inaugurating an event to help the community and musicians alike. I can’ t wait to watch Amplify grow to its full potential and champion more incredible artists that deserve the spotlight!”
Also returning to the 2024 Amplify Nashville committee are Kenan and Mandi Rainwater of Rainwater Studios; Delena Hare, the owner of Platinum sponsor SERVPRO of Columbus; and singer / songwriter Jan Bell.
The Brown County community has rallied behind the event as well. Blass explained,“ People understood what we were up to, and they were very open to being supportive and involved.
The list of sponsors for 2024 includes SERVPRO of Columbus, TACTIVE, Hills of Brown Vacation Rentals, Friends O’ Mine Campground, Rafters, Nashville Spice Company, Brown County Title, Centra Credit Union, The Wild Olive, The Toy Chest, Brozinni Pizzeria, Brown County Community Foundation, Nashville Chop House, and Brown County Inn.
The Brown County Playhouse stepped up to support this year’ s Amplify Nashville by hosting the Songwriter Showdown, which featured 24 solo and duo acts competing for a prize package that includes the opening spot on the Music Center stage. The Playhouse’ s programming director Bob McCutcheon spearheaded the project, which allows audience members to vote on their favorite performers, determining who will go on to the next round.
The Finals on November 2 features Taylor Hernly, Steve Hickman, Rick LeDune, and Michael Moulder. The winner will open Amplify with a three-song set of original music.
Going into year two, Kenan Rainwater notes,“ We were fortunate to have such great talent on the committee and to experience Amplify ourselves. Now we’ re really excited to share that experience with other artists from our region.” The lineup for 2024 includes four diverse bands. The D & O Band is a powerhouse of youthful talent delivering harmony-driven originals that range from pop to indie folk to country. The Hammer and The Hatchet provide bluegrass-inspired Americana roots music. Bigfoot Yancey’ s foot-stomping tunes
add the drive of a full drum kit to the string band. The night ends with dance-worthy funk rock from The Indigos.
Amplify Nashville takes place on the same weekend as the Brown County Christkindl Market, and the concert kicks off just after the Light Parade. The Brown County YMCA plans to partner with Amplify again this year to place luminaries along the Salt Creek Trail so parade-goers can walk to the Music Center from town.
High on the list of contributors to Amplify Nashville is the Music Center itself, which donates the venue and volunteers for the event. Director Christian Webb commented,“ We are extremely excited to continue our great partnership with Amplify Nashville for year # 2. Utilizing the Music Center to showcase local and upcoming talent, while being able to give back to the local community in a charity way, is exactly what this incredible venue was designed for.”
Tickets for Amplify Nashville are on sale now for $ 16.50 at www. BrownCountyMusicCenter. com. •
VENDOR MALL
OVER 14,000 SQ FT • MORE THAN 100 VENDORS
Antiques • Vintage • Collectibles • Jewelry • Trading Cards • Furniture • Much More
3850 25th St. Columbus • 812-799-0347 Open 7 Days a Week • Just 30 short minutes from Nashville www. daysofold. store Days of Old Antique Shoppe
Nov./ Dec. 2024 • Our Brown County 69