After an exciting homecoming weekend at Vanderbilt, including many alumni events, a thrilling win for Vanderbilt Football and an SEC championship win in soccer, how else would the Nashville, Tennessee, community close out the events other than with some live music?
The Pinnacle hosted the sesquicentennial concert, welcoming Vanderbilt alumni, staff and students to the benefit, with proceeds supporting the Nashville Urban Debate League. This nonprofit organization provides financial support to students in the Nashville area to participate and learn from debate and leadership organizations. Chancellor Daniel Diermeier took the stage to introduce the show, saying, “Tonight, let’s have a party!”
Alabama Shakes kicked off the electric night with their song, “Future People,” as their soulful Southern rock fusion filled the arena. Lead singer Brittany Howard credited her grandparents’ music as her artistic inspiration; the influences of a past generation could definitely be heard as she sang the rest of her set.
The best part of the night was during the song “Always Alright.” As Howard sang out the lyrics, “We’re alright / We are always alright,” nearly everyone in the stadium got onto their feet. I could really feel the Vanderbilt community coming together in hope for society and togetherness.
“I will always believe in humanity,” Howard said.
During this heartfelt moment, two women danced their hearts out in the aisle. Seeing them made me think about how lucky I am to be part of this community. It was a genuine, touching scene that filled me with pride. The only thing that broke the spell was when Howard shouted, “Roll Tide!” The comment drew a chorus of boos from the crowd.
Following Alabama Shakes’ spectacular set — one that alone would have made the tickets worth it — there was still more to come. Tennessee native and country singer Brandon Wisham took the stage for a short acoustic set featuring four songs. He sang three original songs and a cover of Luke Combs’ “When It Rains It Pours.” Wisham ended his performance with his song, “Growin’ Up,” which has been getting radio time on SiriusXM and has recently risen to No. 19 on the Hot 30 Weekend Countdown. Wisham shared that “Growin’ Up” was written after he lost his father to the COVID-19 pandemic. This emotional song and delivery left me stunned as the newer artist was incredibly vulnerable.
At 8:40 p.m. CST, headliner Brandi Carlile stepped onto the stage to perform in her last gig of the year.
“Good luck getting us off the stage,” Carlile said.
Carlile started with “Returning to Myself,” the title track to her new album released in late October. This is a slower, more reflective song, but Carlile quickly picked up her energy as she sang “Broken Horses,” which brought many into the dancing mood.
Carlile gave a shout-out to producer T-Bone Burnett, with whom she started her musical journey over 20 years prior. He was in attendance as she dedicated her hit song “The Story” to him.
“Tonight, this song is for you, it is always for you, but especially tonight,” Carlile said.
This was my favorite part of the night, as most of the crowd was on their feet, and an instrumental break showed the sheer amount of talent within this band. It reminded me of all the times my mom has played this tune in the car, providing me with so much nostalgia. Speaking of mothers, Carlile did not leave a single dry eye in the house as she played a 13-minute medley dedicated to her daughters, Elijah and Evangeline. Carlile combined “You Without Me” and “The Mother” to create a beautiful sentiment to her children and showed just how much her role as a mother has impacted her.
