With a little help from my friends: Warehouse adventures in downtown Knoxville

    Days before my article was due and without even tickets to a concert, a couple of my buddies had the great idea to drive to Knoxville and walk around to see if we could find anything playing in some small local venues.

     Our journey began at The Crown & Goose, a “British” pub located in the Old City. Before being seated we asked if there was anyone playing music. She told us there was a Jazz band playing in the back. So, out of options and out of time, we proceeded to seats in the back of the restaurant.

    I consider myself to be a fan of any form of music including jazz, but smooth jazz is not as interesting to write and/or read about.  However, the music was actually fantastic. My friends and I laughed over fish and chips while the saxophone player killed it. Unfortunately, it still was not what I was looking for.

    Despite the good food and the warm atmosphere, we packed up and continued to make our crawl down the streets of the Old City. We had given up and had started to make our way back to the car when heard music coming from what we thought was an old warehouse.

    We rushed to the edge of the street and saw a man standing outside smoking a cigarette. He told us there was a secret concert being held inside, which led me to ask if there was a bouncer.

    “Of course,” he answered, “but I’m the one hosting the event.” Suddenly, we find ourselves being snuck through the back entrance of a shabby-looking warehouse.

    I found myself mixed amongst the masses in a place that I once thought was abandoned but was now occupied by a band by the name of Humming House. They were made up of a handful of instruments including a fiddle, bass, mandolin and acoustic guitar. Each instrument came together in one harmonious sound. Their unique mix of indie-folk with Nashville-influenced flare made them a clear standout.

    Humming House’s music features big harmonies and call and response passages that intertwine to create infectious choruses. Plus, their fiddler had a surprisingly unique talent for beat boxing.

    Humming House, having played in venues of all sizes, filled the warehouse with an electric energy. The crowd was just as enthused as the band and showed their admiration by signing and dancing along to the set. Humming House finished their set and then wrapped up with an encore of two additional original songs.

    Overall, it was a once in a lifetime experience having been snuck in the back of a secret warehouse and then later having the opportunity to meet the band. I was glad to share it with my newfound friends. And yes, I bought their vinyl.