Round one of the Chattanooga Left Field Showcase will introduce performers Jessie Knowles; Jack Kirton and Garrett Bourdon of Tab Spencer; and Angela Rose, from left.It might be too much to expect a rhinestone-studded Nudie suit, but local performer Jessie Knowles plans to play a Porter Wagoner role onstage tonight, May 29, at Barking Legs Theater.
Knowles will emcee the ArtFront-sponsored Chattanooga Left Field Showcase, a concert to introduce up-and-coming musical acts.
While events such as Road to Nightfall and opening slots for nationally touring acts at Track 29 and Rhythm & Brews are helping many longtime players get recognition, the Left Field Showcase is designed for artists just starting out, says Robin Merritt of ArtFront. Besides Knowles, the first round of artists will be Tab Spencer and Angela Rose.
Knowles, according to Merritt, will borrow a stripped-down, Grand Ole Opry hosting style similar to Wagoner’s, introducing the other acts and interspersing their sets with songs of her own.
“This is a premier event for the people who are really paying attention to the new music up and coming out of Chattanooga,” he says.