McKay's Road to Nightfall finals

Sunday, January 1, 1905

photo Smooth Dialects
photo Jordan Hallquist & the Outfit
photo Amber Fults & the Ambivalent Lovers
photo Function

One vote was enough to put Jordan Hallquist & the Outfit in the McKay's Road to Nightfall finals at Rhythm & Brews, according to Jonathan Susman with Chattanooga Presents.

The band will join Function, Smooth Dialects and Amber Fults & the Ambivalent Lovers in the finals on Friday, March 15, for the right to headline one of the Nightfall concert series weekly shows.

Ballots were used this year, the third in the competition's history, and Susman said it's a good thing as choosing a winner in such a tightly contested race would have been tough otherwise, especially last Saturday night.

"Everything has been great," he said. "Every single set has been impressive. The bands have been very professional. The crowds are the biggest ever. The bands are into it, and a lot more of the music community came out and supported this whether they were playing or not.

"It was neat and has accomplished what I hoped it would."

Over the last Friday and Saturday nights, six or seven bands played 20-minute sets in hopes of earning a headlining spot on the Nightfall concert series lineup. The free Friday night series takes place May 3-Aug. 30 at Miller Plaza.

Susman pointed out that three of the four acts - all but Jordan Hallquist - are fronted by females. He also said that drummer Hunter White is a member of Function and the Ambivalent Lovers, and he is the only person to be part of a group that has made the finals each of the three years.

While the finalists were chosen by the audience, a panel of judges will pick the winner on Friday.

IF YOU GO

What: McKay's Road to Nightfall finals

When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 15

Where: Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St.

Admission: $7

Phone: 267-4644

Contact staff writer Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.