Turning the corner on Broad Street, I almost dropped my camera. Out of the blue cornflower skies, a double rainbow arched over Main Street, the railroad tracks, and Model City Taphouse in Downtown Kingsport. The vibrant colors perfectly set the stage for Donnie and The Dry Heavers, headlining the 8th-anniversary celebration of Kingsport's oldest tavern. Fittingly, the band's merch features a rainbow motif—synchronicity at its finest.
It may seem odd to refer to Model City Taphouse as Kingsport's oldest tavern. Tonight, Shelton Clark, the owner of Model City Taphouse, was there to tell me about the hard work that has gone into keeping this tavern open for 8 years. He began opening the doors on Market Street and quickly moved over to Main Street. He has a roster of local artists who appear almost weekly, along with other events throughout the week.
The crowd was a mix of friends and families, gathered for a warm summer evening at Kingsport's own pot of gold. The Model City Taphouse at the historic Kingsport Train Station offers an authentic experience, with tables beside the train tracks and a perch overlooking Centennial Park. As folks lined up for craft beers and sandwiches, the anticipation for a night of good, organic music was palpable.
Backlit by the soft orange glow of the setting sun, Chancelor Lawson, the band's frontman, made his entrance. A native of Kingsport, Chance embodies the hardworking spirit of this town. He's got roots that run deep, much like the town's history tied to the railroad tracks. His grandpap was Red Kirk, a local legend, and you can see that musical heritage in Chance's presence. Clad in a Boozy Creek '97 biker tee, khaki pants, dark oval glasses, and a GMC hat, he exudes a laid-back vibe that complements his lofty stature.
Chance is a neighbor of mine; we often cross paths while he walks his dog Hank Williams downtown. Tonight, he led Donnie and The Dry Heavers onto the Taphouse's cozy stage. The band—Andrew Kramer on vocals and guitar, Cameron Hite on vocals and drums, and Magus Vaughn on vocals and bass—immediately struck a chord with the audience. It's worth noting that the band has no actual "Donnie"; they're just a hardworking group of musicians making waves across East Tennessee.
Talking to Shelton, he said he recanted the first time Chance and his band played at Model City eight years ago. He said, "I couldn't pay them anything, but they wanted to play. They were The Smokehouse Crickets back then." He described how this early template of the band performed on trailer with local phenomenon Amythyst Kiah back then, and they continue to plug in, grab the mic, and turn up the vibe wherever they perform.
As the band kicked off, the crowd was treated to a dynamic mix of extended jams and original music. Tracks like "Dear Dad" and "Captain Cruel" showcased their ability to weave personal experiences into their sound. Their original music is infused with the essence of East Tennessee, reflecting the rough and rowdy energy of a group of brothers who have grown up together. They are now navigating the challenges of adulting, fueled by hard work, burning dreams, and a deep love for their craft. Cameron's rowdy rocking pulse on the drums drives the band's energetic performances, giving their sound an edge that keeps the audience engaged.
Their setlist was a psychedelic blend of jam band classics, blues, and honky-tonk, with a sprinkle of original tunes. The band brought life to covers of Bill Withers and the Grateful Dead, all while keeping the groove steady and the vibes high. Chance's trance-like state as he played, eyes rolling back behind his dark glasses, was a sight to behold. Andrew's guitar work and vocals were equally impressive, showcasing the depth of talent in this band. He's also known for performing with another local favorite, Florencia and the Feeling.
The night felt like a friendly block party, with kids playing in the park, parents enjoying craft beers, and the band jamming away. Special guest Catfish Frye joined in, harmonica in hand, to exchange soulful solos with Chance and Andrew. It was a celebration of the Taphouse's anniversary and Kingsport's enduring spirit and love for good music.
As I returned to settle my tab, I paused to watch a train approaching in the dark, its horn echoing through the night. The lights glow warmly down the tracks, a reminder of Kingsport's industrious past and the hardworking ethos that still thrives here. Kingsport began as an Industrial City, turned Model City and we're writing the next generation of adjectives and hard work will certainly be part of that new slogan. Donnie and The Dry Heavers embody that spirit, proving that you don't have to leave town to find top-notch, original music. Be sure to catch Kingsport's hardest working band as they debut at Bristol Rhythm and Roots in September!
For anyone looking to experience the local scene here in Kingsport, a night out at the Taphouse is a must. The relaxed vibe and live music make it the perfect escape. As I headed back to my loft, the night was still alive with the sound of karaoke and laughter at Macados. It's warm after midnight, and 68 decibels piping bad Tom Petty on the streets of downtown - not far from home - #OverTheBlackheart.
