JAN 19TH | 6PM DOORS | 7PM SHOW
21+
THE FLOATING MEN
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, The Floating Men were among Nashville’s most prolific and beloved indie rock bands. Starting out as a hard-touring acoustic rock trio in 1990, the band eventually blossomed into a 7-piece juggernaut that included some of the hottest Americana, rock, and jazz virtuosos in town. “We kept attracting major players till we ended up with David Steele, Chris Cottros, Jody Nardone, Andra Moran and Steve Ebe. As a writer, that kind of musicianship meant I could write anything I wanted, so I did,” co-founders Jeff Holmes chuckles. Fellow co-founder Scot Evans laughs, adding, “…for better or worse.” During The Floating Men’s hibernation from 2010 to 2024, their fans, self-dubbed “The Floatilla,” were as enthusiastic as ever, taking to social media to discuss lyrics, share memorabilia, and swap bootlegs. With the band’s blessings, a couple of key instigators went so far as to mix and press two live albums in 2021 from archived recordings. In 2023, the band released the much-anticipated live album “Dreamland,” recorded at an over-the-top performance in 2004. More new and deep archival releases are planned for 2024. In April 2024, The Floating Men performed live for the first time since 2010 at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville. April 12 and 13 both sold out in one minute each, so the band closed off April 14 to their core supporters on Patreon. Even then, hundreds of fans were unable to get tickets, so the band streamed the shows live to members of the Floatilla across the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. A live concert film of the event will be released in late summer 2024 by CK Productions, a Nashville based theatrical and film company. “After the stunning response in Nashville, it was clear we needed to scale up or play more often,” Evans states, adding, “We don’t have a lot of availability due to our busy careers but we’re going to try a few things and see where it leads us.” So where is it leading them next? “Chattanooga, of course,” Holmes beams, “we have a lot of dear friends to hug, including Dougher.” “Especially Dougher,” Scot seconds. Scot and Jeff are obviously referring to beloved promoter and tastemaker Mike Dougher, who first brought the band to Chattanooga in 1992. “He was a godsend and not just for us. He’s a legend in the in the touring band community,” says Holmes. The Floating Men will perform at The Barrelhouse Ballroom Saturday, January 18, 2025.