A Night to Remember: New Year’s Eve at Nashville Big Bash

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Jack Daniels Big Bash

Nashville, TN

By Ella Joyce Alcuizar

Photos by Dan Locke and EJ Alcuizar

Being a 22-year-old Filipino who’s head over heels for K-pop, you’d think Nashville’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash would be an odd choice for ringing in the new year. However, let me tell you, it was an unexpected fusion of cultures and music that turned into one of the most memorable nights of my life!

Nashville is globally renowned as the heart of country music, and the Big Bash certainly lives up to that reputation. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the pulsating beats of drums, the twang of guitars, and a sea of cowboy hats. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the anticipation of thousands ready to welcome the new year with a bang.

One of the highlights of the evening was the performances. The lineup boasted a mix of country legends, up-and-coming artist ( Keith Urban , Kane Brown and Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Brittany Spencer), alone with guest (Parker McCollum, Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Tyler Hubbard, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top and Lainey Wilson) at other locations in Nashville, and surprise guest appearances. I was initially a bit out of my comfort zone, given my deep love for K-pop, but the energy of the crowd was infectious. It didn’t take long before I found myself swaying to the rhythm and cheering along with everyone else.

The stage setup was nothing short of spectacular. With dazzling light displays, pyrotechnics, and massive screens projecting the performances, it felt like a grand production. The organizers did a fantastic job of creating an immersive experience that kept everyone engaged from start to finish.

One of the most memorable moments for me was when a Keith Urban performed a mashup that included a other people hit. It was an unexpected twist that sent the crowd into a frenzy, and I couldn’t believe my ears. It was a beautiful reminder of how music can transcend boundaries and bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or preferences.

As the clock struck midnight, the excitement reached its peak. The countdown was projected on the massive screens, and the entire crowd joined in. Fireworks lit up the Nashville skyline, creating a breathtaking spectacle. It was a magical moment, sharing that experience with thousands of strangers who felt like friends by the end of the night.

While the Big Bash was predominantly country-focused, there were plenty of other musical influences that added to the diversity of the event. DJs spun tracks that ranged from pop to EDM, ensuring that everyone had something to dance to. I even spotted a few fellow K-pop fans in the crowd, which made me feel right at home.

If I had to pinpoint a downside, it would be the sheer size of the crowd (estimated a record crowd of approximately 220,000). Navigating through the sea of people was a bit overwhelming at times, and being 4’ 10” finding a good spot to watch the performances required some strategic, planning. Watching most of it on the large monitors. However, the overall experience far outweighed this minor inconvenience. The energy was definitely there, though! Everyone was hyped for the new year, and the whole “Music City” thing was in full swing. Lots of cowboy boots and good ol’ American vibes.

Let’s be real, I wasn’t expecting any Blackpink or Stray Kids to pop out. It was country, country, and more country. There were some other genres sprinkled in, like when Post Malone showed up, which was a nice change of pace.

I gotta admit, even though I’m not a huge country fan, some of the artists were pretty good live. They definitely know how to put on a show. But after a while, it all kinda blended together for me. I was low-key wishing for a catchy K-pop beat to break things up.

But if you’re a K-pop stan like me, don’t go expecting to hear your faves. Go for the overall atmosphere, the people-watching, and maybe you’ll discover a new country artist you like.

I think it would be possible for the production team to add some K-pop artist in the future

Reasons to including K-pop:

Increased Audience and Diversity: K-pop has a massive global fanbase, including a significant presence in the US. Including a K-pop act would draw in a younger and more diverse crowd, potentially expanding the Big Bash’s reach and appeal.
Modernizing the Event: While celebrating Nashville’s musical heritage is important, incorporating other genres can keep the event fresh and relevant. K-pop’s high-energy performances and elaborate productions could add a new dimension to the show.
Cross-Cultural Exchange: Introducing K-pop to a predominantly country music audience could foster cross-cultural appreciation and introduce people to new musical styles.
Commercial Potential: The popularity of K-pop could translate to higher ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and media attention for the event.

While there isn’t a huge trend of K-pop artists fully embracing the country genre, there have been some interesting crossovers and influences:

2YOON (4Minute sub-unit): This sub-unit, consisting of Gayoon and Jiyoon, released a mini-album titled “Harvest Moon” in 2013 with a distinct country-pop sound. The title track “24/7” even featured a music video with classic country imagery like barns and fields. This is probably the most direct example of K-pop venturing into country.
Individual songs with country influences: Some K-pop songs incorporate elements of country music, such as:

- f(x) – “Cowboy”: This song has a playful, Western-inspired theme and some musical elements reminiscent of country

- iKON – “Dive”: Some fans have noted country influences in the guitar riffs and overall vibe of this song.

Blackpink – “Stay”: While not strictly country, this song has a more acoustic, mellow feel that some listeners associate with country music.
Trot music: It’s worth mentioning “Trot,” a Korean genre that’s often considered the Korean equivalent of country music. It’s an older style with distinct vocal techniques and melodies. While not K-pop in the modern sense, it shares some similarities with traditional country. Artists like Lim Young Woong are incredibly popular in Korea and blend Trot with more contemporary sounds

In conclusion, Nashville’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash was an exhilarating and unforgettable celebration. As a K-pop fan, it was a refreshing change of pace and a testament to the universal language of music. If you’re looking for a unique way to welcome the new year, I highly recommend giving the Big Bash a try. Who knows? You might just find yourself dancing to a country tune with a newfound appreciation for the genre.