Chuck Prophet and His Strung-Out Teenagers

Yes, the Mission Express has disbanded temporarily, and Chuck Prophet played the inaugural concert of Nashville’s new Family Wash venue (different location, anyway) last night–with a quartet of late teens/early-twenty-somethings on strings. I think they were Vanderbilt students, and they acquitted themselves admirably. Always an example for our nation’s youth, Chuck opened with the song “Wish Me Luck,” featuring the line about harvesting cannabis; toward the end, he said anyone who ponies up for multiple CD’s “can have sex with anybody on stage.” He also had an upright bassist whom I believe has part ownership in the club, but he wasn’t introduced. Toward the end of the proceedings, none other than Lu and Tom showed up; luminaires like Shilah Morrow, Jen Gunderman (Vandy prof. and wizard keyboardist), and a former Black Crowe were in evidence as well. Nothing to match what Tony sees at Hotel Café from night to night, but some star power nonetheless. I envy tonight’s Rosanne show (where Lu will appear), so go Viv! I’ll be back in Nash for Thursday night’s doings at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, all kudos to THE MAN BEHIND THE MAN BEHIND THE MAN, Chuck Prophet.