Dave barnes at the ryman

The warmth of the Ryman and the electricity through anticipation of live music again in the heart of music city illuminating through the space — between the pews and bouncing off every light and sound.

Dave Barnes performed at the Ryman — expressing earnestly his gratitude and excitement of it being the first full-scale performance since the pandemic paused live music.

The excitement and gratitude was felt by everyone. Barnes and his band electrified the stage with funk-filled songs like his relatively recent “Dreaming in Electric Blue”. Barnes and his band for the night unleashed their energy and the evening truly was electric.

Barnes thematically strung the set together with a beautiful and eclectic melting pot of music — focusing on the contemplative, reflective emotions of gratitude, and what truly matters in life through songs like “Good,” and a subdued and poignant cover of Lauper’s “Time After Time,” while also balancing his original and raw funk phase with “All That Noise” coupled with his more recent funky releases like “(I Guess That’s What I Get) for Loving You”… polished with wet guitar sounds and a vibey bass player. Barnes tied in his beloved and slower-paced originals like “Nothing Fancy” and “Grace’s Amazing Hands.”

In true Barnes fashion, the set was tied together effortlessly with his impromptu stand-up between songs. Known for his storytelling and roaring laughter at his own in-the-moment jokes, Barnes charmed his loyal audience.