Live music junkies find their niche at Blue Cats

Back to article

            The state quarter for Tennessee celebrates the Volunteer States' musical tradition. Indeed, Tennessee can claim to be the birthplace of three genres of music. While when most people think of Tennessee music, they think of Nashville and Memphis, Knoxville isn't too shabby on the musical scene either.

            Anyone interested in Knoxville's music scene should certainly visit Blue Cats, located at 125 E. Jackson Avenue in Knoxville's famous Old City. Blue Cats hosts concerts periodically, and provides an opportunity to sample some of the best music Knoxville has to offer.

            Blue Cats offers a quite diverse array of musical styles, according to Lenior Kinder, Director of Operations for Blue Cats. Among the recent bands to play there are Moe, Weekend Excursion, Copper, Driveby Truckers, and many others. Upcoming performances include R.B. Morris, who will play at Blue Cats Fri, December 12, and Erin McKeown, who will perform there on December 16. Blue Cats also hosts VIP parties, such as a Mardi Gras party they hosted last year with 100.3 The River.

            One recent concert presented at Blue Cats was Southern Culture on the Skids, which performed on December 5. Southern Culture is an outstanding band whom I had the chance to see at Sundown in the City last summer. A friend of mine described them as, "Weird Al Yankovic meets Creedence Clearwater Revival," which I found to be an accurate assessment.

            Blue Cats boasts two stories, with the upper story sporting a balcony. Each floor has its' own bar, where almost any drink imaginable is available.

            Those who don't like live music can visit Tonic, the restaurant located next door. The restaurant often boasts 80s/retro style music, and has many good items on the menu, including Quesadillas, grilled chicken breast sandwiches, Philly cheese steaks, deli sandwiches, and the Cheeseburger Numero Uno, "the best burger in town!"

            If live music is your thing, the head down to Blue Cats. If not, be sure to visit Tonic next door. Either way, you can't lose! More information on both can be found at http://www.bluecatslive.com.

 - John Brown is a senior in political science and history at the University of Tennessee @ Knoxville. Contact him at johnnyb325@aol.com, or visit www.johnnorrisbrown.com. This column originally ran in the December 11-17, 2003 edition of The East Tennessee Scene.