The Indigo Girls are heading to Nashville for a performance at Bridgestone Dancin’ in the District on Thursday, Sept. 8.
While Bridgestone Dancin’ in the District (www.dancininthedistrict.com) is one of Nashville’s largest mainstream concert summer series, it has a decidedly gay flavor.
Not only are the Indigo Girls, an openly gay duo, performing along with lesbian and Nashville singer Steff Mahan, but Andria Towne, the producer for Mad Booking & Events (which oversees the summer concert series), is openly gay as well. Add to the mix the fact that an active supporter of the GLBT community, Bridgestone Tire North America, is Bridgestone Dancin’ in the District’s title sponsor. Bridgestone has also been actively supporting GLBT charities and marketing to the GLBT community.
“We are pleased to support the Nashville community and a diverse group of charities and events,” said Michael Fluck, advertising and Internet manager for Bridgestone. “Bringing a variety of music to the Nashville community through Bridgestone Dancin’ In The District is a one example of how we give back to the community.”
The Indigo Girls released their new album, “Rarities,” on June 14, 2005. After months of gathering feedback and suggestions from fans, 18 rare and unpublished tracks were selected for the final CD.
Among the tracks included in “Rarities” are several collaborations with other artists including Micheal Stipe and Ani DiFranco. Tom Morello of Audioslave and Rage Against the Machine also adds his talent to “Shed Your Skin,” remixed as hard rock song.
Also included are rare cover songs such as Elton John’s “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,” The Clash’s “Clampdown,” and The Grateful Dead’s “Uncle John’s Band.” Two tracks that diehard fans are especially excited about are recordings from the very beginning of the Indigo Girls’ careers. “Never Stop” was written by Emily Saliers in 1981 in her college dorm room, and “Cold As Ice” was one of Amy Ray’s very first compositions.
