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On October 17, Barefoots Joe welcomed two artists to play in their second concert of the fall semester: Thad Kopec, and The Kernal.
The opening act featured a Jackson favorite and Union graduate, The Kernal. The Kernal, or Joe Garner, tuned down his usual full band sound, playing with only one other guitarist.
Garner played an array of songs, touching on various topics such as relationships, capitalism, getting the cold shoulder in love and a new song about Taco Bell.
A tuned down version of the popular song Mind Control was even played. It is a song that many Unionites can remember from the music video that debuted in 2011, featuring many in the Union community.
The Kernal plays locally in Jackson at venues such as The Downtown Tavern.
“I really enjoyed the in-between of the songs for both the Kernal and Thad,” said Jack Sayler sophomore philosophy and English major, referencing the lighthearted contown Tavern.
Nashville based Thad Kopec headlined the show, opening with an eight-piece band.
“This is the third full band show we’ve ever done,” Kopec said. “Getting the band together here has really made me feel encouraged to start talking to people and booking more shows.”
The band included the usual bass, guitar and drums, with added cello and violin.
The first half of the set featured songs on Kopec’s debut album, ‘Heart of Man’. He transitioned into playing solo songs off of his newest album, ‘Nobel Neighbor.’
“The music was sensational,” said Beau Williams, sophomore English major. “It reminded me a lot of bands such as Sufjan Stevens and Fleet Foxes.”
He spoke of his creative process in writing his new album, “[The album was] me in my own head making music, amazed that it was possible to make a record in your bedroom.”
Kopec drew most of his inspiration from visiting his parents’ farm in Florida.
After writing his latest album, Kopec hopes to continue playing more shows, locally in Nashville and elsewhere.
“From the moment we walked in, everyone was so hospitable and kind,” Kopec said of his experience playing at Barefoots Joe. “It made the whole thing feel warm, and made me feel less nervous to play in front of all these people. This venue and this whole place just has a different vibe than anywhere I’ve played.”
The next Barefoots show will be November 8, featuring Portland based sisters, Joseph.
