On Thursday April 4, Catbird Studio, located just down the road from Union University, hosted an evening of indie rock performances featuring Brother Moses, Carver Commodore and openers Rob and Jay beginning at 7 p.m. Music enthusiasts of Jackson and Union students alike gathered for a night of vibrant melodies and passionate performances.
The openers for the event, Rob and Jay are Union graduates, who have remained in West Tennessee. They are a two man act and do not play live shows very often, but they came to open for Brother Moses and Carver Commodore, due to being fans of the bands themselves. Rob and Jay tested out a couple new songs from an album still in the works on the live crowd. Both of the following acts were of the indie rock genre with Brother Moses being based in Arkansas and Carver Commodore in Florida.
The location of the event, Catbird Studio, was the brainchild of Suzanne Gillis and opened its doors in early 2023. The studio hosts many different forms of artistic pursuits, from painting and singing classes to theater performances and concerts.
“We just wanted to bring something really cool to Jackson, and I was so excited about this space because it’s so close to Union,” Gillis said.
In Jackson, young people struggle to find spaces to gather and socialize especially outside of Union’s campus. Catbird Studio is within walking distance of Union’s campus, so even the students who do not have access to a car will be able to attend events that are hosted by Catbird.
“As a fresh member of the Jackson community, sans Union, I’m really enjoying the prospect of an event center with good taste that’s close to home. Because I’m from the Nashville area, it’s easy to look around Jackson and say there’s nothing to do. But I’m having a good time with Jackson proving me wrong about that,” Union alum Elisa Williams said.
Williams has been living in Jackson since she graduated in 2023.
Despite Catbird’s proximity to Union, only a small percentage of event attendees are Union students. The staff at Catbird has been hanging posters around Union’s campus to try and spread the knowledge of their presence to the Union community.
“This was my first time at Catbird and I enjoyed it. I’m always down for good music and another place to get that is good by me,” Caleb Knapp, a junior physics major, said.
Follow Catbird Studio on Instagram and Facebook to get updates about the roster of talent and fun coming to Jackson over the rest of the year.
Check out Rob and Jay, Carver Commodore and Brother Moses on any music streaming platform to get a taste of what they have to offer.