Despite the rain, fans of dream pop filed into the Row One Stage at Cannery Hall in Nashville to spend their Saturday night with New York-based band, A Beacon School. Fresh off a tour opening for indie favorites Far Caspian, A Beacon School decided to embark on a short tour of their own. Visiting new cities they have yet to play, March 7th in Nashville was the last show on their six-show run. Local band Future Crib opened the show with an eclectic set, perfectly priming the audience for an energetic and invigorating night of music. By the time Future Crib finished their performance, the audience had moved up to the barricade, anxiously awaiting the main act’s entrance. Opening with the glimmering track “Fade In Nylon” off of their 2018 album Cola, A Beacon School immediately captured the crowd’s attention with the shoegazy guitar riffs and light, airy vocals. The band is the brainchild of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Patrick J. Smith, m making music under the name A Beacon School since 2009.
In attendance were new fans, as well as fans who have been with the band since the beginning. Playing a mix of older tunes and recent releases, the audience members were bopping their heads and singing along to every word. Smith’s charming personality shone through the music, as he talked directly with the crowd and joked around with audience members. Despite declaring that the band does not usually take song requests, Smith made an exception for the Nashville crowd as they requested the fan favorite “Ash”. The shimmering guitar opening made the crowd cheer, excited that they got to hear one of their favorite tunes. Before closing out the night, the band played well-loved tracks “Dot” and “Mantra”, both from their 2023 album yoyo, as well as “It’s Late” and “I Don’t Believe It” off of Cola. A Beacon School did an excellent job transforming Cannery Hall from a small, brick room into a large, luminous, and lush soundscape that left the audience entranced.
- Emily Duncko
Photos Courtesy of Emily Duncko (For Bell Music Magazine)
