BWW Reviews: The Absinthe Cabaret Presents Johnny Rodgers and Stephanie Adlington

Friday night was the second even for The Absinthe Cabaret in Nashville. Their first event came off with flying colors, bringing in the lovely Eden Espinosa to our fair city and wowing those in attendance. Call me a skeptic, but with most things, I always wonder if it was beginner's luck. I'm very happy to say that the second event was just as fantastic and every bit as fun as the first go around. Its official, folks. The Absinthe Cabaret has brought the joy of cabaret to the Nashville area in a wonderful fashion.

For this event, The Absinthe Cabaret partnered with the historic Hermitage Hotel in downtown Nashville. The event was held in the beautiful Grand Ballroom of the hotel. Headlining the event was Johnny Rodgers, also known as "The Ambassador of American Music" with special guest Stephanie Adlington.

The night was full of music by legends, sprinkled with some of Johnny Rodgers' own originals. Each blended seamlessly into the next, bringing a feel of nostalgia and fun to those in attendance. The atmosphere was rounded out beautifully by the Grand Ballroom. Abundant laughter and audience participation made the night both interactive and intimate.

Familiar songs like "Georgia On My Mind" and "Ain't No Sunshine" and "What a Wonderful World" had those in attendance singing along. When "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" started up, there was even some dancing by audience members.

Stephanie Adlington brought her own spin on some classics, including "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" and some duets with Johnny like "Tonight You Belong to Me" and "Mockingbird." I must also make mention of the fabulous band. Rusty Russell on guitar, Daniel Hyberger on bass, and Nioshi Jackson on drums just show a slice of the wonderful and talented musicians in Nashville. There is truly never a lack of musical talent in Music City, and this group of gentlemen were a perfect example.

As much as I loved all the "classics," some of my personal favorites of the night were some of Johnny Rodgers' original songs. "Mary Jean" and "Home to Mendocino" both stick out in my head, as well as "The Best of You in Me," Johnny's lovely tribute to his own parents, who were in attendance.

Sometimes having a love for music that hasn't been on a current pop or country chart in years (or ever) can be difficult. Finding places to enjoy live music and feel like you are part of something as special and intimate as a cabaret can be more than difficult. Thankfully, Nashville now has The Absinthe Cabaret to fill this void, and they seem to be doing it with beauty and ease. Their website says "Where Broadway meets County and Gospel meets Cabaret" states it perfectly. The beauty of all types of music is celebrated here and is a wonderful experience to behold.

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