Change in this town has been really, really hard to witness. Oppressive rent costs, a real estate market hardly friendly to first time home buyers, beloved buildings of yesteryear (both historic and not so much) razed to make way for tall, glassy towers that look down upon whats left of a Nashville that is truly hard to recognize by both its structures and its inhabitants. It was hard to see photos and videos today of Fond Object being leveled. While these last few years I wasnt the patron and social butterfly I used to be and presently wish I was, I had so many incredible memories in that backyard. When I look back on this place, I’ll think of Jem, Jeff, Azal, and those two sweet goats I loved to visit. I’ll think of Kimya Dawson getting a little distracted during a song because a cat was crossing the stage area during her set. I’ll think of Wreckless Eric playing “Whole Wide World” and feeling that special kind of high one can only get from connecting with music. I’ll think of all of the amazing shows and friends that used that backyard as a haven for fellowship and musical communion. Days like today remind me that everything is in transition, and most everything will have to eventually end or transform into something new. Its a hard truth to swallow, but it’s simply a reality in the human experience. Im so grateful for the memories of Fond Object, and the beautiful friendships I made there too. Be seeing you.
