Cedric Burnside Brings Hill Country Blues to Franklin
FirstBank Amphitheater — Franklin, TN | August 5, 2021
Cedric Burnside delivered a raw, deeply rooted blues performance at FirstBank Amphitheater on August 5, 2021, grounding the expansive outdoor venue with the stripped-down power of Mississippi Hill Country blues. With minimal frills and maximum feel, Burnside’s set emphasized groove, repetition, and emotional weight—elements that translated effectively in the open-air setting.
The strongest moments came from driving, rhythm-forward staples like “Bury Me in the Mississippi,” “Step In,” and “I’m Lonely,” where Burnside’s vocals and percussive guitar locked into hypnotic patterns. His playing favored feel over flash, letting songs build patiently while maintaining tension. The performance felt intentional and unhurried, pulling the audience in rather than overwhelming them.
Additional selections included Get Down, Hard to Stay Cool, Keep On Pushing, and Steel Toe Boots, offering a broad snapshot of Burnside’s modern take on traditional blues forms.
The Franklin stop highlighted Cedric Burnside’s strength as a live performer—authentic, rhythm-driven, and deeply connected to the lineage he carries forward. It was a reminder that blues, when delivered with conviction, remains as powerful as ever.
Band Lineup
Cedric Burnside — Vocals / Guitar / Drums
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedricburnsideLightnin’ Malcolm — Bass / Guitar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightninmalcolm
