Feature photo by Sam McIntyre
Story by Kerstie Wolaver
As the sun set behind the trees at 1507 Diana Street Saturday night, music fans drifted into the backyard that is now a staple in the music world of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Diana Street, the house-turned-music hub, celebrated its first anniversary with performances from Caroline Bowling, Lilly Hart and BReal. The venue also hosted Sid’s Vintage and Pain in Sin, locally owned thrift pop-ups that have often clothed the fans of Diana Street.
Taking the stage one by one, backed by their respective bands, the artists kept the backyard crowd of over 100 music lovers waving and cheering for the length of the show. The drumset read “about last night,” machines poured fog onto the back porch stage and lights shone on the faces of the artists — all under the watch of a tapestry with a black and white image of Princess Diana smoking a joint. This house has become much more than the residences that share its street name.
Diana Street residents Ethan Campbell, Will Sutton and Zack Johnson all take pride in the atmosphere they have created here.
“We are so thankful for the community that has come from this,” Campbell said.
The residents also expressed gratitude for the support they have received from the people at MTSU, and even from their neighbors who allow guests to park in their yards — neighbors who attend the shows themselves on occasion.
The first act took the stage in cowboy boots and with red bows in her hair. Singer-songwriter Caroline Bowling and her band The Pins drew an eager crowd close to the stage, opening the show with their indie rock sound. The mood was instantly set. From the string lights creeping around the backyard to the bonfire that glowed in the firepit, the atmosphere of Diana was more than alive.
The residents of the musical home said that none of what they have accomplished over the past year would have been possible without the people within their community or the music that brings them all together.
“It’s all about the music,” Campbell said.
The residents also take pride in operating the music venue they call home. With Campbell working as their promoter, Sutton working as production manager and Johnson handling all of the finances, each resident serves in a crucial role that keeps the wheels of their operation turning.
The second act to take on the crowd was Lilly Hart. In belted low-rise jeans and with hair falling in her face, she kept the crowd’s energy high throughout her set, preparing the crowd for the final act of the night: BReal.
R&B artist Brian Dandridge, performing under the alias “BReal” and joined by his band The Real Ones, was the last to grace the stage with his soulful presence. The crowd favorite played unreleased songs and fan favorites that demanded the audience sing every word.
“Let’s make some noise for Diana Street’s one-year anniversary,” BReal said after his first song, reminding the crowd that this was not his first time to take the backyard stage.
The house’s residents don’t know what the future holds, but they aren’t done with this do-it-yourself project yet. They’re planning a Christmas festival at the start of December. “FaLaLaLaDaze” will be one of their larger upcoming ventures.
Since its quiet start as a group of friends playing music together, Diana Street has grown into one of the larger musical hubs in town, becoming exceedingly popular with students at MTSU and even drawing in crowds from outside Murfreesboro.
With only a year of growth under its belt, the possibilities for the future of Diana Street are full of opportunity.
Kerstie Wolaver is a reporter for MTSU Sidelines.
To contact the Lifestyles Editor, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
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