Hannah McFarland & Friends Live at Callaghan’s

On the evening of Monday, May 15, The Southland Music Line decided the place to be was at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club in Mobile, AL. The scheduled program was Hannah McFarland & Friends.

McFarland’s debut EP “Heartache Like You” was recently highlighted as Spotlight Music of the Month at The Southland Music Line. We have been closely following her career after hearing positive reviews from an array of sources throughout 2016.

Hannah McFarland at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club  (Monday, May 15, 2017)

Prior to heading off to Australia and New Zealand to follow the Bruce Springsteen tour, I made the point of checking out Hannah perform for my very first show of 2017. That show in early January left an impression on me for a number of reasons including Hannah’s talent, personal drive and passion for music. During that show, she performed several songs alongside three of the region’s most gifted musicians Phil Proctor, Stan Foster and Jose Santiago. It was an evening I remember fondly.

While furthering her education at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Hannah continues to develop her talent, often frequenting songwriter rounds and writing new music. When back home on the Alabama Gulf Coast, she can be found performing regularly at a variety of locations.

Hannah McFarland at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club  (Monday, May 15, 2017)

Since the initial meeting and that first show, I have been unable to catch another of Hannah’s shows due to my busy schedule but when I got word of Hannah’s upcoming show at Callaghan’s, I arranged my schedule to be in town. In addition to McFarland, the night would also be showcasing some additional young talent making its way down from Nashville.

McFarland was first to perform to the full house. Her opening set consisted of some originals from her debut EP, as well as a few well delivered and honestly interpreted covers. She was followed by a group of young men presently on a tour of the U.S. and Canada. Briston Maroney, S. Grant Parker, Sam Hearn and Nordista Freeze (Freeze is responsible for a music and performance art event held annually in Nashville called “Freezefest”). Their sets offered something for everyone at Callaghan’s – entertaining and original.

Left to Right: Sam Hearn, Briston Maroney, S. Grant Parker; Nordista Freeze (front)

Several were on hand for this Monday Night show including original “Swamper” Jimmy Johnson of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and Rick Hirsch, an original member of the Alabama and Georgia’s Music Hall of Fame band Wet Willie. Also in attendance were musicians Stan Foster (Rollin in the Hay, The Marlow Boys, Stan & Foster) and Jose Santiago. 

Hannah closed out the evening with a final set of some new songs that I’m sure will be the first of many from this dedicated talent.

The night will be remembered for a number of reasons but high among that list is a glimpse at what awaits for this group of young artists. I am honestly looking forward to it.

Enjoying Hannah McFarland’s opening set: (from left) S. Grant Parker, Sam Hearn, Johnny Cole, Jimmy Johnson (Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section / Swamper) and Rick Hirsch (original member of Wet Willie / musician / producer)

Legendary musician Jimmy Johnson with his wife Becky at Callaghan’s (Monday, May 15, 2017)

“Hannah McFarland & Friends” art by Robby Amonett

CLICK HERE for what we said about Hannah McFarland when she and “Heartache Like You” were highlighted as January 2017’s Spotlight Music of the Month.

Related Links:
Click Here for Hannah McFarland’s Official Website
Click Here for Nordista Freeze at Bandcamp.com
Click Here for Nordista Freeze
Click Here for Briston Maroney Music
Click Here for S. Grant Parker’s Official Website
Click Here for Callaghan’s Official Website

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© The Southland Music Line. 2017. All rights reserved