Category Archives: live music

Run it Back: ‘Have You Met…?’ Returns June 26

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It’s been a busy couple of months around here (and everywhere we’ve been), but we’re ready to introduce you to more members of our UnderDogs community!

Our Have You Met…? series returns Thursday, June 26, and will feature interviews from three hand-picked artistpreneurs from within the greater UMC universe. Livestreamed from Helping Our Music Evolve in East Nashville, audience members have a choice to join us in person locally, or catch the magic from anywhere in the world on our YouTube channel.

Joining us for this edition of ‘Have You Met…?’ will be…

Da’ Healerz to Perform at NMAAM June 27

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Fresh off the heels of their latest Heal Talk Experience, UMC NEXT2RISE artist Da’ Healerz have another opportunity to spread the message of Heal Hop.

The Nashville-based duo — comprised of Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca — will be a part of the Nashville’s Got Soul Community Showcase. The event — taking place Friday, June 27 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) — “brings together 15 local artists, including poets, musicians, and DJs, for an unforgettable evening that celebrates Black Music Appreciation Month through storytelling, genre-bending artistry, and soul-filled connection.”

Nashville’s Got Soul is presented in partnership by NMAAM and Soul’d Creative Collective. Tickets range between $5-15, and include student and friends & family discounts.

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WATCH: It’s Music Monday for Powder Valley Bang

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You may have noticed a new friendly face around here by the name of Matt Schmoyer. Not only has Matt faithfully jumped in and begun reviewing music for UMC, but he’s doing it while also pouring plenty of love into his own musical project.

That project? Powder Valley Bang, a Lehigh Valley, PA-based rock band that creates Golden Moments of Rebellious Exhilaration. They’re hard-hitting, energetic, and offer a sense of familiarity while delivering something completely fresh to audiences.

We’re super proud of Matt and the guys today, as they appeared on WFMZ’s Music Monday program in Allentown, PA. Here, they play a couple tunes and share their summer plans — which includes a gig at this year’s Musikfest up in Bethlehem, and possibly even a Nashville date on the horizon!

(Also, special thanks to Matt for sharing some of what he learned from participating in BRANDCAMP from UMC Academy this winter!)

Check out the full interview and performance!

Anthems Against Abuse: An Inside Look

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Daisy Sellas and Brittany Bishop are the co-founders of Anthems Against Abuse, a Nashville-based non-profit dedicated to providing support and resources to victims of domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Their flagship event — a music showcase featuring all female-fronted artists — is in its second year, taking place at The Coliseum in Nashville on Saturday, June 14.

Daisy and Brittany share the story behind the organization, and we take a deep dive into why it’s important to identify and stop signs of abuse in their tracks.

If you need help, resources are available. Visit ⁠anthemsagainstabuse.org.

The Quinn Spinn is recorded and produced at Helping Our Music Evolve, Nashville TN.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Become an UnderDog! Join our community at ⁠community.umcnashville.org.⁠

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THIS THURSDAY: An All-New Heal Talk Experience in Nashville

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Da’ Healerz will be back at NECAT Network (120 White Bridge Pike, Nashville) this Thursday, June 12 for an edition of The Heal Talk Experience featuring all-new special guests.

Join Da’ Healerz — Nashville hip hop vets Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca — as they bring you an immersive experience centered on live performance and healing discussions beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Supporting Da’ Healerz this time around will be a performance from hip hop artist and music industry educator T.R.A.N.E. Spitta, alongside a sound healing demonstration from singer, producer, and vibrational sound alchemist Milly Roze.

As always, it’s free to tap into The Heal Talk Experience. RSVP here!

#RoadtoSXSW Part 2: London Bound

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Even when I took this photo in March, I can’t say I saw this coming so soon…

While I was in Austin a few months ago, I had a chance to learn about the first-ever SXSW London event taking place this year. The team was hosting a breakfast networking event near their bus inside of the Expo Hall, and I decided to pop by and check it out to begin my first full day in town.

Well, one thing led to another. Not even three months later, I find myself typing this at Boston Logan International Airport. My destination? SXSW London, to explore an entirely new city (and continent) on behalf of UMC. In the process, I’ll also be exploring possibilities to bring UMC and its artist community across the pond (and vice versa) in future years.

Man… what an unreal year 2025 has been so far. It started with the original #RoadtoSXSW, which produced so many amazing memories and connections. Then, we found ourselves in Toronto at the start of May for the first-ever Departure Festival & Conference (formerly Canadian Music Week). Now, we’re headed to London — and who knows where else between now and New Year’s Eve!

(OK, maybe I know at least *some* of those details. Stay tuned!)

As for this week, I look forward to the connections and conversations to come — and, in true #GoUnderground fashion, I’m excited to get a sense of what London’s music community is truly all about.

