Last week was a collection of joyous singers and articulate storytellers in Nashville, set against the backdrop of CMA Music Fest here and Bonnaroo in Manchester, just down the road apiece. The level of musicianship was through the roof. A week ago Wednesday night, Sarah Potenza curated a Big Bad Diva night at Music City Roots, with The McCrary Sisters, Christine Ohlman, and Bonnie Bramlett. Leon Russell was a surprise guest, in the house at The Factory in Franklin, When Bonnie sang “Superstar,” a song they co-wrote, the mega hit for The Carpenters, there was not a dry eye in the house. Friday night Ray Wylie Hubbard played 3rd & Lindsley, with Aaron Lee Tasjan opening. Then Jack Ingram played Saturday at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Great stuff, great stories. Monday night came the world famous Time Jumpers at 3rd & Lindsley, with their organic western swing that harkens back to the big band era.

Back in January, we filmed Jonell Mosser and Tom Britt Backstage at 3rd and Lindsley. Jonell plays there tonight, so if you find yourself in Nashville, she puts on a mighty powerful show. We had the pleasure of filming her once before, back in 2009 when we had the Music Fog bus parked at 3rd and Lindsley for AmericanaFest. From her 2011 album Fortunes Lost, Fortunes Told, here is the Music Fog recording of “Hummingbird.”

PS: Today’s music is an offering to all with a song in their heart. I am certain that you are here because you too consider music an important part of life. I used to live in Orlando back in the 90s. I am heartsick that Christina Grimmie would be shot at a merch table after a gig. I am angry that someone with an automatic weapon could walk into a club to mow down people who were dancing on a Saturday night. I grieve for the people of Orlando, and for all who have lost family or friends, or have had their lives irrevocably changed due to gun violence.

- Jessie Scott