throughout the entire venue. From fans singing along almost louder than the music itself to a mosh pit lead by Briston’s dad. Fans were singing along while bowling and some fans even got the ultimate merch, a tattoo designed by Briston himself, from local tattoo artist Skout Smith!
Cece Coakley, an MTSU alum, kicked Friday night off right by giving the crowd a special solo set full of emotion. Her silky voice was the perfect way to begin Paradise night two. Cece was not only connecting with fans on stage but following her set, she could be found at her merch table meeting fans and signing merchandise!
The indie-pop group, MICHELLE, got the crowd up on their feet with their early 2000’s pop energy! The four main vocalists absolutely slayed with their synchronized dances to their catchy lyrics. The crowd was definitely feeding off their high energy and everywhere you looked, you found a new MICHELLE fan!
Indigo De Souza took the crowd on a beautiful, emotional journey with her dreamy voice and thoughtful lyrics. With Paradise being her final tour date of the year, you could feel all of her energy being channeled into that last performance. Fans were taken to the ultimate indie paradise with her stunning set!
Three incredible performances later, fans were pumped and ready for the one and only, the Paradise headliner and creator himself, Briston Maroney! Briston’s set allowed fans to not only connect with his music live, but actually feel the love that Briston radiates.
No matter the song, you could see him and his band all dancing and having such a fun time while on stage! The crowd didn't hold back with their moves either. There were many moments throughout his set that I found myself looking around at the crowd in absolute awe at how so many people are able to connect with his music in one way or another. One moment you would see a mosh pit and middle fingers, and the next the crowd is swaying along and crying together.
Even after two nights of performing, Briston stayed late after to meet fans and take a moment to hear their stories. It was such a beautiful night and the love was truly radiating all around you. Paradise allowed fans a moment to step out of their daily reality and into a world where they could fully immerse themselves in the music.