Bastion is already known for fantastic food and drink, as well as for having one of the best soundtracks in town, both in the bar and restaurant sections of the Wedgewood-Houston establishment. But recently they’ve taken the beat a step further with a series of fun Hip Hop Karaoke nights in the bar. The brainchild of Taylor McFerran, these events are modeled after an experience that McFerran discovered on a trip to London. He has taken it upon himself to bring the craze to Music City, with the next throwdown scheduled for Sunday night, July 14, starting at around 7:30 p.m.
“I wanted the chance to relive the classics and let people live out their hip-hop dreams,” explains McFerran. “Plus it’s a chance to show that Nashville karaoke is more than just country and pop.” Bastion is his favorite bar (“I’m a frequent flyer,” he jokes), and McFerran realized that the bleachers in the bar could add to the aesthetic of the event.
This 21+ night is open to anyone who wants to participate, but don’t try to sing any new hits. This is all about the classics of hip-hop and R&B! The event is powered by Spotify, so there aren’t any lyrics projected on a screen for you. “If you only know the hook, you might want to sit this one out,” quips McFerran. “You gotta do your homework.” It’s cool if you want to bring your phone up on stage with you to check the lyrics, if you must.
Singers can sign up on the night of the event beginning at 7, but if you want to assure your spot in the queue and make sure they have your song ready to go, McFerran suggests notifying them in advance on the event’s Facebook page. They usually have time for 10 to 15 singers, and there’s already a crop of regulars who participate, so don’t dawdle. Even if you don’t want to sing, show up for the entertainment and the party that is certain to follow!