I also (finally) downloaded the Jetpack app — the one that allows me to post to WordPress — on my new phone. So, I’ll be able to provide updates on the fly throughout the event. Stay tuned here to The Blog (and of course, Instagram and YouTube) as I share the highlights, lessons, and updates from UMC’s latest international quest.

Gussapolooza Tier 1 Tickets Available Until June 1

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Imagine a weekend where the music never stops, creativity fills the air, and strangers feel like friends. That’s Gussapolooza — and Tier 1 tickets for 2025 are only available until Sunday, June 1.

Set in the heart of Cookstown, Ontario from August 22–24, Gussapolooza is more than a music festival. It’s a three-day escape into a vibrant, welcoming world where artists, dreamers, and music lovers come together to share unforgettable moments.

Expect late-night jams by the campfire, hands covered in paint, dancing barefoot in the grass, and moments of pure connection with people who just get it.

Here’s what the Gussapolooza experience looks like:

  • A packed weekend of live music from incredible rising talent.
  • Camping with your crew (or making a new one).
  • Wild paint parties, immersive art, and spontaneous magic.
  • Food trucks, fresh air, and wide-open fields full of music and movement.
  • A creative energy that flows from stage to sky.

“There’s nothing quite like it,” says Festival Director Valerie Robson. “It’s not just a festival — it’s a feeling. If you know, you know.”

Tier 1 passes are the best deal you’ll get — and they’re only available until June 1 at midnight. Grab your tickets now, and don’t miss your chance to be part of something unforgettable.

Gussapolooza Announces Lineup Featuring Bleeker & Grant Boyer

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The Gussapolooza Music and Arts Festival is back—and the official 2025 lineup has just been announced!

Taking place August 22–24, 2025 in vibrant Cookstown, Ontario, this year’s festival features special guests Bleeker and Grant Boyer, alongside returning Gussapolooza award winners Manic Boys and Girls Club, Harley Olivia, and Cudbear. They’ll be joined by an eclectic lineup of emerging artists from across the country for a weekend packed with creativity, energy, and inspiration.

More than a music festival, Gussapolooza is a family-friendly celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Guests can explore immersive experiences like the Kids Zone, a tranquil Health & Wellness Zone, interactive art installations, local artisan vendors, and more—offering something for everyone.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy a full weekend stay with a variety of camping options, including RV power sites, designated family camping, and access to onsite showers—ensuring a fun and convenient festival experience for all.

“We’re beyond excited to welcome Bleeker, Grant Boyer and so many incredible artists to Cookstown this summer,” said Russell Robson, Founder and Organizer of Gussapolooza. “Gussapolooza has always been about more than music—it’s a community-driven, family-friendly celebration where people of all ages can come together, connect, and be inspired by the arts. We can’t wait to share this experience with everyone again in 2025.”

Gussapolooza is also proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with Stevenson Memorial Hospital. A portion of all ticket sales will go directly toward funding the hospital’s new state-of-the-art facility, strengthening access to healthcare in the surrounding community.

Tickets are now on sale and the full artist lineup is available at www.gussapolooza.com. While there, you’ll find information on how to get involved as a volunteer, vendor, or member of the media.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW: UnderDogs @ The Underdog Apr. 30

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Tickets are on sale now for UnderDogs @ The Underdog, our songwriter night and networking mixer in celebration of our community.

Join us at The Underdog Nashville (3208 Gallatin Ave.), as long-time friends of UMC join a handful of our 2025 NEXT2RISE artists to showcase the talent and versatility within our community.

Tickets are just $10, and they can be found here. As for UnderDogs members? They get in FREE! That’s just one more reason to become an UnderDog today!

As for what you can expect? Here’s the plan!

6 p.m.: Doors open and networking begins!
7 p.m.: ARREIS, Kfhox, Timothy Myles, Virtues
8 p.m.: Adam Lawrence of The Mad Sugars, Da’ Healerz, Kelsey Muse, Nicolas Soul

Step Into the Heal Talk Experience

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Want an inside look at The Heal Talk Experience before you attend with us on Thursday, May 15?

Our debut Heal Talk Experience took place in February at NECAT (120 White Bridge Pike, Nashville). This was a powerful night of music, vulnerability, and transformation — a true celebration of healing through art and community.

The evening opened with the radiant Nikki Ray, who shared her personal healing journey and led us into deep relaxation with a beautiful sound bath. Psychic Marita guided the room with intuitive wisdom and a live reading, helping us open our hearts and minds. Da’ Healerz brought the soul with three original performances, each followed by a heartfelt conversation with the audience about the real-life stories and healing behind the lyrics. They were joined by the talented J Nix on bass and Urri Thames on drums.

To close, we asked the audience reflective questions about their own healing journeys — sparking deep thought and connection.

Filmed at NECAT Network, and edited by Mbeezy Media.

This is more than a show — it’s a movement. Join the next Heal Talk Experience in Nashville on May 15!

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