Kelsy Karter and the Heroines at Exit/In in Nashville, TN

A night of enthralling performances unfolded at Nashville’s Exit/In, featuring Emi Jeen, Alexa Villa, and Kelsy Karter & the Heroines.

Nashville’s renowned Exit/In venue, fans were treated to electric performances. The evening was charged with excitement as the crowd eagerly awaited the show.

Taking to the stage first was Canadian alt-pop artist Emi Jeen. She set the tone for an unforgettable evening with her incredible energy on stage. Her songs “Other Side” and “I Want You” were highlights of the set, showcasing her talent for blending poignant lyrics with catchy melodies. Her music is a delightful blend of pop and alternative, with a dash of darkness. Emi Jeen is definitely one to watch.

Second to take the stage for the evening was Alexa Villa, clad in a dazzling outfit that mirrored her vibrant energy. Villa exuded confidence and charm as she connected with the crowd, with her songs “My Kind of Damaged” and “Call Me Crazy” standing out as she showcased her vocal range and emotional depth. Alexa’s stage presence was magnetic, drawing the crowd into her performance, and leaving the audience wanting more. Villa’s performance set a high bar for the rest of the evening.

Next, billed to take the stage was Kelsy Karter & the Heroines. Kelsy Karter, the front-woman of the band, proved to be a trooper as she took on the performance without her Heroines on stage with her (Chris Heim filled in on guitar). Karter’s bandmates (Matt Peach, Tommy Gent, Sebastian Boyse) have so far been unable to join her in the US on tour due to a heartbreaking situation as they are trying to obtain their visas. Karter has been documenting the difficulties on social media. Fans can follow to see how they can help.

When Karter took to the spotlight, the energy in the room surged. It’s difficult to prepare for just how spectacular and powerful she and her voice truly are. One of the early highlights of the evening was her cover of “Alone” by Heart. She mentioned being no Ann Wilson but hoped we would enjoy her version of the song. Well, she may not be Ann Wilson, but she is Kelsy Karter, absolutely incredible and soulful in her own right. Fans are lucky to have both of these massively talented women to look up to.

Throughout the show, Karter interacted with the crowd, sharing stories and vulnerabilities, and creating a safe and inviting atmosphere. It felt like more than just a concert; it was a genuine exchange between the artist and fans, making the night even more memorable. At multiple points during the show, Karter jumped off the stage, joining the audience on the floor, with one of those moments being to perform “Cover You.” She made it a point to connect with people even in the back of the room, inviting them into her world for a spell.

Other memorable moments in Karter’s set included her captivating performances of “Wild,” where she accompanied herself on piano, “Liquor Store on Mars,” and “Love Goes On,” each song resonating with the audience and showcasing her versatile musicality. In addition to these musical highlights, there was a heartwarming moment that added a special touch to the evening. A fan, celebrating their 18th birthday, was invited on stage to receive the best-dressed award and some encouraging words from Karter.

In an act of sheer determination and perseverance, Karter decided to continue with this tour, and you could tell how appreciative and supportive the fans were. The atmosphere all night was one of mutual love and support. It felt as if the audience was trying to lift Karter as she performed, also lifting themselves in the process.

As the concert came to a close, it was clear that Emi Jeen, Alexa Villa, and Kelsy Karter & the Heroines had delivered exceptional performances that would leave a lasting impact. It was a standout night in Nashville, showcasing why they are all must-see acts.

KELSY KARTER & THE HEROINES
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ALEXA VILLA
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EMI JEEN
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EXIT/IN 
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About Annie Marie Govekar 4 Articles
Annie Marie is a Nashville-based live music photographer and visual artist. One of her earliest memories is sneaking up to the front of a venue with her parents' disposable camera to try to capture photos at Martina McBride's concert. You can often find her traveling the world to catch her favorite artists in action.