Waxahachie’s newest live music venue, Rhythm and Brew, is turning Friday nights into a showcase for homegrown talent. Every Friday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., the venue’s Grounded Jam Sessions gives local performers a place to play and neighbors a place to gather.
The idea grew out of a simple goal, said co-owner Jorden Kidwell who owns the venue with her husband Matthew: to spotlight Waxahachie talent and offer a stage to people who might not otherwise have the chance to perform.
Visitors can expect a wide range of musical genres and a crowd full of cheers for those onstage. Many of the encouraging voices belong to other musicians who come to perform, which keeps the energy high, Jorden said. “It’s very fun and it’s very electric.”
The room itself adds to the appeal. The stage and the audience sit close together, creating a cozy setting where interaction between performers and listeners comes naturally.
Adding to the appeal of the venue, guests can order from a menu that includes beer, wine, tea and coffee, along with energizers and refreshers. Snacks are available too. Still, Jorden said the drinks and food are secondary to the experience.
“We supply the beverage or the snack or whatever it is,” Jorden said. “But we really like the fact that we have a gathering space for [everyone] to be able to hang out and spend time with the people that they care about.”
For Jorden, the biggest reward is watching strangers connect. She said she loves seeing people who might never have crossed paths in daily life come together through a shared love of music. “Music is a universal language,” she said. “You don’t have to have anything in common with somebody and still be able to come together with music.”
Her own relationship with music is personal. Jorden does not perform, but she comes from a musical family. Her father was a music minister and later a pastor, and guitars were a fixture at family gatherings. “Music has always been more of a therapy to me as opposed to an outlet,” she said. “It kind of speaks to my soul a little bit.”
That sense of comfort and connection is what she hopes guests will find at the venue. The Grounded Jam Session is intended as more than a night of entertainment. It is a way to bring people face to face again and strengthen the community.
Whether you are a musician looking for a stage or a music fan looking for a lively night out, the Grounded Jam Session welcomes you. The music starts at 7:30 p.m. Fridays at Rhythm and Brew in Waxahachie. New performers must register in advance by contacting Rhythm and Brew.
About the Writer
Marshall Hinsley is a writer and local realtor who started Waxahachie 360 to spread the word about the people, places and events that make Waxahachie a nice place to call home.
In recent years, Marshall has become an unofficial Waxahachie ambassador, helping newcomers to Waxahachie find their place in the community, both literally and figuratively.
Contact Marshall with news tips, event notices and questions about Waxahachie.