By Ava Edwards
Friday night at The Open Chord captured exactly what makes a live show in a college
town work. It was energetic, a little unpredictable, and felt genuinely connected from start to finish. The co-headline lineup featuring Kid Sistr, Kids That Fly, and Post Sex Nachos brought different styles, but the same underlying goal of putting on a fun, memorable set.
Kid Sistr opened the night and immediately set the tone. Bassist Sara Keden stood out
in a big way. After dislocating her knee at a show in Atlanta the night before, she still performed, playing the entire set seated. Even with this setback, the band’s energy didn’t drop. Their stage presence felt natural and engaging, and they balanced strong musicianship with a sense of humor that kept the crowd involved. Their cover of Sabotage by Beastie Boys was a clear highlight and helped bring the room fully into the set early on.
Kids That Fly followed, making their first appearance in Knoxville. Coming out of the
University of Connecticut, they brought a relaxed but confident energy that translated well to a new audience. Their set felt easygoing, and by the end, they had clearly connected with the crowd. Their promise to return to Knoxville felt genuine, and based on the response, it would not be surprising to see them back soon.
Post Sex Nachos closed the night with a set that tied everything together. After speaking
with the band beforehand, it was especially interesting to see their creative process play out live. The group, made up of Sammy Elfanbaum, Mitch Broddon, Chase Mueller, and Hunter Pendleton, described their songwriting as a mix of individual ideas and full-band collaboration. Each member develops their own instrumental parts based on a demo, which then come together into a cohesive sound. That approach was clear during their performance. Their music felt layered and distinctive, while still tight and unified. They also leaned into crowd interaction, at one point getting the entire audience two-stepping together, which captured the overall energy of the night.
During the interview, the band reflected on getting their start at the University of Missouri
and shared advice for students interested in the music industry. Their message was
straightforward. Get involved wherever possible, play as many shows as you can, and build
relationships with the people around you. They emphasized the importance of community over traditional networking, highlighting how being supportive, curious, and consistent can open more doors than expected.
They also spoke about the tour itself, which is nearing its end. Performing alongside Kid
Sistr and Kids That Fly has pushed them to stay sharp each night. Rather than feeling
competitive, the experience has created a sense of mutual motivation, with each band raising the level of the overall show.
The setting played a major role in the night’s success. The Open Chord’s smaller, more
intimate space made it easy for the bands to connect directly with the audience. Nothing felt distant or overly polished. Instead, the show felt immediate and personal, which matched the tone of all three performances.
Overall, the night was a strong example of what live music in a college environment can
look like at its best. It was high-energy, collaborative, and rooted in a shared appreciation for performing.