Nightfall 2018: Chattanooga's Iconic Free Summer Concert Series Lineup
Experience the 31st season of the free Nightfall Concert Series, Chattanooga's premier outdoor music event. Enjoy live performances every Friday night from early May through late August (except June 8th and 15th for Riverbend Festival).
Nightfall delivers a diverse lineup of top-tier musical entertainment, featuring talented local openers and national headliners—many debuting in our city. Pack your lawn chairs, bring the kids, pets, and friends, and savor exceptional live music, food vendors, and cold beverages in the lively atmosphere of Miller Plaza.
Discover the full 2018 lineup below!
May 4: Vandoliers
This alt-country band with punk roots formed in 2015, uniting Dallas-Fort Worth musicians under frontman Joshua Fleming. Their album The Native blends twang and tattoos, grit and guitars, honky-tonk and horns, Tejano and Telecasters—pure Vandoliers energy.
Opening Act: Lenox Hills
May 11: Ruby Velle & the Soulphonics
Atlanta's Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics revive classic soul with a modern twist. Powerhouse vocalist Velle and her band infuse timeless sounds with fresh, contemporary flair.
Opening Act: Function
May 18: Jeffrey Broussard & the Creole Boys
Frontman Jeffrey Broussard, from Zydeco Force, delivers accordion mastery and soulful vocals. The band mixes Creole classics with contemporary Zydeco, packed with floor-shaking energy and expertise.
Opening Act: The Foothills
May 25: EmiSunshine and the Rain
At just 13, East Tennessee prodigy EmiSunshine captivates with her extraordinary talent. Backed by family—father on bass, brother on mandolin, uncle on drums—she performs over 50 shows a year.
Opening Act: Mountain Creek House Fire
June 1: Dustbowl Revival
This band fuses vintage Americana with soulful, funky vibes. Their joyous sound evolves into deeper emotions and modern grooves.
Opening Act: Priscilla and Little Rickee
June 22: Hive Theory
Formed by four seasoned Chattanooga musicians, Hive Theory's pop-funk originals burst with diverse styles and high energy.
Opening Act: Sun Sap
June 29: Amythyst Kiah
Johnson City, TN's Southern Gothic songster Amythyst Kiah commands the stage with raw, hypnotic vocals echoing a restless past.
Opening Act: Matt Downer & the Old Time Travelers
July 6: Albert Cummings
Blues guitarist Albert Cummings thrives on spontaneity live, now enhanced with keyboards and background singers for a fresh twist.
Opening Act: Mark Holder
July 13: Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Southern Indiana's Reverend Peyton leads with commanding guitar and rootsy country blues evangelism.
Opening Act: Jordan Hallquist & The Outfit
July 20: The Fritz
This high-energy funk-soul-rock band delivers danceable grooves, powerful vocals, and climactic solos.
Opening Act: Craig Lyons
July 27: Las Cafeteras
This LA powerhouse crosses genres with punk, hip-hop, cumbia, and rock—magnetic live energy, as noted by the LA Times.
Opening Act: Kindora
August 3: Tomar and the FCs
Tomar Williams, Chitlin Circuit veteran and Austin keyboardist, produced hip-hop hits for Big Mo and Mike Jones.
Opening Act: Neshawn Calloway
August 10: Lillie Mae
Fiddle virtuoso Lillie Mae Rische brings unforgettable country style after 15 years on the scene.
Opening Act: Rick Byers Band
August 17: Meadow Mountain
Colorado's Bluegrass innovators draw from Rocky Mountain roots and Blue Ridge traditions.
Opening Act: Caney Creek Company
August 24: Laila Biali
Sophisticated pop blending bluesy storms and soulful pleas—uncategorizable radio magic.
Opening Act: Tim Hughes Quartet
August 31: Andy Frasco & the U.N.
LA's party blues with barefoot boogie caps Nightfall 2018 perfectly.
Opening Act: The Fridge
Nightfall Facts
Opening acts start at 7:00 p.m., with national headliners at 8:00 p.m. This family-friendly series averages 2,500–3,000 attendees nightly, fostering community through diverse music in Miller Plaza.
Nightfall enriches Chattanooga's culture as the region's signature summer event, voted "Best of the Best" locally and nationally acclaimed for its programming.
