How Music Brings US Together In Uncertain Times: Haley Moloney on Watching Live Performances Online

It is a strange time to say the least. Life has essentially been put on pause, and the world is eagerly waiting for the day that coronavirus will be a thing of the past and we can resume our regularly scheduled lives. Weddings have been cancelled, vacations have been cancelled, and many more major events have had to be postponed. For the country concert enthusiast, that most likely means that the show you have been looking forward to has been rescheduled for a later date. Such a disappointment! 

Our favorite country artists are just as disappointed by this turn of events. They live for the adrenaline rush of performing a live show and the excitement of meeting their fans. In the meantime, Instagram Live has been a lifesaver. While on Instagram Live, an artist can interact with fans through the comment section, perform unreleased songs, host Q & A’s, take us on a tour of their quarantine setup, and generally put a smile on our face. Despite everything around us being cancelled, music is not cancelled. Neither is kindness, conversations, relationships, and hope. Artists have taken it upon themselves to be that light and continue performing for fans. 

Turn on post notifications for any artist that you do not want to miss! Many artists post ahead of time what time they will be performing on Instagram Live, however it’s better to make a schedule of who you want to watch in case the performances overlap! I have personally caught Jake Owen, Riley Greene, Jon Pardi, Morgan Wallen, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Hardy, Travis Denning, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Russell Dickerson, Lainey Wilson, Ingrid Andress, Runaway June, and Kelsea Ballerini perform on Instagram Live. 

Kelsea Ballerini released her third album, kelsea, on March 20th. Having to cancel her release tour consisting of exciting media stops such as Good Morning America, Kelsea had to get creative with her release. She went Instagram Live hours before her album was set to release at midnight. She performed new songs off the album and even chatted with surprise guests Kenny Chesney and Halsey who both duet with Kelsea on the album. Talk about truly making the most of a situation! 

Jake Owen and Dierks Bentley have both partnered with Bud Light to bring you the, “Budlight Dive Bar Tour.” Budlight wants to bring y’all a party while being stuck (safely) at home. Luke Bryan partnered with Chipotle during his Instagram Live to encourage everyone to stay at home and use his Chipotle discount code to have food safely delivered. 

Whisky Jam, a free concert series at Winners Bar in Midtown Nashville, to continue hosting concerts on Instagram Live. Their Instagram Live series is called, “Risky Jam” and has featured artists Caylee Hammack, Ashley McBryde, Ashland Craft, Lauren Alaina, Jessi Alexander, and many more! 

Stay safe, healthy, and positive. We will be back to singing every word to our favorite country songs in our favorite bars before we know it! In the meantime, practice social distancing and continue to stream and support your favorite artists.