There’s a lot of ways to make great Americana music. Singer-songwriter Derek Hoke comes at it in a laidback sultry style with smooth vocals and a mellow electric guitar. To me, he’s the Roy Orbison of the East Nashville music scene.
Over the years, Music City has become blessed with some regular weekly events that provide something special on any given night of the week. If it’s a Tuesday night and you’re not at The Basement for “New Faces Nite,” you need to be at “Two Dollar Tues” at The 5 Spot. Hosted by Hoke for seven years, this weekly event has been a showcase for many notable up-and-coming artists as well as a great time to hear Derek’s music.
Hoke had this to say to NPR about the $2 cover charge and $2 beer night: “I call it a speed showcase. Everybody plays five songs, and I tell them to play the ‘best of’ — you know, get up there, kill and get off. There’s somebody coming up right after you, and we have to plow through this thing.”
In addition to his Tuesday night gig, Derek plays festivals and tours in support of his fine musical catalog. 2016’s “Southern Moon” received high praise from both Rolling Stone and the Nashville Scene and his latest, “Bring the Flood” has just been released.