This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of seeing one of our local bands put on a show at the Wayne Scott Strawberry Festival in Unicoi. I had seen these kids before, but things change – and since I last saw Daisi Rain perform, there have been some changes within the group. These kids work hard, seem to enjoy what they do, and put on a very high-energy show, which they call country, or country/pop. But whatever they call it, it is definitely a fun performance to watch.

One of the changes that took place since I last saw the band was the addition of a new female lead vocalist. She’s a young one, only 15 years old. And she while she is definitely talented, she does have some room to grown into her place with Daisi Rain. Her name is Nikki Moulder, and in addition to her lead vocals, she adds a little tambourine to some of the songs the band sings. I have no idea what her schedule is, but it’s very obvious she finds time to practice – my guess is a lot of time. She did songs made famous by Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and Keith Urban – to name a few. And there were a few notes here and there that needed a little more work – but she definitely has the time and obviously the desire to make everything she does better.

Cameron Brown, 20, plays lead guitar and banjo. He’s as talented as any guitarist I’ve seen at age 20, and can play circles around many of our older musicians. His brother Donovan Brown is 18 years old, and plays drums and harmonica, and sings harmony. Amelia Brown is 16 years old, and plays fiddle. She also sings harmony. Avery Deakins handles all the lead male vocals, plays rhythm guitar, and adds his harmony on many of the songs. That brings us to out bass guitar, Matthew Nuckols. Matthew is 19.

If someone invites you out to hear Daisi Rain, and tells you that you are getting a six-pack of kids between the ages of 15 and 20, don’t be too quick to make other plans. Head on out and see them – you are definitely not going to be disappointed.

Fiddler Amelia Brown lists her three main influences as Allison Krauss, Jimmy DeMartini (of Zac Brown Band), and Charlie Daniels. My only complaint about Amelia is that I was hoping for one or two very long fiddle solos. Maybe she will keep that in mind for future shows.

The band started in 2004, and they have already opened for Craig Campbell, Jerrod Neimann and Ashton Shepherd, and have played at festivals, fairs, benefits, and even at the Knoxville Tennessee Theater.

Let’s get a few more pictures up here, and call it a night. I have had a very long weekend, and I think an even longer Monday! so here are a few more pictures for al of you…..

That’s it for now. In addition to their facebook, follow them on Twitter @daisirain. Their web site is under construction, but keep checking www.daisirain.com, it will be back in full swing soon.

More from me later!
Country