Backyard Tribute to 2014 Music Icons

It’s a normal day in Nashville to pass by an unassuming house and catch a glimpse of a backyard show, patched together with whatever equipment the organizers' friends could scavenge. Walking up to this house in the Green Hills neighborhood, it seemed to be fully enclosed by trees, until you’re directed towards a clearing into the backyard to reveal a stage, local vendors selling clothes, jewelry, and art, and groups of friends enjoying live music. Organized by Olivia Montgomery and Eva Campos, with assistance from Cooper Thomason, Davidson Desert Festival served as a tribute to 2014 Coachella, rewinding 10 years back in time to pay homage to music from artists that inspire many of these local artist’s sound. 

Calista Kweon, Sylvia Kollasch, and Joy Hotchkiss performed a memorable tribute to HAIM, playing tunes from their first album and their most recent releases. Their voices complimented each other well, nostalgic of the originally trio. Their most notable performance was of “Gasoline,” off of HAIM’s 2021 record “Women in Music Pt.III”.

McKinney took the stage as Neutral Milk Hotel, his live band consisting of other well known local artists in the Nashville scene, to play some classic tunes from their record “In The Aeroplane Over The Sea.” McKinney’s voice complimented the songs gracefully. They ended their set by playing an original McKinney track, “Bears,” that had been recently released the day prior. 

Cole Waldrep ended the night as The 1975, bringing the energy back into the crowd for the final time. His stage presence was akin to that of Matty Healy, participating in similar stage antics and absurdities, making it a convincing and exhilarating cover set, playing many of their major hits.

- Rachel Mitchell

Photos Courtesy of Rachel Mitchell (For Bell Music Magazine)